Project Scope

In October 1999 all 25 Ontario community colleges were offered the opportunity to participate in this research. The response was most favourable.

Although numerous colleges responded to the request, the selection criteria narrowed the group to 13 colleges, including one francophone college. The number of participating colleges was further reduced to ten, as three colleges could not readily provide the required Phase One data. All four regions within the Ontario College community were represented.

Phase 1

Methodology

The community college LBS managers who agreed to participate in Phase One were asked to supply the following data in order to assess student success:

Summary findings

The data collected in Phase One was readily available from the LBS Program Managers and Registrars' offices of all ten participating colleges. Conclusive data confirmed student success.

• One thousand and fifty-eight preparatory students were tracked moving on to 1274 post secondary programs.
• The database of student participants by gender reflects 52% female: 48% male.
• The majority, 38%, of the preparatory learners were 30 - 39 years of age; 26% were between 40 - 49; 18% between 25 - 29; 13% were less than 25; 5% were over 50.
• The most commonly selected term for preparatory student post-secondary enrolment was a two-year program at 45%. Three-year programs represented 22 % enrolment, while one year or less represented 33 % enrolment.