Kelowna Students Celebrate Graduation from Gateway Program

Sixteen students from Kelowna recently marked a significant milestone as they graduated from the Gateway Program at Okanagan College (OC) on January 23, 2024. This initiative aims to support at-risk students by providing the necessary resources to facilitate their transition to college and help them pursue sustainable careers in the trades sector.

The Gateway Program is a collaborative effort between OC and Central Okanagan Public Schools (SD23), with support from various local sponsors. Student Ava Holte reflected on her experience, stating, “Before Gateway, school kind of felt overwhelming. I struggled, I doubted myself. There were moments where I honestly didn’t know I was going to make it this far in school.” Holte expressed gratitude for the program, which she believes helped her grow personally and provided her with structure and support.

The program spans 15 weeks and includes various activities aimed at building skills and fostering leadership. Students participated in outdoor adventures such as hiking Mount Boucherie, skiing at Big White, and cycling at Myra Canyon. These experiences were designed to encourage self-discovery among the participants. “Everyone involved made me feel seen and encouraged,” Holte added. “I wasn’t just another student; I was somebody worth investing in.”

Support and Accountability in Education

Instructor Travis Neigum highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the students, who all bring unique personal stories to the classroom. He emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, “I put a lot of pressure on these kids and want them to be accountable for themselves, and they’ve shown me nothing but that.” Neigum considers it a privilege to guide these students through their educational journey.

During the graduation ceremony, students received framed certificates and posed for a group photo. They were celebrated by notable figures including Neil Fassina, president of Okanagan College, and Ashley Ragoonaden, principal of SD23 Central Programs and Services. Valene Johnson, SD23 board chair, commended the students for acknowledging that traditional schooling was not effective for them. “Your presence and your efforts matter, and that’s what drives change,” Johnson stated.

Jon Rever, superintendent of SD23, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative power of commitment and resilience. He remarked, “It shows that when you commit to a challenge, when you step into something unfamiliar, and when you stick with it, you discover not just what you’re capable of, but who you are becoming.”

Future Prospects for Graduates

As part of the celebration, Rob Law, the Gateway coordinator, received a unique gift: a clock made from a car panel, signed by all 16 graduating students. Law noted that approximately 60 percent of Gateway graduates return to Okanagan College to enroll in trades programs, showcasing the program’s success in preparing students for further education.

Neigum expressed excitement about the future of the graduates, stating, “They’ve proven to me they are ready.” As these young individuals embark on their next steps, they carry with them the skills, confidence, and support that the Gateway Program has provided, positioning them for success in their future endeavors.