As reflected in Table 9, approximately 73 students are enrolled in ALP programs at the NSCC Strait Campus (February 2004) with 22 in Level III and 51 in Level IV. Enrollment to the ALP Program is on a continuous intake basis; therefore the enrollment numbers change over the course of the academic year. The ratio of males to females participating is evenly split (26 males vs 31 females) and while there is very little variance in the numbers enrolled by age in Level III, almost 50% of those in Level IV are between the ages of 21 and 29. More than half of Level IV students are either Community Service clients or EI Recipients while 12 of the 22 in Level III rely on the same source of Income. Eighteen of the learners enrolled in the ALP Programs reside in Antigonish County, 6 in Guysborough, 13 in Inverness and 9 in Richmond County. Thirty-three students were self-referred to the program, while 10 were referred by HRDC, 9 by Community Services and 8 by a Counsellor.

5.6 Strait Regional School Board (SRSB)

Regional School Boards throughout the province deliver Public School Program (PSP) credits through their Adult High School system. The Adult High School system is intended to provide adult learners in remote or rural areas with an avenue to work towards their high school diploma. While the Strait Regional School Board is a partner in the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, as well as a member of the Strait Regional Planning Team, they do not operate an Adult High School in any of the Counties throughout the Strait Region. While Public School Credits may be used toward the NS High School Diploma for Adults, the level of service available to adults needing to upgrade their education is not on an equal footing with other regions of the province. In effect, the Strait Regional School Board is a non-entity in terms of offering the NSSAL credits leading to the NS High School Diploma for adults and their non-participation remains a barrier to adult learners in this region.

5.7 Department of Community Services (DCS)

As a partner in the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, the Department of Community Services provides financial and human resources support to adult learners who need to upgrade their education and skills.