The program is seen as a community learning model, in that learners will ultimately pass their skills on in the community. Sixty Aboriginal learners are currently participating in the college's secondary program. Learners’ skill levels are assessed at intake by using the CAAT and Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test. In addition to the courses geared to high- school completion and literacy, Chemainus Native College also offers English upgrading, college preparation and business skills certification, as well as diplomas in management studies, community economic development and Aboriginal adult instruction. The college has an all-Aboriginal Board of Directors.

Program Features:

• The Empowering Through Literacy pilot project is using specific interventions to train teachers to coach volunteers and learners to become peer tutors. Learners are at all literacy levels. The "each one teach one" approach trains people how to learn and, in turn, they learn how to teach.

• The equivalent of one-and-one-half full-time staff are dedicated to the project.

• The college's secondary program's 60 current learners range from 14 to 45 years of age. There is a 30/70 male/female mix. Fourteen of the current learners have been identified to be trained as future volunteer peer tutors.

• The secondary program is held yearly from September to June, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It has a continuous intake practice.

• An Elders Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the college and as a counselling resource to learners. All curriculum used, where possible, has First Nations content.

• The Empowering Through Literacy pilot project is cost shared among the Ministry of Education, Skills and Training; NLS; and Chemainus Native College.

Some Final Observations & Concerns:

Learners are reportedly attracted to enrol in this program for the following reasons: a First Nation's school; an accredited program; and, the cultural and academic mix of the program. Some aspects of the program most liked by participants include the learning environment, and the learning approach taken. Continuity of program funding is a problem for the program.