CEGEP facts for kids

CEGEP is a special kind of public college in Quebec, Canada. The word CEGEP is an acronym, which means it's made from the first letters of a longer French name: Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel. This translates to "College of general and vocational education."

CEGEPs are unique to Quebec. They offer a special step in education after high school but before university or starting a job.

What is a CEGEP?

A CEGEP is like a bridge for students. After finishing high school, students in Quebec go to a CEGEP for two or three years. This prepares them for what comes next.

Two Main Paths at CEGEP

CEGEPs offer two main types of programs:

• Pre-university programs: These programs usually last two years. They prepare students to go to university. Students learn general subjects like science, arts, or social sciences.
• Technical programs: These programs usually last three years. They train students for a specific job. For example, you could study to become a nurse, a computer technician, or a graphic designer. After finishing, students can start working right away or choose to go to university later.

Why CEGEPs are Important

CEGEPs play a big role in Quebec's education system. They make sure that students get a good education, whether they want to continue studying at university or start a career. They also help students discover their interests and choose the right path for their future.

How CEGEPs Were Created

CEGEPs were created in 1967. This happened during a time of big changes in Quebec called the Quiet Revolution. The Quiet Revolution was a period in the 1960s when the government of Quebec made many changes to improve society.

The Quiet Revolution and Education

Before the Quiet Revolution, education in Quebec was very different. Many schools were run by religious groups. The government decided to take more control over important services like health care and education.

The goal was to make education available to everyone, no matter their background. Creating CEGEPs was a big part of this plan. They replaced many smaller, private colleges and made higher education more accessible and equal for all young people in Quebec. This change helped to modernize Quebec's society and economy.

Images for kids

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  CEGEP of Saint-Laurent, Montreal