Enhancing College Success Through SWAC and Adult Dual Credit Programs

College Advisors OCTOBER 24, 2022 1 SCWI/IJECT

Welcome and Introductory Comments 2 SCWI/IJECT

Agenda Review SWAC and Adult Wraparound requirements Provide information about reporting and vouchers Share student data Share advisor comments Look for feedback from the field Answer your questions Consider any next steps 3 SCWI/IJECT

Poll 4 SCWI/IJECT

SWAC SWAC Approximately 2891 students will participate in 113 School Within a College Dual Credit programs in 2022-23. Preliminary EDCS data, Cycle 1b 2022-23 5 SCWI / IJECT

SWAC SWAC Students typically spend one or two semesters at the college where they complete secondary school courses with their SWAC teacher and one or more college courses each semester. 6 SCWI / IJECT

Students accepted into the SWAC program are often students who have fallen between the cracks of the educational system. The pivot to online learning during the pandemic created an increased sense of feeling left behind among the students. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 7 SCWI/IJECT

Many of the students enter the SWAC program with a negative outlook on schooling and are discouraged at their possibility to advance in their education, believing that they are not smart enough or just cannot imagine themselves succeeding if they move on to higher education. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 8 SCWI/IJECT

Adult Dual Credits Adult Dual Credits In 2022-23 (Cycle 1b) Adult Dual Credits have been approved for All 24 colleges 1087 students Preliminary EDCS data, Cycle 1b 2021-22 9 SCWI / IJECT

ADC Student Selection Criteria ADC Student Selection Criteria The target audience for this pilot is adults who need the additional support which is part of the Dual Credit program in order to achieve their goal of earning their OSSD and making a successful transition to postsecondary education (college or apprenticeship). 10 SCWI / IJECT

ADC students are more mature than other Dual Credit and SWAC students. They have multiple commitments to balance, such as childcare and spouse s work schedule. Their plans are often very focused and well thought-out. For example, two of the students are entering accounting programs and have a clear plan for PS. It s important to build a rapport with the Adult Dual Credit students to earn their trust. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 11 SCWI/IJECT

The purpose and anticipated outcomes of Wrap Around The purpose and anticipated outcomes of Wrap Around SWAC and Wrap Around ADC SWAC and Wrap Around ADC The program is designed to explore and address barriers that might be preventing dual credit students in SWAC/ADC programs from continuing their education. 12 SCWI / IJECT

College Advising Role College Advising Role Establish a trusting and supportive relationship with a diverse group of learners Build a strong and collaborative relationship with dual credit teachers connected to SWAC and Adult courses Be aware and connected to relevant college and community supports and services to meet student needs Provide knowledgeable information about the full range of postsecondary education and training programs, admissions and application processes, scholarships, bursaries and government financial aid 13 SCWI / IJECT

Building a rapport with the students went a long way. I think when the students recognized me as someone who can help bridge them to the college and help prepare them for their transition to post secondary then they began to reach out more. I found it helpful to visit their classrooms even when no presentation or visit was scheduled. In being a familiar face, I think the students became more comfortable reaching out whenever they had questions. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 14 SCWI/IJECT

Wrap Around Wrap Around SWAC Adult DC Components SWAC Adult DC Components 3group conversations per class with a college advisor and dual credit teacher, if appropriate Individual follow-up conversations per student with the college advisor, 4 hours on average Funded applications for students to college/university Funding for advisors to report and participate in professional development 15 SCWI / IJECT

When they are upset or frustrated, it is important to them that the DC team is understanding, comforting, validates their concerns, relates to them, is calm and supportive, and is effective at relieving pressure. Above all else, they are seeking faculty and staff who are predominantly focused on supporting students in all of the ways that they require (e.g. navigating the college, making friends, completing assignments, fitting in). ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 Staff should ask selves: what do the students actually need, and how can we support them in getting that? 16 SCWI/IJECT

Small Group Conversations Small Group Conversations -- -- topics topics Mental Health First Aid Researching post-secondary options Coping Skills Applying to college College and community support services Applying for OSAP Balancing work and school Apprenticeship training agreement process Academic assistance Advisors joined campus tours, class events and field trips As reported by RPTs in EDCS and through After SWAC and ADC supplementary reporting, 2021-2022 17 SCWI / IJECT

Many students were in less than ideal situations and suffered as a result of the social isolation, lockdowns, increased mental health issues, increased food insecurity, confusion of being online or in class (over the past couple of years) etc. This led to the students needing more one- on-one sessions with the SWAC Advisor and more one-on-one with their teacher. As this took up a lot of class time, the teachers were less able to accommodate workshops. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 18 SCWI/IJECT

One on One Conversations One on One Conversations It is important to establish a trusting relationship with students Advisor can consider a short intake meeting Topics will vary depending on the student s needs or concerns Students will be ready for these conversations at different times Students may need support with personal barriers prior to being ready to discuss post- secondary plans Advisors will make referrals to college and community services to help students reduce the barriers 19 SCWI/IJECT

One on One Conversations One on One Conversations -- -- topics topics Positive coping skills College and community support services Mental Health, Anxiety Individual plans for pathways to post- secondary Housing and Homelessness College and OSAP applications Food insecurity Navigating the college campus Addictions Self-advocacy Trauma Balancing work with school Relationships Procrastination Parenting/childcare Confidence building As reported by RPTs in EDCS and through After SWAC and ADC supplementary reporting, 2021-2022 20 SCWI / IJECT

We noted an increased need for mental health and positive coping skills with this group of students. A significant number of students displayed high anxiety behaviours which complicated their studies. Students were connected to Student Services and one on one conversations with the teacher or College Advisor were utilized to provide an understanding ear and additional coping skills. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 21 SCWI/IJECT

We were very successful at connecting students to college services counselling, testing center, accessibility advisors. This was done early in the semester to ensure that student accommodation needs were implemented immediately. After their first initial engagement with Student Success department, students were encouraged to book and attend their own appointments. This skill of self-advocacy and connection to resources will help promote student success within their academic, personal and professional lives. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 22 SCWI/IJECT

What are the barriers your dual credit students are facing? 23 SCWI / IJECT

What is the current situation at your college? How are students coping? 24 SCWI/IJECT

What strategies are you employing this year to reach students? 25 SCWI/IJECT

Reporting Requirements for Reporting Requirements for Wrap Around and and Wrap Around Wrap Around SWAC SWAC Wrap Around ADC ADC 26 SCWI / IJECT

OCAS Vouchers OCAS Vouchers Vouchers are issued by SCWI to each RPT so that students do not have to pay to apply to college In 2021-2022: 563 OCAS vouchers issued for SWAC and ADC students 481 OCAS vouchers were used in 2021-22 by current ADC and SWAC students 82 OCAS vouchers were used by former ADC and SWAC students As reported by RPTs in EDCS and through After supplementary reporting, 2021-2022 27 SCWI / IJECT

Vouchers Vouchers RPTs will receive vouchers in Semester 1 for Fall 2023 college program applications If more vouchers are required, please request these from David Armstrong If a student is applying to a different application cycle or to the Universities Application Centre, the RPT can invoice David Armstrong for the cost If there are additional costs that are a barrier, let us know 28 SCWI / IJECT

Students who completed an Ontario College application were extremely appreciative for the OCAS vouchers stating that this financial support was the deciding factor to be able to apply for a college program, especially after the increase of application fees this April 2022. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 29 SCWI/IJECT

Advisor Role Advisor Role -- --Vouchers Vouchers College advisors will be responsible to provide the voucher number to the student while they are filling out the OCAS application together. Work alongside the students to help them successfully complete the application 30 SCWI / IJECT

2022 2022- -23 Voucher and Reporting Dates 23 Voucher and Reporting Dates Vouchers Issued Vouchers Expiration Reporting Sem 1 and 2 SWAC and Adult SWAC programs Oct 14, 2022 July 1, 2023 February 28, 2023 (Semester 1) July 28, 2023 (Semester 2) 31 SCWI / IJECT

Many students found it helpful for me to simply view their screen with them and offer gentle suggestions on where to click next, making sense of application questions and requirements, providing encouragement. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 Small technological difficulties can mean the difference between a student s completing their application or not. Having an advisor support them through the actual application completion process, through to the end, is invaluable. 32 SCWI/IJECT

1. In your application, verify that the list of programs is correct. OCAS Payment Summary 2. Verify that the list of transcripts you requested is correct. If you want to delete a transcript request, simply select Remove. 3. If you have a prepaid voucher, enter the code, and select Redeem. If there are remaining fees, continue to step 4, otherwise, submit your application. 4. Select Pay Outstanding Fees.

Apply For OSAP Ontario Residents Click the OSAP banner to apply to receive financial aid from OSAP. Your demographic information will already be filled out on the OSAP form based on what you entered on your college application.

Barrier: Seat Deposit Barrier: Seat Deposit $500 seat deposit required after a student was accepted to college was a commonly identified barrier for SWAC and Adult students This deposit is due prior to OSAP funding being released Every college has its own approach to helping students overcome this barrier Find out your college s policy Fee deferrals, bursaries, support for dual credit students? 35 SCWI / IJECT

Many conversations were held between the advisor and the students, providing reassurance and encouragement, building their confidence to begin to envision postsecondary education as an attainable goal. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 36 SCWI/IJECT

College Application Resources Applying for College - A "How to" Guide for Applicants (ocas.ca) Important Dates - Fall 2021 Programs (ocas.ca) college-dialogues-booklet-2022.pdf (ocas.ca) Video of application process: How to Apply to Public Colleges in Ontario YouTube Also see Resources for guidance counsellors at www.ocas.ca 37 SCWI/IJECT

Many students have little to no knowledge of the college/university application cycle and are not aware of application deadlines or how to apply for postsecondary programs. Their families or guardians also may have little to no knowledge and are therefore unable to provide guidance. As a result, some of the SWAC students have a deficit of knowledge and resources, putting them at a disadvantage to accessing postsecondary education. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 38 SCWI/IJECT

Applications to Post Secondary Education Applications to Post Secondary Education, , 2021 2021- -22 22 # of Students Who Applied College University Total % of Participants Who Applied 98.84% 1.16% After ADC After SWAC Total 111 3 133 412 3 415 523 6 529 Of all adult DC students, 31% applied to post-secondary Of all SWAC DC students, 36% applied to post-secondary As reported by RPTs through After supplementary reporting 2021-2022 39 SCWI / IJECT

OCAS Research SYSTEM WIDE APPLICATIONS STUDENTS WHO APPLIED WITH A DC VOUCHER 40 SCWI/IJECT

In conclusion. YOUR WORK MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE 41 SCWI/IJECT

Students reported that they felt that SWAC was their safe space and a place where they felt supported and encouraged. A student quoted to future students don t be nervous. This program helps you graduate but also helps you figure out who you are as a person . ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 Another student stated that they wish they would have known that saying goodbye would be the hardest part of the program . As you can see, we created a real sense of community and security. 42 SCWI/IJECT

The College staff's empathy, quick action and resources were essential to ensure that a student without housing would have a safe place to finalize the ADC Program and do the transition to an apprenticeship path, the student is currently at the College's residence without cost and was able to successfully pass both ADC courses. that they remember they can do hard things, they are capable of overcoming challenges and deserve the success that comes from their best efforts. ADVISOR FEEDBACK, 2021-22 43 SCWI/IJECT

Questions & feedback 44 SCWI/IJECT

Closing Comments 45 SCWI/IJECT

Contact Us Contact Us David Armstrong DavidArmstrong@ontariodirectors.ca Janine Griffore Janine.Griffore@gmail.com Phil Hedges PhilHedges@kwic.com Michelle Rao michellerao@ontariodirectors.ca 46 SCWI/IJECT