School District 57 and the University of Northern B.C. are launching a dual credit program for academic-minded high school students.
Starting September 2015 Grade 12 students can access a number of university quality courses - and get credit for them.
“They can take a university course while they’re still attending high school,” said Lee Karpenko in a presentation to the school board.
Other schools across the province are offering similar programs, said Karpenko, a principal who works in the district.
“No tuition will be charged to the student which I think is very exciting for the parents,” he said adding students will receive both a course credit on a UNBC transcript and also receive a Grade 12 credit. All courses are transferable, too.
Students will be screened by the district and must go through school counsellors before their applications will be considered.
“It allows us to help transition students past Grade 12.”
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two bodies states as its goal enhancing student success and their transition to a post-secondary environment.
All courses will be offered at UNBC's Prince George campus.
"This agreement will allow northern students to benefit from integrated and comprehensive learning opportunities in a number of academic areas," the document said.
The district will pay all associated tuition and course costs at the same rate as other UNBC students, the financial agreement said, while the university is responsible for the student related fees, like the u-pass and various support service fees. It won’t be money out of the district’s pocket, as it can claim all course costs with the Ministry of Education. Each credit hour costs $167, and a student can take up to four credit hours each semester.
The proposed 10 courses are all 100-level and include a selection of anthropology, chemistry, environmental science, geography, psychology contemporary political issues, world history and more.
Those high school students accepted in the program will also have access to university resources including student advising, library services, academic resource centre and the Health and Wellness Centre.
