Indigenous 
Submitted by Barry Botham, Professor, Skilled Trades
I had the privilege to attend the Students Within a College (SWAC) graduation ceremony on June 19, 2025. The SWAC program serves students aged 17–20 who are within five credits of earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These students, many with personal and academic challenges, complete their high school education while simultaneously earning college credits and gaining valuable co-operative education experience.
This year's ceremony overflowed with powerful stories of perseverance, growth, and triumph. One graduate's words captured the program's essence: "The staff from SWAC believed in me before I believed in myself."
This sentiment echoed throughout the event, revealing that SWAC transcends a typical program—it's a community where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. This celebration was special because many graduates aren't saying goodbye to SLC as a significant number have enrolled in full-time programs and will return this fall.
Learn more about the SWAC program at SLC.