Funds announced to expand dual credit programs in Alberta

“Dual credit programs provide students with meaningful pathways to post-secondary education, trades or directly into the workplace. Expanding these opportunities for students not only brings value to their high school education but also prepares them for success in whichever career they choose,” says Nicholaides.

Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge (U of L) are among the post-secondary institutions that team up with local school divisions to offer dual credits.

Associate Dean for Youth Initiatives with Lethbridge College Joelle Reynolds says they offer 44 dual credit courses in partnership with 18 school districts, covering everything from arts and media, business, health and wellness, justice, the trades, and more.

She called them “transformative opportunities” that make a meaningful difference in the lives of young Albertans.

“Many of our dual credit students describe a feeling of engagement and a sense of belonging and just an excitement about the future as a result of participating in our programs,” says Reynolds.

The U of L also offers a variety of dual credit offerings, including liberal education and genetically-engineered machines.

The University’s Provost and Vice-President of Academics Dr. Michelle Helstein says they look forward to working with school boards to explore new dual credit opportunities.

“Supporting dual credit programs is a positive investment in students’ futures and creates more opportunities for students to find success in a post-secondary setting,” says Helstein. “The University of Lethbridge has been partnering with southern Alberta school divisions since 2015 to provide students with personalized high school experiences that help them gain confidence and discover their career passions and pathways to post-secondary education.”

Carmen Larsen, Director of Learning with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division says it is great to see the province bolstering support for dual credits.

“Holy Spirit is very grateful for the province’s commitment to helping our students prepare for life after graduation. We are hopeful these grants will financially support our students to access dual credit opportunities with our post-secondary partners and help prepare them for their future,” says Larsen.

In 2022-23, more than 50 school districts partnered with post-secondary institutions to offer dual credit programs.

With the new funding, the province estimates that more than 2,100 high school students will be able to enrol.

For the 2024-25 academic year, school authorities can apply for up to $50,000 in funding to create new dual credit courses or up to $100,000 to enhance existing ones.

School authorities will have until May 3 to apply for funding for this year’s stream.

More details on dual credit courses and how school authorities can apply for funding are available on the Government of Alberta’s website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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by David Opinko

Funds announced to expand dual credit programs in Alberta

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