(BRAMPTON, ON- September 14, 2023): The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) and Algoma University have signed a new agreement to see high school students spend a semester on the University’s campus in downtown Brampton. DPCDSB is the second board to sign on to the program, which has a focus on helping youth who may not have previously considered higher education to transition from high school to university.

The Learners’ Early Access Program (LEAP) invites DPCDSB Grade 11 and 12 students from the Peel and Dufferin regions to spend a semester on the Algoma University campus in Brampton in an on-campus state-of-the-art classroom, providing them with the opportunity to take two university courses (six credits) while they complete their high school requirements.

“This unique program empowers students to envision themselves on a university campus, inspiring them to view post-secondary education as an achievable journey through active engagement in courses, experiential learning, and campus life at Algoma University,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina. “Responding to Brampton’s community need for a full-service university, Algoma University offers students the chance to seamlessly transition to higher education and earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees close to home.”

The first cohort of 25 DPCDSB students will begin classes in January 2024. The inaugural class of about 50 Peel District School Board students started on Sept. 5, 2023.

“We are very pleased to enter into this partnership agreement with Algoma University,” said Marianne Mazzorato, DPCDSB Director of Education. “We look forward to the opportunities it will open up for DPCDSB students.”

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