On April 30, Niagara College’s Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) program hosted its inaugural “Steps to Success Transition” event at Benchmark Restaurant. This gathering was a pivotal moment not only for current students and alumni of the CICE program but also for their support circles who joined in the celebration of progress and future planning.
The event attracted over 60 attendees, including 12 key community and college partners, offering supportive resources aimed at helping participants navigate their post-college lives. Various partners provided insights and opportunities in areas ranging from employment to financial planning. Partners included:
- Apprenticeship Community Internship
- Developmental Services Ontario
- DSBN Transitions to Employment
- DSBN Literacy and Basic Skills
- Goodwill Building Futures Program (Culinary/Construction)
- NC Academic Advising
- NC Academic Upgrading
- NC Alumni Relations
- NC Financial Aid
- Partners for Planning
- Passport Funding Program
- Sociable Connections
Leah Neamtu, a CICE Learning Facilitator, emphasized the importance of this event in addressing the evolving needs of the program’s alumni.
“We recognize that the transition after college comes with many challenges, and that our alumni’s goals may have evolved since graduation over the years,” she said. “We aim to offer diverse options that add value to their lives in various capacities, encompassing not only employment opportunities, but also social connections, financial resources, and avenues for further education and skill development.”
The event was a success not only because of the turnout but also due to the vibrant energy of engagement and empowerment that filled the room.
“It was fantastic to see our CICE students and alumni apply the skills they have learned from our program in a professional setting,” said LB Brown, CICE Professor, School of Academic & Liberal Studies. “To see them initiating conversations with each other and the agencies, showing confidence as they shared their goals and connected with agencies is extremely rewarding as we can see them connect the skills from the classroom into real life.”
The event also offered dual benefits, celebrating the achievements of the students and alumni while also strengthening the partnerships with community resources and Niagara College. This collaboration created a supportive network that will continue to aid the success of CICE graduates.
“The Steps to Success event served the dual purpose of helping current CICE students and alumni get connected with community resources, while providing an opportunity for students to come together to inspire, encourage and support each other in their future plans after college life,” said Scott Green, CICE Learning Facilitator.”
With the enthusiastic feedback and the strong foundation laid down this year, the CICE team is eager to make “Steps to Success Transition” an annual event to continue supporting students’ transition from the classroom to the community.
