A bilingual partnership
Holland College, College de I’lle announce a new extension of the campus
A bilingual, educational partnership was forged between Holland College and College de I’lle on a crisp spring day in Charlottetown Wednesday morning.
Brian McMillan, president of Holland College, and Donald DesRoches, president of College de I’lle, announced the grand opening of their newly acquired building at 295 Kent St. and signed a memorandum of understanding outlining their partnership.
Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, College de I’lle students can take some courses in English at Holland College, while Holland College students can access French courses at the partner school. Students from both colleges will also enjoy other benefits, such as campus access, health insurance and language training programs. College de I’lle students will also have access to the gym, library and cafeteria at Holland College.
McMillan said Holland College was delighted to welcome College de I’lle to its campus.
“For each institution to be able to offer a greater scope of programs in both official languages not only means that we can offer our students language training opportunities, it also translates into a significant advantage in the competitive post-secondary marketplace, making P.E.I. an even more attractive education destination.”
DesRoches said the schools have a long history of working together, and Wednesday’s announcement
strengthens that bond.
“We see this enhanced collaboration not only as an extension of the existing relationship but also a joint effort in contributing to the enrichment of French language services on P.E.I.,” he said.
“By providing pathways in post-secondary in English and French, the two colleges are supporting the province’s investment in French education at the elementary and secondary levels.”
Sean Casey, MP for Charlottetown, attended on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency with an announcement of his own: Ottawa is contributing $184,887 to College de I’lle.
“Post-secondary institutions play an important role in building a bright future for young Canadians and a stronger economy across our nation,” said Casey.