A program to offer dual credits for high school students in Bow Valley College courses is expected to become official soon.
The new dual credit program, one of eight pilot projects in the province, was discussed at the most recent Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) board meeting.
“The real key, I think, to this partnership with Bow Valley College is the fact that both organizations view schools as hubs of learning,” said CRPS Superintendent Chris MacPhee.
The pilot project is the result of a request for proposals process the College of Alberta School Superintendents put out in spring for dual credit programs. The goal of the program is to increase the participation rates of students in post secondary institutions.
CRPS and BVC submitted the proposal and were approved, although the official announcement is expected from the province in the next few weeks.
“We are going to work with Bow Valley College to allow high school students in Grades 11 and 12 to take first-year level business courses,” explained CRPS director of learning and innovation Darren Dick.
As part of the two-year pilot, courses will count towards high school credits as well as see the province pay tuition for the college course. The college courses will be taken online, allowing students to remain within the high school environment.
A $150,000 grant will pay for a position to liaise between the college campus in Canmore, Calgary and local high schools. The dual credit program will begin in January, and Dick said it is possible for a student to complete their first year certificate in business.
He added the business focus is just the beginning, with potential of the program to move into accounting, tourism and event planning, to name a few.
