Summer Bridging Students. (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
The Government’s injection of $60,000 into a Summer Bridging Programme has resulted in the direct admission of 52 students into the College of The Bahamas (COB). The students successfully completed the inaugural 6-week academically intensive enrichment sequence, and were recognized during a ceremony Thursday, September 8, at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre of COB.
The high-school graduates and young adults of New Providence and seven Family Islands, some of whom are the first individuals in their households to pursue a college education, were required to take five courses among others and excel academically, as well as in their social and personal development.
In addition to College Council members, faculty, staff and administrators, family, friends and well-wishers were among those in attendance at the ceremony. Prime Minister Perry Christie; the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST); Dr. Rodney Smith, President of COB, along with students and faculty participated in the programme. A video presentation depicting highlights of the students’ experiences was given during the ceremony.
Amanda Strachan accepts her certificate from Prime Minister Perry Christie, right; Dr. Earl Cash, COB Council Chairman looks on. (BIS photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
Dr. Smith remarked that there are many persons throughout the length and breadth of our country who do not qualify for entry into a college or university.
“This is a post-secondary gap that must be bridged and a need that our institution is committed to addressing to give these individuals diverse options for higher education and lifelong learning,” he said.
It is anticipated that the sequence will be the first of many more initiatives to come to provide citizens of The Bahamas with alternative mechanisms to pursue their tertiary level goals.
Dr. Smith urged parents, teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, community leaders and policy makers to engender a yearning and passion for higher learning in children from their formative years.
“We must redouble our efforts to increase the numbers of students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields in addition to the traditional education, business, communication and health related disciplines. There is no more noble and urgent a cause -- in an era of unprecedented changes and opportunities -- than a collective investment in education; a groundswell of support that increases our country's skilled human capital. But we must plant the seeds for success from early on.
COB President, Dr. Rodney Smith (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
“When we conceived of this programme and decided to implement it, we set out with the desire to address a need within our communities. We knew that there were far too many young people who were unable to attend college for one reason or another. We knew that The College of The Bahamas needed to give them a fighting chance. We knew we were on the right path when the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology decided to make a substantial financial investment in support of this worthwhile programme.”
The President challenged the students to engage new ideas, plot a journey of success for themselves, challenge their professors, imagine, dream and innovate.
“Students, you will be a part of the first class admitted to the University of The Bahamas and you are in unique positions to aid in its positive evolution.
“I encourage you to make this institution your home for the next four years and I guarantee that you will benefit from exceptional academic and social experiences.”
Minister Fitzgerald said he is pleased that the MOEST and the Government were able to provide the opportunity for the students to participate in the programme.
The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, addresses the Summer Bridging Ceremony at The College of the Bahamas, September 8, 2016. (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
As the first participants, he told the students that much is expected of them and advised them to encourage others to emulate them by pursuing tertiary education.
Prime Minister Christie urged the students to use whatever gifts they have and to believe in themselves. He said given the opportunity, the students have proven that they can succeed.
“I want some of you to be exceptional, but I want all of you to be successful,” he added.
The Prime Minister presented the students with certificates for their achievements.
Some of the professors and administrators who led COB's inaugural Summer Bridging Programme are pictured. Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi, Assistant Vice-President, Academic Affairs is shown, first from right. (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
By Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
