Pearson College UWC is a two-year, pre-university, non-profit school in Victoria, B.C., Canada, affiliated with the United World Colleges movement.
Pearson College UWC is a non-profit educational institution located southwest of Victoria, B.C., Canada, at 650 Pearson College Drive. It is affiliated with the United World Colleges (UWC) movement but operates as an autonomous entity governed by its own volunteer, non-remunerated Board of Directors. The College relies on the generosity of individuals, alumni, corporations, foundations, governments and supporters of the UWC movement. Its mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Pearson College UWC was founded in 1974 as Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific (Canada). Lester B. Pearson, Nobel Peace Laureate and former Prime Minister of Canada, was the driving force behind its founding. Construction of the campus began on September 25, 1973. Jack Matthews, the Founding Director, recruited a faculty from around the globe, and the first 100 students arrived on September 25, 1974. After Pearson's death in December 1972, the College was renamed Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific as a living memorial to his vision.
Pearson College UWC is a two-year, pre-university school for 200 exceptional students aged 16 to 19 who represent over 80 countries and every Canadian province and territory. Students pursue the International Baccalaureate and an outdoor-oriented experiential education. The College offers the IB Diploma Program and the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD) Program, each a two-year program for ages 16 to 19. The CALD Program is certified under the IB Career-related Programme. Students are admitted through the Global Selection Program (GSP) and through UWC National Committee selection.
The campus includes Max Bell Hall, a campus kitchen, residential houses, a greenhouse, a library, labs, and a bike maintenance workshop.