Community Learning Partnerships
The mandate of the Community Learning Partnerships (CLP) department is to work together with current and potential community partners to identify and create culturally sensitive learning opportunities that respond to the unique educational needs of the community. The CLP department offers Academic Upgrading in English, math and computer studies from Fundamental to Intermediate levels (up to and including Grade 10) to Grade 11 and 12 (College Preparatory) levels. There are also opportunities for offering other programming such as the career and education exploration program, Better Employment Strategies and Techniques, and Employment Training and Preparation.
Read about two of our students who began their academic journeys upgrading at CLP partner sites.
Current Partners
WSΆNEC’ School Board (formerly Saanich Indian School Board)
The CLP program at the Saanich Adult Education Centre (SAEC) located within the WS'ANEC' School Board (formerly Saanich Indian School Board) site runs from September to April. Academic Upgrading courses are offered in English, math and computer science from numeracy and literacy levels to Grade 11 and 12 (College Preparatory) levels. In partnership with Aboriginal Education & Community connections (AECC), CLP also offers the 8-month Indigenous College Prep program. These programs serve the people from the four Saanich Bands, as well as other Aboriginal students. Students work closely with an instructional assistant, an instructor, and an Aboriginal Advisor. Students participate in cultural activities such as Sencoten language instruction and preparing hot lunches.
For more information about SAEC, contact Wendy McDonald, 250-544-2192.
Songhees Employment Learning Centre 
The Songhees Employment Learning Centre (SELC) hosts programs and services on the Songhees Nation, delivers programming that meets the education and employment training needs of the community. Management, instructors, and support staff deliver Academic Upgrading courses in English, math and computer science; most can be accessed in a blended approach. Tutoring, advising, counselling, and referrals are available. Other services are employment-related: workshops, training, resume writing and computer access.
For more information about SELC, contact Verna Barker, 250-386-4161.
Victoria Native Friendship Centre 
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) is located in the Tillicum area in Victoria. The Centre offers Academic Upgrading designed to meet the educational needs of Aboriginal adults in the Greater Victoria area who did not complete high school or who need to review high school level academic skills. The curriculum also includes Aboriginal cultural components.
For more information about VNFC, call 250-384-3211 ext 308.
Bridges for Women Society
Bridges for Women provides unique employment training programs for women with histories of trauma and abuse. Bridges specializes in assisting women in recognizing and overcoming the impacts that abuse and trauma have on their employability skills.
The six month Bridging Employment Program is accessible and flexible for women who have many demands on their time such as appointments, part-time work, family responsibilities, and health care appointments. The Employment Program offers workshops and training on a variety of topics which include: communication skills, conflict management, assertiveness and boundaries, job search skills, resumes, cover letters, goal setting and more. The program also has a strong counseling component which includes both individual and group counseling in a safe and supportive environment. Bridges is a Community Learning Partner with Camosun College, thus Computer and English courses are offered onsite.
Bridges draws on its extensive knowledge of the impacts of abuse on employability, to provide education, training and consulting to community agencies, employers, and government.
For more information, contact Bridges for Women at 250-388-7112.
Literacy Victoria
Literacy Victoria is a non-profit organization providing adults with free help and support in basic reading, writing, math, computer and life skills. Located on Yates Street across from London Drugs, Literacy Victoria has a learner-centered approach that responds to the unique needs of the individual. The organization achieves its goals through skilled volunteer assistance, and active promotion of literacy through community partnerships.
For more information, click on "Programs" at Literacy Victoria, or call
250-381-3755.
Our Place Society
Our Place is a nonprofit society that helps those in need in Victoria’s inner city by providing transitional housing, meals, support and advocacy, hygiene facilities, training and more. Currently Computer Science 030 and Computer Science 040 is being offered at their facility.
For more information, call 250-388-7112.