Hundreds of students from rural and remote areas of the province will soon descend on St. John�s and Corner Brook, thanks to the Provincial Government�s Intra-Provincial Travel Program. More than $20,000 in grants is being provided to 12 schools so that students can explore educational facilities and available career opportunities.

"Many of these young people will soon be graduating and making decisions about life after high school," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "A visit to larger centres in the province exposes students to our post-secondary institutions and introduces them to life away from home. By demystifying the urban experience, some of their concerns about moving away from their communities may be alleviated and they may more readily embrace a move for post-secondary training."

Any high school in rural and isolated areas was eligible to apply for the Intra-Provincial Travel Program. Principals or guidance counsellors submitted proposals, outlining planned events and objectives. Many schools have chosen to visit cultural centres such as The Rooms, the GEO Centre or the Fluvarium. Memorial University, the Marine Institute, College of the North Atlantic and Grenfell College each have tours and activities planned for the visiting students. Some schools are also focusing on career development with this trip, and have organized a day of job-shadowing or a visit to a business to identify employer�s expectations.

"I am particularly pleased that a number of the schools are focusing on skilled trades on their trips," said Minister Burke. "Students from these schools, many of whom are registered for the new Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program, will explore skilled trades facilities at the college and attend the provincial skills competition. This is very encouraging. The Provincial Government is investing $11 million in the high school skills program, and $43.6 million in the area post-secondary skills training. It�s great that high school students are showing an interest in the trades and are able to get a first hand look at what awaits them in college."

The following schools are participating in the Intra-Provincial Travel program this year:

Cloud River Academy, Roddickton
Mary Simms All-Grade, Main Brook
Point Leamington Academy, Point Leamington
Canon J.T. Richards Memorial Central High School, Flowers Cove
Jakeman All-Grade School, Trout River
A.R. Scammell Academy, Change Islands
E.A. Butler All-Grade, McKay�s
Belanger Memorial, Upper Ferry
St. James Regional High School, Port aux Basques
John Burke High School, Grand Bank
Clarenville High School, Clarenville
Burgeo Academy, Burgeo

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Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2008 01 30                                                       9:30 a.m.