Province funds new dual credit programs for high school students

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 31, 2024.

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The province is providing approximately $4.9 million to support 55 new dual credit programs as well as enhance 22 existing programs aimed to provide Grade 10-12 students pathways into apprenticeships for jobs including skilled trades, agricultural and health care.

Dual credit programs are collaborations with post-secondary schools and in line with apprenticeship education pathways, and provide career-based courses that allow students to earn both high school credits as well as credits that count toward a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.

“Students deserve to pursue educational pathways that will set them up for their futures in post-secondary education, trade designations and meaningful careers in Alberta’s growing economy,” states a press release.

The province says the programming will be available to students in all school divisions across the province and the funding will support current programs running in the 2024-25 school year.

“This new funding for dual credit programming will help students discover and pursue their passions,” said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides,. “All while helping them get a head start on their future by gaining valuable skills and post-secondary credit.”

School divisions offering the dual credit programs will receive funding of up to $50,000 to support the start-up costs of the new program. Schools already offering a program will receive up to $100,000 for enhancements.

Alberta Health Services is providing more than $500,000 to support eight health-care aide dual credit programs among the 77 programs announced.

“The health-care aide dual credit programming offers students a valuable opportunity to begin their health-care careers early,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “And develop the skills needed to enter and strengthen our province’s health-care workforce.”

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