Impact Report CCP_2023

IMPACT REPORT

Institute for Equity and Advancement at Columbia College

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM

TABLEOF CONTENTS

Message from the Principal Background

Current State

What is the Community Connections Program?

CCP at a Glance Impacts and Highlights

Why now?

Message from the Career Advisor

What did employers say?

What did alumni have to say?

As Canada’s longest established non-profit international college, it was a great privilege to be able to launch this innovative program in 2021 in the midst of the COVID pandemic. One of the barriers facing aspiring students from around the world for successful participation in the Canadian economy is opportunities for work experience.

We have continued to expand this unique opportunity for newcomer students to access paid work experience with local non-profit organizations on a part time basis. This report reveals the key insights and learning from the last two years since the inception of the program

The first of its kind at a University Transfer College, the initial program pilot saw six students placed into paid externships on a part time basis while they continue their studies. By paying employment costs for the student placements, the College was able to support local community benefit organizations who were facing considerable challenges during the pandemic We are incredibly proud of this program pilot and the community partnerships that have made the launch a success. As one of the few postsecondary institutions incorporated as a non-profit with charitable status, Columbia College has the flexibility and resources to approach student success through unique programs such as this.

It’s our pleasure to share the key impacts of the program with past and future prospective partners, and with our peers and colleagues in higher education. To the local partner organizations, funders, and inaugural students who contributed to the launch of the program and have made it a success: thank you. The experiences, stories, and successes described below were made possible with your support.

Robin Hemmingsen Principal Columbia College

F R O M T H E P R I N C I P A L

With a mission to equip students to make a positive impact on communities, it’s very important for the College to expose our students to the non-profit sector.

STATE CURRENT $22BILLION

The international education industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, generating $22 billion in economic activity and supporting over 200,000 jobs across Canada (CIMM and Government of Canada 2020). In 2022, British Columbia hosted 164,875 international students, making it the second-largest destination in Canada for international students after Ontario (British Columbia Council for International Education). However, despite their substantial economic contributions, international students face several challenges in securing employment in Canada Additionally, according to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, there is an immigrant wage gap of approximately 20% in British Columbia, which is attributed to language skills, inconsistent skill recognition, and discrimination (OECD).

Efforts to support international students must focus on improving their knowledge of the local job market and Canadian workplace culture through career counseling, mentorship programs, and job search workshops. The Community Connections Program is an initiative that compliments and surpasses these approaches by providing a platform for international students to build local experience with notfor-profit organizations in Vancouver. Externships with non-profit organizations in Vancouver can be particularly beneficial for international students as these organizations

INTERNATIONALEDUCATION SECTORCONTRIBUTES

TOTHECANADIAN ECONOMY

often collaborate with various stakeholders, providing students with exposure to diverse work environments and enhancing intercultural competence.

Externships with non-profit organizations can be an effective way for international students to gain work experience, develop professional skills, and expand their networks, which are critical for securing employment in Vancouver's competitive job market Non-profit organizations offer unique opportunities for international students to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, and expand their networks, enhancing their employability in multicultural settings.

“With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth. Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work [...] while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our shortterm recovery and long-term prosperity ”

Sean Fraser Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY PROGRAM

For many newcomers in Canada, obtaining relevant work experience can be a major challenge. Practical workplace experience is essential for achieving career success, but without opportunities to gain experience, it can be difficult to make progress in any chosen field

Many of these young people have faced barriers to education, making it challenging for them to access quality education. The rapidly changing world, including changes in higher education, offers an opportunity for the College to pilot new and alternative approaches to prepare students to pursue higher education and make a positive impact on the world as global citizens

In early 2020, newly hired Executive Director Mark Friesen and Career Advisor Linus Leow piloted the Community Connections Program (CCP). In the middle of the pandemic, when many students were losing their jobs, Columbia College stepped in to support them Under the CCP, students were placed to work for non-profits in the Greater Vancouver area in various job roles serving different industries across Vancouver.

CCP AT A GLANCE

The program covers the employment costs for nonprofits employing students to take on projects and provide support services that align with their long-term career goals. This means that aspiring new Canadians can gain valuable work experience, build relationships, and develop their skills through practical, real-world projects

At the same time, local community benefit organizations receive additional staff support without incurring any additional costs This can be particularly beneficial for smaller organizations that may not have the resources to hire additional staff. By participating in this program, students can provide valuable support to these organizations while gaining work experience that is aligned with their career goals.

The Community Connections Program gained popular support from students and non-profits alike when it was first piloted in Winter 2021. Now an integral part of the International Center for Student Success, the CCP offers many benefits to both students and non-profits

The CCP offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, explore career options, and establish professional networks However, program work placements are not required to directly relate to each student's academic curriculum. This enables students to gain experience beyond their selected areas of study Students who participate in the CCP have the chance to develop crucial workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, and problemsolving, that are essential for success in the workforce An essential and innovative feature of the program is that students do not need to pause their studies. Unlike conventional coop or internship programs, placements in CCP are part time (maximum

20 hours per week), enabling students to continue their academic studies while they gain practical work experience skills

Nonprofits benefit from the CCP by having a pool of motivated, enthusiastic, and skilled young people to help them achieve their goals The program provides non-profits with a cost-effective solution to support their staffing needs, giving them access to a skilled workforce with diverse experiences and perspectives

As Columbia College marks the two-year anniversary of the successful piloting of the CCP in 2023, the College's team went on a mission to compile all data from the last two years and collect real-life stories of impact that had a positive effect on the community.

Being a student can be challenging. For international students, it can be even more daunting. According to a survey conducted by the University of Alberta, a significantly higher proportion of international students (25.4%) reported feeling socially isolated compared to Canadian students (13.5%).

Another study found that international students often struggle with language and social differences more than domestic students, which can contribute to social anxiety among this population.

These findings suggest that international students are at a higher risk for experiencing social anxiety, highlighting the need for support and resources to help them adjust to their new environment. Feeling connected and included in the community is essential for internatio l students to thrive in their academic and personal lives CCP offers o students the opportunity to be involved in closely-knit communities build a sense of belonging while also providing them with the work experience necessary for growth in Canada.

The program is an integral part of the Institute for Equity and Advancement at Columbia College and provides students with an opportunity to explore career options, establish professional netwo and gain valuable work experience.

The program's success demonstrates Columbia College's commitment to providing diverse students with a platform to access Canada's best post-secondary institutions and prepare them to make a positive impact on the world as global citizens.

2

YEARS

9 SECTORS REPRESENTED

22 COMMUNITY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

62

PLACEMENTS CREATED

15,624 WORKING HOURS GENERATED

NOW? WHY CCP's50 STUDENT

As we mark two years, as well as the significant milestone of placing our 50th student with a local non-profit, our team set out to evaluate the program’s impact on both our students and partner organizations It was important to understand key elements of the program that make it a success and to identify opportunities for improvement. Furthermore, we believe the program presents an opportunity for other institutions and organizations in the region to learn from, and replicate, a model with a lasting positive impact.

Equity in education builds strong communities Columbia College has been in our community since 1936 for those without the benefit of a conventional path to higher education. We are building unique supports and approaches for the 21st century to provide access to diverse populations into the BC economy and workforce of the future. Please join Columbia College in investing in the future of our students and British Columbia today.

"Columbia College has given me a lot when it comes to employment or volunteer opportunities, academic advising and even scholarships I have always been passionate about the administrative sector and NGO’s, and it is because of Columbia College that now I am a part of YWCA Metro Vancouver, a nonprofit organization that stands for women and girl empowerment, tracing its steps in major cities of Canada. Both the College and the organization have been flexible and accommodating with my scheduling which is extremely helpful given that I’m a full-time student. I can’t wait to be a part of such a noble cause and I’m grateful to the college for giving me such an opportunity in helping me enhance my portfolio as well as contributing to the society "

Divyanshi Gupta

CAREERADVISOR FROM THE

The Community Connections program has proven to be a valuable asset for our students at Columbia College. Given that a significant portion of our student body consists of newcomers, these individuals often encounter substantial barriers when entering the labor market. In response to this, we introduced the Community Connections program with the aim of equipping students with relevant and marketable experience that can have a positive impact on their communities This program enables students to take on roles aligned with their field of study while also providing opportunities to tackle new tasks and challenges during their placements.

We recognize that one of the primary challenges faced by newcomer students is the absence of a professional network upon their arrival in Canada The Community Connections program addresses this issue by offering students a chance to establish meaningful connections within the local non-profit sector. Through these connections, students can cultivate valuable relationships, seek mentorship, and explore potential career opportunities. Building a robust professional network is crucial for career advancement, and this program provides a supportive environment for students to develop and expand their connections

The Community Connections program empowers students to make a positive impact in their communities. By collaborating with local non-profit organizations, students are able to apply their skills, knowledge, and passion to address community needs Through their contributions, students not only gain valuable experience but also make a tangible difference in the lives of others, fostering personal growth and a profound sense of fulfillment.

Overall, the Community Connections program at Columbia College has proven to be a highly beneficial initiative for our students It not only helps them overcome barriers in the labor market but also enables them to build a professional network, acquire valuable experience, and make a positive difference in their communities.

Linus Leow Career Advisor Columbia College

WHATDID EMPLOYERS

The Community Connection Program (CCP) not only supports international students but also has a positive impact on its community partners. The program facilitates partnerships between international students and local Canadian residents who act as mentors and provide students with opportunities to participate in cultural activities and community service projects, while learning valuable skills to help them with their future jobs

CCP provides community partners opportunities to develop cross-cultural communication skills, expand their social networks, and make meaningful connections with international students. By fostering positive relationships between international students and local Canadians, the program helps create a welcoming and inclusive community that benefits all members. The Government of Canada's International Education Strategy (2019) recognizes the importance of supporting international students' social and cultural integration in Canada. The strategy highlights the need to create welcoming and inclusive communities that provide opportunities for international students to connect with Canadians and participate in community events and activities (Government of Canada).

SAY?

Community partnerships can help local residents develop cross-cultural communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. Partnerships under CCP contribute to creating welcoming and inclusive communities that benefit all members. The program also provides community partners with opportunities to contribute to the personal and academic success of international students

“As part of their education process, we also want to see the CCP participants' eagerness to learn about the organization, the work, and that they are open to be a part of a variety of work so they can be exposed to the day to day operations of an organization in the non-profit social service sector. We would love to continue accepting students under this program as most of the students that the college recommended are strong candidates who are work-ready.”

Jacky Leung

“Our organization has benefitted from CCP participant's support to help us with administrative duties in our virtual office, and added project support to help us complete long-standing projects. Without the support of these students, we would not have progressed as far in project completion or they might even still remain on our to-do wish list The students were able to experience a wide variety of areas of our work and we received great support across our team.”

Rachelle Smalldon

Vantage Point

“We would like to continue accepting students under the CCP program because it allows us to add assets to our organization beyond what we are normally able to do, as the CCP student works on tasks that are not assigned currently to staff and are nonessential, but still important.”

Brittany Garuk

Downtown Eastside Neighboorhood House

“Our students have made connections on Granville Island and from within the organization which have helped with their growth and implementation into the Vancouver community. One student was quite lonely in Vancouver because she was new here and FGI embraced them and I really saw a difference in their confidence and comfort in relating to the community. This was encouraging.”

Cloe Aigner

Friends of Granville Island

Our partners indicated a desire to continue the program, provided they have sufficient staffing capacity Participating students are relatively new to the Canadian workforce, require training, supervision, and guidance during their placement; which can sometimes be a challenge for organizations working on full capacity

WHATDID ALUMNI HAVETOSAY?

A facilitated group discussion was held on April 27, 2023 with alumni of the program. Participants discussed and shared the impact of the program, the opportunities that program participation made possible, and skills they obtained over the course of their placements.

The most common skills mentioned by program alumni that were enhanced as a result of program participation were communication skills, critical thinking skills, time management, and networking skills. Other skills mentioned by program participants include:

The program provided a unique opportunity for students to connect with local non-profit organizations and gain a deeper understanding of their community. Without this program, many students would have missed out on this chance to engage with the sector in Metro Vancouver.

Participants valued the opportunity to interact with local leaders who prioritize community development Through nonprofit placements, participants were exposed to a variety of roles and tasks within the same organization, a valuable experience that is often not possible in larger institutions

The program also facilitated connections with individuals outside of participants' typical peer groups, enabling them to broaden their networks and gain exposure to diverse demographic and age groups. As a result of their experience, participants reported increased confidence in speaking up, sharing their views, and collaborating with colleagues proactively

Alumni of the program reported that one of the most valuable benefits was building their local community of support. They had expanded their personal networks with individuals they met during their placement and continued to receive support, guidance, and assistance from these connections as they progressed in their career or academic goals

Drawing from my personal experience, working with 312 Main showcased an entirely different work environment compared to my previous experience in retail. The atmosphere at 312 Main was incredibly motivating, and it allowed me to truly discover my authentic self. This positive culture served as a catalyst for my motivation to work with more non-profit organizations in the community. Consequently, returning to work in retail no longer aligns with my aspirations, as the work culture and environment differ significantly Working at 312 Main has had a long-lasting impact on me, shaping my understanding of where I want to work and how I can create a meaningful impact while collaborating with diverse organizations in the future

Japleen Singh CCP

Fall 2022

10,000 placement hours contributed to local non-profits

Winter 2023

2nd Anniversary

5 students and alumni offered full-time positions after completion of program

Summer 2023 50th student placed

'22 Alumni

NANCY

Nancy is an international student from Sonipat, India. In Fall 2022 she started her work term with YWCA Vancouver as an office administrative assistant. In addition to working as an Office Admin Assistant at YWCA, Nancy has been a Student Engagement Ambassador on campus, where she assisted new students with registration and orientation.

Her advice for fellow students, "participate more in cocurricular activities including on or off-campus employment and volunteering opportunities, which are important experiences when applying for job roles after graduating!"

Read Nancy's full story: www.columbiacollege.ca/blog/caree r-services/community-connectionsprogram-nancy-journey

Office Administrative Assistant YWCA

VIKKI

Outreach Support Worker PIRS

Vikki came to Columbia College from Hong-Kong as an international student In 2022, Vikki was placed to work with Vantage Point and then with Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS). Vikki supported PIRS in the capacity of an Outreach Support Worker.

Read Vikki's full story: https://www.columbiacollege.ca/blog/career-services/ community-connections-program-vikkis-journey/

NAVDEEP

Program Administrative Assistant YWCA

Navdeep Singh Toor has been a shining example for all Columbia College students. Navdeep graduated from Columbia College in Winter 2022 and after completing his placement under CCP with YWCA Metro Vancouver, he was hired to work full time with with the same employer. He now works as an Office Administrator for employment and training services.

Read Navdeep's full story: https://www.columbiacollege.ca/blog/career-services/ community-connections-program-navdeeps-journey/

O U R P A R T N E R S

Going FORWARD

One key pillar of the College’s current strategic plan is ‘Connections and Relationships for Educational Success’. The aspiration of this pillar is for students to be able to build a future based on connections and relationships that extend beyond the College. The stories and feedback described above reinforces the value and importance of community relationships for participating students, which will remain a top priority for the program going forward

It will be critical that program administrators at the College have the time and capacity to build relationships of trust with each placement organization, to help foster student success. In addition, the ongoing and dedicated support of one or more Career Advisors is critical. The Career Advisor can communicate and understand the requirements of partner organizations, support students through the selection process, and provide ongoing feedback, advice, and support over the term of the placement to ensure expectations are met Since the inception of the program, there have been problematic placements which required active communication to resolve differing expectations, and the guidance from the Career Advisor was instrumental to navigate these situations.

Feedback from partner organizations and students also revealed the following opportunities to further enhance the success of the program in the future:

Regular scheduled check-ins for both the organization and student are critical and should continue

Some placements require specific digital literacy skills Program offerings of the College’s LinkedIn Learning program and the Essential Technology and Workplace Skills program could be tailored to the requirements of each placement, and the program coordinator could develop custom learning pathways aligned with the requirements of each placement

Prospective students could meet with program alumni through the orientation process, to hear specific examples and stories of how to set themselves up for success

It could be of value to connect program participants with one another part way through the placement to share their experiences, and reveal opportunities for essential tech or professional skills training

WAYSTOGET INVOLVED

HIREOURSTUDENTS

Students are eager to learn, grow and help your business. We have access to a large student talent pool who are interested in part-time work

Non-profit Organizations and other employers may send an email to our Admin team at admin@columbiacollege.ca for more information on recruiting students under the Community Connections Program.

BECOMEACOMMUNITY PARTNER/PROGRAM SPONSOR

College partners have the opportunity to advise and guide community impact programs at the College, and to contribute directly to the success of aspiring youth from around the world. There are also sponsorship opportunities to feature your business or organization prominently at a range of events and activities

To become a community partner, or to sponsor a program at the College, please reach out to the Executive Director of the Institute for Equity and Advancement at Columbia College, Mark Friesen at mfriesen@columbiacollege.ca

To directly support this program or one of the many charitable initiatives at Columbia College consider a donation!

To access our donation form, please scan the QR code provided below.

SOURCES

"CIMM Report: International Students." Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 3 Mar 2022, www canada ca/en/immigration-refugeescitizenship/corporate/transparency/committees/cimm-mar-03-2022/internationalstudents.html.

Fraser, Sean. "International Students to Help Address Canada’s Labour Shortage." Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 27 Oct 2022, www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/10/international-studentsto-help-address-canadas-labour-shortage.html.

"Immigrant Wage Gap." Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, www conferenceboard ca/hcp/immigrant-gapaspx/#:~:text=Key%20Messages,39.4%20per%20cent%20in%20Manitoba.

"International Education: A Key Driver of Canada's Future Prosperity." Government of Canada, 2020, www.international.gc.ca/education/report-rapport/impact-2018/index.aspx? lang=eng

"International Education: A Key Driver of Canada's Future Prosperity." Government of Canada, International Education Division, 2019-2024. https://www.international.gc.ca/education/strategy-2019-2024-strategie.aspx?lang=eng.

Liu, J. (2008). The effects of language anxiety on college English listening test and the influencing factors. Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences, 3, 344-348. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.07.048 http://www.sfu.ca/~yitingl/New%20folder%20(3)/1-s2.0S0147176708000023-main pdf

"Social Anxiety." University of Alberta, n.d., https://www.ualberta.ca/medialibrary/ualberta/students/university-wellness-services/ccs/handouts/english/socialanxiety.pdf.

Established in 1936,

Columbia

B O U T U S

Columbia College is an independent charity that offers first and second-year university level courses that can lead to a Columbia College Associate Degree and are fully transferable to local universities Columbia College also offers High School programs, including a British Columbia Ministry of Education Certified Senior Secondary Program and an English for Academic Purposes Program that is accredited by Languages Canada.

As a registered charity and a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of education, Columbia College can approach higher education in completely unique ways. In 2018 the Columbia College communitymade a decision to leverage and expandactivities aligned withthe College’s charitable status in operations going forward. Inspired by this vision, Columbia College committed $1 7 million to launch a series of pilot programs in the 2020-2021 academic year. On June 8th, 2022 the College launched the Institute for Equity and Advancement in Education to further the College Vision of an inclusive society where students can access the education of their choice.

College proudly serves as one of Canada’s longest established international not-for-profit colleges. Thousands of Canadian and international students have completed their qualifications at Columbia College and used these as a platform for successful university careers. A

OURMISSION OURVISION

Equip students to become responsible global citizens who can communicate, think critically, and make a positive impact in communities around the world.

An inclusive society where students can access the education of their choice and contribute to positive social change

OURTEAM

Mark Friesen Executive Director Institute for Equity and Advancement at Columbia College mfriesen@columbiacollege.ca

Robin Hemmingsen Principal Columbia College rhemmingsen@columbiacollege.ca

Linus Leow Career Advisor Columbia College lleow@columbiacollege.ca

Ginny Chien Student Success and CoCurricular Coordinator Columbia College gchien@columbiacollege.ca

WETHANKYOU OURPROGRAMS