A group of high school students sit quietly in a school library, searching online databases and chatting about each other’s projects.

Not exactly a new scenario, except for one twist. These Grade 12 students are working on a project that will help them complete Social Science Inquiry 1HS3 – the cost of which is being covered by the Faculty of Social Sciences. At the end of the fall semester, each participant will have earned three units from the University.

Throughout the term, each student has worked on individual and group presentations, completed required readings and gathered material for a final essay worth 20 per cent of their grade. It’s a challenge, but one that seems to resonate with eager young minds.

“It feels like a whole other atmosphere when you’re here,” says Cathedral High School student Tyler Fournier, who is taking part because of his involvement with Hamilton’s Pathways to Education program. “You’re surrounded by people who actually want to be here. It’s not like high school.”

Erin Ashely, a fellow Cathedral student and Pathways participant, agrees. She says the teaching and learning at McMaster is different as well.

“In high school, they give you word-for-word what you need to know,” says Ashley. “Here, you have to listen to pick out what is important, and it’s a lot more independent.”

Both Fournier and Ashley were given the opportunity to enroll in the Inquiry course through their participation in the Pathways program. The initiative, which is offered through the North Hamilton Community Health Centre, aims to lower the drop-out rate among high school students and increase access to post-secondary education.

In addition to the Pathways participants, two other groups of students – one from the public school system and another from the Catholic school system – are also enrolled in classes at McMaster, with the cost covered by the Faculty of Social Sciences. Participants were selected by staff at their respective high schools, or signed-up voluntarily.

Charlotte Yates, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, says administrators from McMaster, the Pathways program and several area high schools have been working on the project for two years in an effort to expose local students to university life.

“The idea behind this program is to build pathways for students into university who might not otherwise get the opportunity. Through this, we hope students get introduced to what university is like, and also gain confidence so they can succeed,” says Yates. “These students have access to our professors, our library and even our athletic facilities. This is a true university experience.”

Ashley – who also works a part-time job and takes evening courses to learn the Mohawk language – says other students should take advantage of the services offered.

“We have been given a lot of opportunities,” says Ashley, who hopes to one day work in correctional services or a related field. “The Pathways program offers bursaries to help pay for college or university, and now we are getting this free university course.”