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