Youth Learning Centre

Youth Learning Centre: General Information and Q&A

Introduction to the Youth Learning Centre
The traditional structure of a school environment and regular school schedule can be challenging for some students. Whether for a short time in their high school years, or as a means to complete graduation requirements, the Youth Learning Centre (YLC) provides a place where students aged 16 to 19 have an opportunity to continue and complete their education in a supportive alternative environment.

Purpose
The YLC provides a privileged working environment that is unique to North Vancouver. Students have an opportunity for a fresh start to learn in a mature, positive setting where they are encouraged and supported to be successful.

The Centre provides an alternative learning environment and opportunities for older adolescents to pursue their education with a flexible schedule and individualized instruction that recognizes their unique learning styles and abilities.

Features and benefits of the program
• Grade 10, 11 and 12 courses offered on a flexible, self-paced schedule
• Individualized instruction
• Healthy living and positive choices awareness
• Work experience facilitation
• Straightforward, “modular” course structure that breaks down course-work into one piece-at-a-time to ease completion and multiply milestones of success
• Recreational and athletic opportunities including rowing, yoga, pilates and soccer
• Social responsibility and volunteering opportunities
• Access to other school programs—YLC students can take athletics or music at mainstream schools

Eligibility criteria/referral procedures
All students in the program must abide by the YLC Expectations which include arriving on time and attending all classes, participating in classes with a focus on learning and realizing goals and behaving appropriately and respectfully in a learning environment.

Eligibility is determined through the application process, and an interview with the District Counsellor. Students from across the North Shore are welcome in the program

Contact information
Please visit  the YLC website or contact the District Secondary Counsellor at 604.903.3278 to learn more about the program, interview and application process.

How do I know this program is right for me?
Students in the YLC must be between 16 and 19 years of age and able to work in an independent, self-paced environment. While the majority of students are pursuing either an 80-credit graduation program or their adult Dogwood certificate, for others, the program may serve as a bridge back into a mainstream school environment.

YLC is best-suited to students who are genuinely interested in their education and prepared to attend regularly. Their learning styles are often better suited to more personalized, individual instruction. YLC students may need flexibility in order to maintain a work commitment, or learn on a half-day schedule.

Is it difficult to get into the YLC? Is there a wait list? Do I have to wait until September to begin? Can I register and begin at any time in the school year?
Although there is often a wait-list, YLC accepts students four times a year. Before beginning in the program, there is a three-month wait period during which students are not attending school, but may be doing coursework through distance education, or holding down a job. For students admitted at the beginning of the fall term, summer holidays count towards the wait period for September entry.

What is the difference between YLC and continuing education?
YLC students may need flexibility in order to maintain a work commitment, or learn on a half-day schedule. Continuing Education offers individual classes and teacher support to complete course requirements. Through online “Distributed Learning”, students may pursue a single course or series of courses for credit and graduation requirements.

Where is the program located?
The Youth Learning Centre is located in the Lucas Centre at 2132 Hamilton Avenue.

What do you mean by flexible schedule? Does the YLC follow regular school hours? Do students attend school every day?
The YLC program follows the 10-month school year and operates:
Mondays to Fridays from 9 – 11:35 a.m. and 12:25 – 3:05 p.m.

Full-time students must attend five, half-day sessions per week, either morning or afternoon, or a combination.

How long does it take to finish course requirements and graduate through YLC?
Self-paced learning is a cornerstone of the YLC program. Completing course work and accumulating credits depends on many factors including: how hard a student works; how consistently they complete their homework and how challenging they may find a particular class or subject. All of these factors influence the time it takes for a student to complete a course and the program is geared to accommodate the pace of the student.

Do parents have a role in the YLC?
Yes, absolutely. Parents are an important part of the YLC community. The YLC has its own PAC which welcomes parent involvement, and all parents/caregivers of students in the program must attend at least the first YLC information meeting in September.

Are any other organizations or professionals associated with the Youth Learning Centre?
The YLC benefits from the support and involvement of a number of agencies and community partners including:
• North Shore Neighborhood House Youth Outreach
• Vancouver Coastal Health Jump Start—Youth Addictions Outreach
• RCMP
• Wired for Success/Youth Learning Program
• Ministry of Children and Family Development

Updated: October 4, 2010