Media Invitation - Centennial College's tuition-free HYPE program opens doors to learning and skills for youth

TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Almost 120 young people sacrificed a bunch of sunny summer days to participate in Centennial College's HYPE program – Helping Youth Pursue Education – a tuition-free learning experience that can open doors to a productive future.

Over the past six weeks the students, aged 17 to 29, participated in seven career-oriented courses in business fundamentals, human development, automotive technology, esthetics, digital media, green energy, and baking and entrepreneurship. The initiative promotes education attainment by reducing barriers to participation for youth living in under-served neighbourhoods in Toronto's east end.

The HYPE Class of 2014 will be recognized for their achievement at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, August 7 at 1:30 pm. Media representatives are invited to attend the graduation and speak with participants.

What:	120 students will be graduating as part of the HYPE program
	TD Bank Group will be making a significant funding announcement
Date & Time:	Thursday, August 7, 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Speakers:	Darryl Creeden, Director Student Recruitment & Transitions
	Brad Chapman, CFO, Centennial College
	David Sloan, Senior Vice-President and Ombudsman, TD Bank
	Mede Ovbiagele, Youth Outreach Coordinator
Location:	Athletic & Wellness Centre, Progress Campus, Centennial College
	941 Progress Ave. (east of Markham Rd.), Scarborough

For some participants, Centennial's HYPE program is the first positive school experience they've had in a long time. Of the more than 1,000 young adults who have graduated from the program since its inception 10 years ago, one-third has gone on to post-secondary education.

SOURCE: Centennial College

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