Indigenous Overview
The Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program is a 2-year academic certificate program designed for adults with significant learning challenges who wish to further their education/vocational training in a community college setting.
CICE students complete an individualized program of study including elective courses from a variety of St. Lawrence College’s program offerings. Elective course choices depend on seat availability and program suitability. Students take 5 courses per semester, each 3-4 hours in length. A Learning Specialist attends elective classes with students to support their academic needs.
Coursework provides students with opportunities to develop and enhance their academic skills. Students in the CICE program receive supports, such as curriculum modification, note taking, tutoring, and other related academic services. Through field placement experiences arranged by program staff, students will develop or refine their abilities in several potential work environments.
Upon successful completion of all courses and the field placement requirements, students graduate with an Ontario College Certificate in CICE.
Goals of the Program
- Participate in college courses and activities
- Develop and strengthen functional academic skills
- Develop workplace communication skills
- Develop skills for potential employment
- Pursue personal areas of academic/vocational interest
- Develop social and personal skills for success
- Strengthen self-management and interpersonal skills such as self-confidence and self-esteem to enhance performance as an employee and team member
- Contribute to the provision of a healthy, safe work environment
Program Details
Program Highlights
Student Supports
The CICE program offers individualized academic support based on student strengths and needs. Learning Specialists attend elective courses with students and provide the following supports:
- Preparing notes and providing tutoring sessions
- Assisting with assignment/homework completion and preparing for tests
- Building independent learning skills
- Developing and implementing modifications and accommodations in collaboration with faculty
- Other related academic supports
Elective Course Options
CICE students take approved elective courses from a variety of programs offered on their campus. Students are provided with course options that match their interests and goals. Course options are not guaranteed and are based on seat availability and scheduling. For a list of available program options, please contact the campus Program Liaison.
Program Outline
2026-2027
In this course, students develop the oral, written, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the college community.
Students obtain workplace training and develop essential practical and professional skills in real world placements. Through a blend of theoretical and hands-on learning, students engage in simulated and authentic workplace scenarios.
This course is designed to facilitate the beginning growth of the student into a well-rounded, competent employee in general and in particular to develop strategies for success in their first placement. Students learn digital skills to support their college learning and placement experiences. Students dive into topics around professionalism and strategies for success.
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
In this placement, students participate in a community experience to develop essential employability skills. With the faculty advisor, learners co-construct goals for their skill development and assess their progress regularly throughout the semester.
Co-requisite(s): SEMI2CI
In this course, students continue to develop their skills for placement and reflect on their community placement experiences. Learners explore a variety of topics such as problem-solving, communicating effectively, conflict management, self-promotion, and working in teams.
Co-requisite(s): PLAC2CI
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
In this course, students continue to enhance their abilities in oral, written, and interpersonal communication essential for thriving in the workplace and their communities.
In this placement, students participate in a community experience to expand on their essential employability skills. With their faculty advisor, learners co-construct goals for their skill development and assess their progress regularly throughout the semester.
Co-requisite(s): SEMI2000CI
In this course, students reflect on their experiences in placement. Students look at job search strategies and explore a variety of topics as professionalism, boundaries, responsibility, and initiative, building communication skills, credibility and trust, problem-solving and reflecting, and self-advocacy. Learnings update their resume and practice their interview skills.
Co-requisite(s): PLAC3CI
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
In this course, students reflect on their experiences in placement. Learners refine their self-promotion skills, learn to advocate for self in work/volunteer environments, and prepare for their transition post-graduation.
Co-requisite(s): PLAC4CI
In this placement, students participate in a community experience to refine essential employability skills for post-graduation work experiences. With their faculty advisor, learners co-construct goals for their skill development and assess their progress regularly throughout the semester.
Co-requisite(s): SEMI2001CI
- Courses selected from the student's chosen area of interest
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applications received by February 1 that meet the preliminary criteria listed below will be given first consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date until the program is full.
Documentation Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or a Certificate of Accomplishment, equivalent, or mature student status.
- Demonstration of academic needs that require curriculum modification in order to succeed (i.e. Individual Education Plan (IEP), Annual Education Plan (AEP), Psychological Educational Assessment, or other supporting documentation).
- Two confidential references. Please note: the CICE staff will communicate directly with the confidential references listed on your student application form.
Selection Criteria
- Ability to function independently in school spaces and does not require constant support and supervision
- Consistent communication and self-regulation skills, including the ability to understand and respond to lessons and questions, express thoughts clearly both orally and in writing, participate with limited prompting, self-advocate when needed, and engage in independent thinking and idea development
- Ability to participate in programming without risk to health and safety of self and others
- Willingness to participate fully in all aspects of modified programming, including attending classes, tutoring sessions, and placement shifts
- Level of comfort using technology to support success
- Ability to provide transportation, or use the city bus, to and from the college and field placement locations
- Workplace experience, considered an asset
Technology Requirements
- Laptop with Windows OS. Tablets, Chromebooks, or Macbooks are not suitable.
Students who are eligible for OSAP can apply for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and may be eligible for funding to go towards a laptop or other assistive technology.
Note:
Applicants who meet initial requirements and selection criteria based on submitted documentation will be considered for an intake meeting including an in-person interview and skills assessment. Completion of the selection process does not guarantee admission.
Conditional program acceptance may be granted, pending confirmation of ability and safety to participate, as determined by further individual assessments.
Application Process
Applications received by February 1 that meet the preliminary selection criteria listed will be given first consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date until the program is full.
- Interested in the CICE program? View the Steps to Apply
Application information is collected to assess eligibility for admission under authority granted by the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act. The College will grant access to members of the admissions committee and others strictly in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Placement
Placements are secured by our Placement Learning Specialist, a member of the CICE team who understands specialized supports.
- Placements are based on the vocational interests of each student and their needs
- Students attend placements each week in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters
- The hour requirements and expectations for placements increase each semester
- Students may be asked to obtain additional requirements for their placement, which will be communicated to the student directly as needed. These may include Criminal Record Check (CPIC), immunizations, Food Safe Handlers certificate, etc.
Placement partners may include:
- conservation areas
- childcare centres
- schools
- senior centres
- retirement residences
- restaurants and bakeries
- hospitals
- hair salons
- esthetics studios
- performing arts centres
- print shops
- insurance companies
- a wide variety of community agencies
- automotive businesses
- radio stations
- cabinetmakers
- maintenance agencies
- youth sports leagues
- fitness facilities
- animal grooming businesses
- pet stores
- marketing agencies
- and others
Fees
2026-2027
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Cornwall
Enjoy waterfront views, modern health labs, a newly renovated library, and vibrant student spaces in our our Cornwall campus.
Career Opportunities
Students graduating from the CICE program are prepared for a variety of entry-level jobs and volunteer opportunities. Some students may also choose to return to college and enter another college program if admission requirements are met.
Testimonials
Program Contacts
Program Contact
CornwallCICE@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.