The School-College-Work Initiative (SCWI) is a Student Success initiative jointly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, with the goal of helping students complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and transition to post-secondary destinations.
In partnership with George Brown College’s academic divisions, the Community Partnerships Office offers free programming for grades 11 and 12 students, which includes the Dual Credit Program, School Within A College (SWAC) Program, and the Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Level 1 programs.
Last year, more than 800 students participated in these programs at George Brown College.
- The SWAC Program is offered in partnership with Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board and George Brown College to offer secondary school students the opportunity to earn secondary school credits, taught by secondary teachers, and first-year college courses, referred to as dual credit courses, taught by George Brown College instructors.
- Dual credits allow students to earn both a high school credit toward their OSSD and a college credit at no cost!
SWAC success story
We had the opportunity to connect with MJ Given (pictured), a former TDSB SWAC student who graduated from secondary school through the SWAC program and is now enrolled in the Business-Marketing program at George Brown. He’s also a Student Ambassador at the Athletic Centre and a player for George Brown College men’s hockey team. MJ was also a Dual Credit Bursary Award recipient. The Dual Credit Bursary Award recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance to qualified former dual credit students who are enrolled in a full-time program at George Brown. We got to hear directly from MJ about his journey and experience at George Brown College.
What were your goals and aspirations when you first started the SWAC program?
For me, it was a way to finish high school but not in the traditional high school setting, rather than a transition to college. I was under the impression that it was just a way to finish high school, but I learned going through the program that you can transition into college as you have those college credits.
What were the most significant challenges you faced along the way?
Balancing everything on top of being in a new city. Figuring out housing—rent prices were really high—plus SWAC. I had to figure out adult life on top of going to classes. I couldn’t find a job in Toronto, so instead, I had to work during the summers when I went back to London.
What did you enjoy the most about the SWAC program?
Personalized learning. At SWAC, they helped me figure out my learning struggles and worked with me from where I was. I could feel that my SWAC teachers were really motivated to help students. They were confident in me, which, in turn, helped spark confidence in myself and pushed me to keep going.
How did you decide on your career path?
I was always good at business, so I stuck with what I was good at. My dad and grandpa taught me a lot about sports and investing, and they are now two big things in my life: hockey and business.
What do you enjoy most about your current program at GBC?
The program itself is great, and I have learned a lot. I think it’s great that the college strives to create programs that are relative and realistic and that we learn things that can be applied in the real world, which is exactly what it has lived up to.
How do you stay motivated in college?
Sports and working at the gym have helped me the most out of everything. It makes you do better, and it motivates me to come to school.
What are your future aspirations after graduating from GBC?
I want to work with solar or other types of renewable energy. I want to use the marketing knowledge I have acquired at GBC, along with my experience working sales at Good Life over the summer. First, I want to start by doing labour to really understand how things work and then transition to sales. After that, I want to work at a company that sells products such as charging systems that can be set up with solar energy.
Why are interested in renewable energy?
I think it’s great to work with sustainable energy. As a kid, I was obsessed with the hypothetical concept of Dyson Sphere, which could essentially become an unlimited source of energy. As I grew up, my understanding and interest in renewable energy increased and so I want to pivot into that.
Is there anything you’d like to reflect on or express gratitude regarding your journey to success?
Just thanking people. Danielle, Michelle, and everyone in the SWAC program. Also, my boss and hockey coach Jeff Bordan. He plays a big role in my ambition and situation coming in. He gave me a lot of opportunities and trust, which I really appreciate. So shoutout to them!
