Inuvik (Mar 31/06) - A desire to further one's education is great, but getting the qualifications to get into college or university doors is the real key to success.

Aurora College nursing access student Charlene Teddy with her daughter Anna Pearl. She can spend time with her daughter while participating in the program. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

That's the goal of Aurora College's access programs. Offering five levels of upgrading in math, English, science and social studies - as well as social work access, trades access and teacher education access - the Learning Centre on Distributor Street is where students go to qualify themselves for a new career.

"There's a lot of successes happening in developmental studies and we want to get that out there so future students know about the possibilities," said Aurora College Aurora Campus Director Miki O'Kane.

She said trends for students completing their upgrading is above 60 per cent.

Senior instructor of developmental studies, Linda Flynn, who has been involved with the program for the past six years, agrees.

"Our success rates are progressively going up," she said. "Students are driven to succeed and are more goal-oriented."

Charlene Teddy is one of 50 students in the developmental studies program. For this mother of three, a nursing career is what brought her from Tuktoyaktuk to study in Inuvik.

"I tried to do upgrading on my own in Tuk and I didn't finish," she said adding.

With nobody to study with and no instructors encouraging her, it was difficult to get motivated.

"Here I have a routine, fellow students and am able to learn with instructors."

While Teddy credits her spouse and family with helping and supporting her career ambition, she does note that the Learning Centre is "kid friendly." It allows some students' children to join them for lunch and during class, providing there are no disturbances.

And if all goes according to plan, Teddy - who was one of five students given an access $1,000 scholarship this year - will finish access nursing in June and will apply for the Northern Nursing program at Aurora College in September.

"I thought it was going to be really hard and I wouldn't have the time, but once you put your mind to it,