A partnership between: Kwantlen University College SPARK Education Foundation Surrey School District (Tamanawis & Princess Margaret) BC Provincial Government

The Mission of SPARK: Promote post-secondary participation and success in our Surrey community Make a positive difference for students, families, schools, our communities and … the world!

The Genesis of SPARK Community concern Quick action and request to Kwantlen Selection of a model and initial partners Rapid start Approaching the provincial government & their commitment Where are we now?

SPARK Partners The SPARK Education Foundation Kwantlen University College Surrey School District Tamanawis & Princess Margaret Secondary Schools BC Ministry of Advanced Education & Ministry of Education Students, parents Donor individuals and local companies

Promoting SPARK to students, parents, donors How do we identify the right students? How do we attract them? The challenges of targeting the “nonstars” –Creating and enforcing standards –How to measure success? –Program’s informal reputation

Less likely to be unemployed Higher annual earnings on average Better job security much more likely The Benefits of Post-Secondary Education

Over 70% of all new job openings require some form of post- secondary education.

Health Benefits… Better physical health on average Longer life expectancy Better psychological health Lower job-related mortality rates Less likelihood of involvement in crime

How does Spark work?

Students starting a new chapter: Spark Orientation

Program Timeline January Start Grade 11 Year November Students selected for SPARK: Students selected for SPARK: JANUARY – April (Spring Semester) Complete English course at Kwantlen Complete English course at Kwantlen SUMMER SEMESTER (May to August 2007) If required, complete Kwantlen English upgrading work If required, complete Kwantlen English upgrading work Note: The above courses are Tuition-free. Books & materials are the responsibility of the student/family.

Program Timeline Grade 12 Year September (Fall Semester) (Tuition-free) Complete UNIV 1100 (3 cr) (Intro to University/College Studies) Complete UNIV 1100 (3 cr) (Intro to University/College Studies) JANUARY – April (Spring Semester) (Tuition-free) Complete an elective course at Kwantlen (or English work if necessary) Complete an elective course at Kwantlen (or English work if necessary)SUMMER Attend Orientation Programs, register for fall courses Attend Orientation Programs, register for fall courses

UNIV 1100 (3 cr) Intro to University/College Studies The goal: Promote early success Orientation to university life, standards, servicesOrientation to university life, standards, services Learning at the post-secondary levelLearning at the post-secondary level Academic research & writingAcademic research & writing Personal managementPersonal management Educational research & planningEducational research & planning A course designed to help with transition:

Program Timeline First Two Years out of High School: Full-time studies in post-secondary with partial tuition support via SPARK Scholarship fund Level of access to SPARK scholarship funds is based on student performance and effort, as well as community fundraising contributions Books & materials are the responsibility of the student/family.

Benefits of SPARK  3-4 tuition-free courses at Kwantlen during last two years of high school  Ongoing support, encouragement and challenge from a SPARK Program Assistant—invaluable!  Tuition support via scholarships for 1 st & 2 nd year out of high school at Kwantlen (or other post-secondary)  Additional support services at Kwantlen to assist with transition to post-secondary  Registration status: earlier access to courses  Including the benefits received during high school, each student may receive up to $4,000 in tuition support

Where’s the magic? The “So what” of what they get: Extra skill development in preparation for post-secondary Gradual transition from high school to post-secondary Financial help with tuition Personal and personalized contact Encouragement and challenge in the context of a mentor relationship (often with similar ethnicity due to program focus) A cohort of peers to take the challenge on together An office that will help make the system work or troubleshoot The underpinning message of belief in their ability

What do we require of students? What do we require of students?

Requirements of SPARK  Keep up good attendance at High School.  Minimum C avg. and high school graduation.  Attain C in English 12 or equivalent by the summer after graduation from high school.  Complete a progress report each semester.  Attend all Kwantlen classes, complete all class assignments and assessment tests.  Earn a C or better in all courses taken.  Meet an Advisor to plan courses where directed.  If requirements are not met, Kwantlen reserves the right to dismiss students from SPARK. Effort and circumstances are always considered.

Our goal is to support these students’ potential for successfully completing post-secondary education, whether a university degree, skilled trade, or anything in between. We support them even if they go to another post-secondary institution.

Over 95% of SPARK students have graduated from high school so far (compared to 79% overall) Over 80% are pursuing post-secondary education (compared to less than 30% overall) How has it gone so far?

Sometimes we have to adjust our expectations of what improvement or success means… “I haven’t been suspended at all this year!” (SPARK student in conversation about some academic concerns)

…and on occasion we see SPARK students setting the bar for other post-secondary students… “ My best student turned out to be one of the SPARK students—they pushed the others.” Kwantlen Instructor How has it gone so far?

Motivation to work hard (a must) Good attendance and attitude (will be a must) High school grades in the mid-range Parents who may not have attended college Financial need for support Parental support for this commitment Who do we accept into spark?

We believe challenging and supporting these students to pursue post- secondary studies will have a positive impact on their lives, families, communities and far beyond.

What course comes first? (UNIV 1100 or English upgrading) Extra work and schedules (sleepy?) Defining acceptable performance levels (what is the meaning of an ‘F’ or a ‘W’?) Making the post-secondary systems work (Admissions, Registration, Payments…) Integrating into university/college classes (cohort vs. integrating) Range of faculty attitudes (Various views on support) Irregularities in post-secondary life (Instructor absence) Fundraising activities draining time/energy Ongoing Challenges & Lessons

“With my family’s full support to join the Spark Program, I’m hoping to change my family’s history by attending post- secondary.” SPARK student, ‘05

“This program started off as a scholarship, but has turned into a life-changing experience.” R.B

SPARK Budget Salaries & benefits$ 105,000 (mainly two program assistants) Tuition & Scholarships:$ 140,000 Other:$ 5,000 In-kind Contributions:Priceless Revenues: BC Provincial Government Ministries:$200,000 per year SPARK Foundation Fundraising goal: 50,000 per year

SPARK is very much a team effort