Emery C.I. is proud to offer its students a unique program. The Steps to University Program, offered in only 9 schools across the board, is a Toronto Board of Education partnership program with the University of Toronto.

The program, currently in its 6th year, is designed to offer selected students, including academic at-risk students, the opportunity to gain a valuable university experience in Grade 11. By providing students with a first hand look at university life and by providing the necessary support, the goal is that students will attain the skills and qualities required to ensure a successful transition into university. There are many benefits to students accepted into the program.

Students in the Steps program receive one university credit in Sociology that can be transferred to any university of their choice upon graduation from high school. The cost of the course is completely covered by the T.D.S.B., which is a savings of over $800 to the student. In addition, students receive one high school credit in Intro. to Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology (HSP) as well as one high school credit in Public Speaking (EPS).

Most importantly, Steps students experience first hand what university life is like, Ms. Fulton, a lecturer from U of T, comes to Emery twice a week and provides one-hour Sociology lectures to students. Students gain valuable lecture and note-taking skills in the process and write a final exam at U of T.

In addition, students have the opportunity to visit and tour the University of Toronto Campus and ask questions to alumni students. Each student is registered at the University and obtains a student identification card called TCard, which enables them to have direct access to the University and Robarts Library as well as the other facilities at U of T.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are given a graduation ceremony at Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto to mark their accomplishments.