Media Invitation - Centennial College's HYPE community program celebrates 10 years of helping youth find their way

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Almost 130 Scarborough youth chose to pass on some summer fun this year in favour of participating in Centennial College's HYPE - Helping Youth Pursue Education - program, sampling a free learning experience that could lead to a productive future.

Over the past six weeks the youth, aged 17 to 29, participated in five career-oriented courses in human development, esthetics, business fundamentals, automotive technology, baking and entrepreneurship.

For some, taking part in Centennial's HYPE program is the first positive school experience they've had in a long time. The initiative promotes education attainment by reducing barriers to participation for youth living in under-serviced Scarborough neighbourhoods.

Centennial works with local community service agencies to identify young people who could benefit from the tuition-free program, which includes free transportation, meals and learning materials.

Of the more than 1,000 young adults who have graduated from the program since its inception 10 years ago, 32 per cent have gone on to post-secondary education.

The HYPE Class of 2013 will be recognized for their achievements at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, August 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Members of the media are invited to attend the graduation and speak with participants.

Date:	Thursday, August 8
Time:	1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location:	Athletic & Wellness Centre, Progress Campus, Centennial College  941 Progress Ave. (east of Markham Rd.), Scarborough

 

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142; cell 416-605-6012; [email protected]