Learn more about BGSD’s Dual Credit program and how to get a head start on an exciting future by talking to your school principal or counsellor or joining our Dual Credit Virtual Open House on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 7-7:30 p.m. on Zoom
As part of our commitment to inspire success in our students, the Black Gold School Division (BGSD) offers a Dual Credit Program, which provides opportunities for high school students to earn college or university credits and high school credits by completing courses with a post-secondary institution.
This program is in partnership with Lakeland College, Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Portage College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Alberta Education. More information about the program is available in the 2023-2024 Dual Credit Handbook.
The Division pays all post-secondary school tuition fees for students enrolled in dual credit courses. Students are responsible for purchasing all textbooks and required materials.
The Dual Credit Program is a unique opportunity for Black Gold to provide support for students to transition to post-secondary while they are still in high school. Students can choose courses that align with their interests and career aspirations to get a sense of whether a program is right for them or simply to get a head start on their post- secondary education.
There are prerequisite requirements for most courses so students must be recommended by their counselor or principal to enroll, and they must have time in their schedule to complete their work. All courses are online and in many cases, high school students are in the same course with adults who are attending post-secondaries full time.
Ethan, a student at Calmar Secondary School who took Computer Sciences, said: “ I really enjoyed my experience with my dual credit course. We were given great resources to use and the course material was well organized and helped me stay on top of deadlines. There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about it.”
Black Gold’s Dual Credit lead teacher, Danielle Manchak, works with school staff to provide a lot of encouragement and ongoing support to students taking dual credit courses. While she acts as a liaison between students and their professor, she spends more time helping students learn how to meet the expectations of the college or university. The program provides a gentle and well supported introduction to the post-secondary world.
There are many benefits for students who take a dual credit course. Students can explore different career pathways and identify future career interests prior to graduation. They gain experience in taking a post-secondary course prior to starting post-secondary education so they know what to expect, and gain confidence in their abilities and new skills. Families also save money on tuition!
Taking a dual credit course can also be a quicker route to certification, and ultimately a rewarding career for students. They earn both high school credits and post secondary credits on their transcripts when they successfully complete their courses, and all courses available through the Dual Credit Program are transferable to other post-secondary institutions.
Tanda, a student at Warburg School, completed the entire Dual Credit Educational Assistant (EA) Certificate through Northern Lakes College. She attended her College graduation 3 weeks before her high school graduation. She really enjoyed the online classes and the flexibility and support provided by the college, and appreciated the tuition assistance provided by the school division.
Black Gold students who have taken dual-credit courses in the past have some words of advice for those who are thinking about enrolling in the Dual Credit Program.
“I would recommend using all the given resources, writing notes and going over those notes regularly,” said Hailey, who took the Medical Terminology course through SAIT. “Using my notes to study and using the resources for further explanation really helped me with the course.”
Angelisse, who took Anatomy and Physiology at SAIT, said: “Time management is key. Because this is a course you have to work on mainly by yourself, time management helps to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.”
The BGSD Dual Credit program represents an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to get a head start on their post-secondary education. Its benefits are numerous, and students should not hesitate to take advantage of this exceptional program.
To learn more about the program and how to get a head start on an exciting future, please join our Dual Credit Virtual Open House on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 7-7:30 p.m. on Zoom. You can also talk to your school counselor or principal to see if the Dual Credit program is a good fit.
For more information, please contact Danielle Manchak at (780)975-0023 or [email protected].
