Police Foundations Graduate Receives University Scholarship

May 2006 - Graduating from college is often just a start for many students who plan to continue their education at the university level, but it’s the practicality of their college experience that positions them for success. Brandon Belaire is a case in point.  He has just completed the two-year Police Foundations program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley and plans to continue to prepare himself for a career in policing by attending Carleton University’s Criminology Program in Ottawa this fall.

Brandon, who turns 21 later this month, says he is most interested in intelligence work, adding, “I had a plan to go to university but I’m glad that I chose to attend college first. The Police Foundations program was fantastic and I have matured a lot during my time at the Pembroke Campus.  Now, I’m in a much better position to be successful in university.”

During his time at Algonquin, Brandon took on several leadership roles within his program and the campus. As a Director for the Students’ Association, Brandon learned a lot about the decision-making process and is particularly proud of his work in helping the Pembroke Campus obtain funding to build a new student lounge. “The Landing has become a focal point for students and has been very well received by the student population,” says Brandon.

The Police Foundations program covers a broad curriculum that teaches students to respect cultural differences, enhance their communication skills, learn about investigative techniques, police powers, and the court system. It also focuses on the importance of staying physically fit and challenges students against the fitness standards set out for new police officers in Ontario.

Through a partnership with CFB Petawawa, students in the program have access to one of the top fitness facilities in Canada.  Dundonald Hall features a huge gymnasium, pool, climbing wall, cardio-vascular equipment, weight rooms and much more. “The facility is phenomenal and the quality of the teaching in the program is top notch.  One of the great things about studying at a small campus is you really get to know your teachers, and they put in the extra effort to help you be successful”,  Brandon says.

He is leaving Algonquin College with a high academic standing and is being rewarded for his hard work. His admission to Carleton University includes a scholarship for up to $10,000 to assist him with paying his educational expenses. Through an articulation agreement between Algonquin and Carleton, he will also be able to enter the second year of the four-year Criminology degree program at Carleton.

By combining a college and university education, Brandon Belaire has positioned himself to be in demand in the workforce when he completes his schooling. It’s another example of how a college education opens doors to employment and to lifelong learning.