Students in Niagara College’s Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program are benefiting from a newly developed learning environment designed to strengthen both academic and life skills.
The CICE Experiential Learning Lab, located at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was recently dedicated in recognition of a $100,000 contribution from the Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation. The space is intended to provide students with a supportive setting to develop academic, social, and employability skills—key pillars of the CICE program.
“Education is one of our priority investment areas, and we have funded many worthy initiatives at Niagara College over the years,” said Sue Burch, President and Chairperson of the Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation. “Contributing to the CICE program feels very meaningful and it’s wonderful to see how students are using the new lab to support their goals.”
The Foundation has a long history of supporting the college, contributing more than $700,000 since 1979 toward scholarships, capital projects, and student-focused initiatives.
College officials say the new lab builds on that legacy by enhancing how students prepare for real-world experiences.
“The Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation has made a significant impact at Niagara College and we are grateful for its long-standing support of our students,” said Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement. “The Foundation’s latest gift towards the CICE program continues that remarkable legacy through the College’s Together campaign.”
Launched in 2017, the CICE program offers individuals with developmental disabilities and other significant learning challenges an opportunity to experience college life while developing job-ready skills. Students combine academic coursework with supported field placements to build confidence and workplace readiness.
According to Academic Portfolio Manager Katrina Frausel, the new lab has significantly expanded opportunities for hands-on learning.
“The lab is a versatile space where students can transfer their skills from the classroom to real-life situations through simulated and scenario-based learning,” said Frausel.
“It has given students an opportunity to learn key employment skills to set them up for future placement success through workstations, entry-level tasks, role-plays, customer service scenarios, and time management skills,” she added.
The space is designed to replicate both home and workplace environments. Students can practice everyday life skills such as food preparation and hosting, while also engaging in simulated workplace scenarios like operating a café, serving customers, and managing basic service tasks.
Since opening in winter 2025, the lab has already had a noticeable impact on students.
“I really enjoyed my experience in the CICE Lab because it helped build my employability skills by giving me hands on job experience. It was a great area to practice the skills I needed to work on,” said Ryan, a CICE student who began his final term of the program this January. “I was nervous at first, but with the proper support, I was able to build my confidence up and have since moved on to a successful community based placement.”
Funding for the lab’s construction and redevelopment came from both the Ontario Paper Thorold Foundation and CIBC.
The expanded space has also enabled new programming, including the STEP-UP initiative. Piloted in summer 2025, the six-week program allows prospective students to explore the CICE program while providing alumni with paid work opportunities. The initiative earned a 2025 Niagara College President’s Award for Innovation in Student Learning and Success.
“The CICE and STEP-UP programs continue to fill an important need in the community by expanding access to postsecondary education,” said Jennifer Roberts, Associate Dean of Academic and Liberal Studies. “We are grateful to our donors whose support empowers more students to achieve their full potential.”
The project is part of Niagara College’s broader Together campaign, a multi-year effort aimed at improving access to education, enhancing learning environments, and addressing workforce needs across key sectors.
