Alternative learning environment offered

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Trend College in Stony Plain is a place for young adults who are having trouble fitting into mainstream society. Classes are held in a plain country church, surrounded by farmers fields.

This "school in a church" is a place for 18 to 30 year olds who are running out of options.

They come from many backgrounds, all of them with personal struggles. They are released inmates, single mothers, and people who have drifted in and out of jobs without direction. Others are from well-to-do homes. Most have not finished high school.

They are people who grew up without learning the most basic survival skills. They can't deal with authority and if they get a job they can't keep it. They need to learn basic job and people skills.

Lance Bellamy is a 21-year -old Aboriginal man. He was born in Saskatoon, but moved to Spruce Grove at the age of three.

"I was a little misfit when I was a kid. I went to jail all my youth, I was sent to prison when I was 17," said Bellamy

While in jail at Drumheller, Bellamy earned his high school diploma. After being released on parole, he heard about the program at Trend College through his church. The time was right. Ready to turn his life around and acquire some new skills, he signed up for the program.

One of the first things students learn at this college is if they don't show up for class, someone is going to go looking for them. That someone is Al Hart. He is an Edmonton city policeman, a volunteer, and the founder of Trend College in Stony Plain.

"I just felt a real strong direction that I was to do this to help them. It only took me a few minutes to say 'yes, I'll take over.' I started, just to get it off the ground. Then they asked me if I would manage it," said Hart.

Hart's management experience has really been hands-on. He has spent 20 years dealing with people in difficult situations.

"A lot of what we do as policeman is manage people through talking. We talk our way out of a lot of things. Policemen on a daily basis talk to a lot of difficult people. We learn over the years how to talk our way out of things, and how to talk people into certain things. So much of what we do is managing people," said Hart.

Hart is a personable man. He enjoys talking with the students and following their progress in the program.

"They know that we're not going to run away on them, that we're going to be here for them. And hopefully they're going to make good choices and hopefully, we're going to help them make these choices," said Hart.

Before students can contribute to society, they have to learn to take pride in themselves and pride in their work.

"We start off with the foundation of success skills," said Hart, "This is how you're going to be successful. This is why you're going to be successful."

So far, their attendance record has been notable. Hart has made it his job to ensure the students get to and from school.

"I'm really enjoying it. I pick them up early in the morning and bring them home at noon," said Hart.

Human Resources Development Canada provides the funding for the six month program. Potential students were located through adult probation, youth pastors and word of mouth. Students don't have to pay for the course, but Hart feels the twenty five students accepted into the program are motivated.

When they applied, potential students had to go through a detailed interview process. They were asked to write a one page report explaining why they wanted to take the course. They also had to reveal criminal records and involvement with drugs or alcohol.

The curriculum comes from the accredited Trend College in Kelowna, BC. The program in Stony Plain has been modified for students who might not be at the academic level required for standard courses.

Bellamy is interested in learning about computer maintenance. One of his goals is to develop independence and the ability to look after himself. Trend College offers me skills I haven't had before, he said.

Matt Blacklock is the Student and Employmet Counselor. He teaches courses in time management, problem solving, stress management, human relations, business practices and computer skills.

Blacklock thinks the students can succeed if they become excited about what they are doing. He said they need to focus on "lets live to succeed," not just "live to get by."

He looks past the mistakes they've made and reaches out on an individual level.

"We all go through experiences in life we don't enjoy. Everyone has the potential," he added.

Trend College will help students find jobs where they can practice their new attitudes and skills. The hospitality and retail sectors, as well as banks and trade agreed to interview graduates when the course is over.