Students to Visit Capital City

Students from eight schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will soon enjoy educational and cultural experiences in St. John's, thanks to the Provincial Government's Intra-provincial Travel Program. Approximately $33,500 is being provided so these students can see what might await them following high school graduation.

"Coming to St. John's from a small town or remote area of the province can often be difficult," said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. "By exposing young people to some of our post-secondary institutions and cultural venues, they will have a better understanding of the capital city and hopefully be ready to embrace everything it has to offer – most importantly, post-secondary training."

To be considered for funding, schools submitted an application package to the Department of Education, detailing the intended destination, objectives for their trip and a planned itinerary. All schools which applied for the program are being funded. They are:

• St. Mary's All-Grade, Mary's Harbour
• Cottrell's Cove Academy, Cottrell's Cove
• Mealy Mountain Collegiate, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Cloud River Academy, Roddickton
• Marystown Central High School, Marystown
• King Academy, Harbour Breton
• MSB Regional Academy, Middle Arm
• A.R. Scammell Academy, Change Islands

Students will visit places such as Memorial University, the Marine Institute, College of the North Atlantic, and various private colleges. They will also get a glimpse of life in the province's largest city by exploring cultural centres such as The Rooms, the Johnson GEO CENTRE and the Fluvarium.

"This program helps students make more informed choices at a critical time," said Minister King. "By introducing young people to life beyond graduation while still in school, they will have a better understanding of what it entails, and we hope they will be better able to embrace the many opportunities available to them."

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Media contact:

Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 727-5953
tarapower@gov.nl.ca