Education/training
College "dual credit" programs reinvigorate high school studentsA taste of college lifeDespite his "cruddy" mid-60s high school marks, Ben Hough -- a Grade 12 student at R.H. King Academy in Scarborough -- is, according to friends and family, "smart." It's just that he hasn't been interested at all in high school academia. ANN BULLER -- President, Centennial College |
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 [ 2007-07-11 ] |
Fortunately, a unique new program that allows a student like Hough to get a taste of college life has helped turn him on to learning.
Hough recently completed a course in digital technology at Centennial College as part of the province's new measures to help students receive an education to at least age 18. Hough was able to study in a "dual credit" program that allows students to take college courses as part of their high school program.
When the student successfully completes the college course, the student receives both a high school credit and a college credit for the same course. In effect, the student gets a jump start on a future college education.
In Hough's case, he finished the course at Centennial with a final mark of 76, and a clearer idea of what his future might hold.
"HANDS-ON"
"I didn't know what I wanted to do until I took this program," Hough says.
"The course was interesting and I loved the hands-on aspect. We got things done."
This year, about 2,500 students participated in the dual credit courses that were delivered through school board and college partnerships. For many high school students, the exposure to the adult environment on college campuses and to college faculty has helped to reignite their interest in education and training.
The dual credit initiative is a major part of the government's goal to cut in half the 30% dropout rate at high schools.
The approach is gaining popularity across Canada. Besides Ontario, dual credit programs are offered in New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia. The success of these programs can also be seen in the U.S., where most states have run dual credit programs, 18 states mandate it, and more than 70% of public high schools offer dual credit programs.
At a time when an estimated 70% of all new jobs will require a post-secondary credential, the large number of young people who fail to complete high school represents a serious challenge for Ontario. The 30%dropout rate translates into thousands of individuals with limited career options and meagre prospects. In fact, during the past five years, youth unemployment in Ontario rose by 31,000 while falling in the rest of the country.
GLOBAL STAGE
The link between education and prosperity applies not only at the individual level. If Ontario is to compete successfully on the global stage it will need more highly skilled and trained workers to drive innovation, adopt new technologies, and improve productivity.
Nationally, there are almost 4 million more employees with post-secondary credentials than 15 years ago. There are also 750,000 fewer workers without post-secondary credentials. Even with this huge shift in hiring, many sectors face skill shortages, including manufacturing, mining, construction, small business, financial services and transportation services.
84% COMPLETION RATE
Consequently, encouraging young people to complete secondary school and pursue higher education has never been more important.
With the dual credit programs, which will again be offered next fall, students get a new chance to discover education and training.
Of the students enrolled in dual credit programs this year, 84% have completed their course or courses successfully.
In short, the dual credit programs are making a real difference in the lives of students, many of whom are going on to successfully pursue post-secondary opportunities. Ben Hough, for example, has been accepted in Humber College's Theatre Production program.
Dual credit programs are providing significant benefits that will result in improved high school graduation rates, increased enrolment in college, and, ultimately, higher numbers of skilled and educated workers that are vital to Ontario's economy.
Hopefully, the dual credit program will be expanded in the coming years and Ontario will become a leader in providing innovative and successful ways to reach as many of our students as possible, helping them reach their true potential through higher education.
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