CoNCLUsioN

The annual NORTEP-NORPAC graduation ceremony has become a highlight on the northern calendar. The quality of the event goes some way towards capturing the hopes and dreams of its participants—the graduates, and their families and friends alike. Across the province, too, and occasionally at a national level, there is also awareness that NORTEP-NORPAC is a good and worthwhile program. In spite of these marks of recognition, however, it may not be fully apparent just how extensive the impact of the program has been.

By examining numerous dimensions of the program’s impact in this report, it is hoped that the scope and depth of the educational transformation that NORTEP-NORPAC has effected may become more fully appreciated. It may also become clear that the program is poised to take another major step in its development.

NORTEP-NORPAC’s record of achievement and impact—as impressive as it is—does not mark an end, or even a plateau, in its program development; rather, it signals the opportunity for new beginnings. Our report has demonstrated the multi-layered and multi-dimensional nature of past accomplishments, but new frontiers urgently beckon.

The record that emerges from this impact analysis amounts to a strong vote of confidence for NORTEP-NORPAC’s role in northern post-secondary education. It also represents a channel, and an instrument, for significant future growth and development. If needs in the areas of math/science, secondary teaching, and careers outside of teaching (arts and sciences, and other professions) are to be met, another major step needs to be taken.

NORTEP-NORPAC’s record of impact over nearly 40 years invites fresh affirmation and a new mandate. The innovation and determination that NOTEP/NORPAC has demonstrated invites the next bold step. Surely this step calls for a new and enhanced mandate, new facilities, and new programs monies commensurate with this mandate. An expanded NORTEP-NORPAC will build on its remarkable success to serve northern students with more extensive program options, empowering them to place their own unique stamp on the society of tomorrow by fully participating in the nation’s economy, culture and society.