The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) has announced a new partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School (SCIDES) and School District 58.
This collaboration aims to provide distance education services and resources for student-athletes playing in the KIJHL.
鈥淭he KIJHL is thrilled to partner with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School to offer high-quality, consistent distance learning options to student-athletes across all 21 of our member clubs,鈥� said KIJHL Commissioner Jeff Dubois.
鈥淪CIDES understands the challenges associated with balancing junior hockey and academics, and the structure and guidance their programs and staff provide to our student-athletes will have a direct impact on optimizing their achievements both on and off the ice.鈥�
The South-Central Interior Distance Education School is a publicly-funded Provincial Online Learning School (POLS) in School District 58 Nicola-Similkameen. They offer a wide range of academic and elective courses to provide students multiple pathways towards graduation and they have expertise in working with student-athletes, who must find the balance of excelling athletically as well as academically.
They provide online courses supported by educators who've been trained and certified in B.C., and have administrative officers responsible for school operations.
Central to this initiative is SCIDES' Competitive Athlete Program, specifically designed to meet the educational needs of junior hockey players. This program not only fulfills all BC graduation requirements but also caters to the demanding schedules of training, competition, and travel. Noteworthy alumni of SCIDES include NHL draft picks and NCAA scholarship recipients, underscoring the program's success in nurturing talent across various junior leagues.
鈥淪CIDES is thrilled to partner with the KIJHL to provide online education options for their student athletes,鈥� said Corey Hermiston, SCIDES Athlete Advisor and Teacher. 鈥淭he emphasis the KIJHL has placed on offering strong educational programming for their players makes them a leader among junior leagues across the country.
"Their commitment to athlete growth both on and off the ice demonstrates a desire for preparing young people for success in all facets of life. The leagues approach to education and athlete growth aligns with SCIDES values, as we aim to provide educational opportunities for athletes that facilitate athletic, scholastic, and personal growth to ensure we are setting learners up for success both during and after hockey.鈥�
KIJHL Director of Education Services Tom McEvay has spearheaded the campaign to develop their educational program for student-athletes for the past four years. He oversees a network of team-based advisors who work with their players to guide their educational decisions as they navigate the hockey-life balance.
鈥淭his is an example of the KIJHL looking for educational partnerships that can enhance the quality of what we offer our players,鈥� McEvay said. 鈥淗aving spent 34 years in public education as a teacher, counsellor, and principal, I am aware the unique educational pressures and challenges facing our high school aged players and older players looking to upgrade or enhance their transcripts to prepare for college or university.
"Working with a high-quality distance education program with exceptional teachers like Corey is an option I am proud we can present to them.鈥�
Learn more at kijhl.ca/scides.
