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Cardinal Carter Catholic High School student, Jeffrey Rainey is getting an early taste of college life and he loves it! Thanks to a very unique program, York Catholic high school students have the chance to earn a college credit while still attending high school.
The Dual Credit Program is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Aimed at Grades 11 and 12 students, this program seeks to provide students with a positive college experience in an effort to help them transition into the world of post-secondary education.
Jeffrey is currently enrolled in a Business course at Seneca College’s Markham Campus, and attends the classes two afternoons a week. His participation in the program will grant him one high school elective credit, and one general education college credit.
So far, Jeffrey can already see the practical applications of his college course.
“My business course is very useful. Even if business isn't your interest, this course gives you the knowledge you need to be successful in any career you chase after,” said Jeffrey.
The Dual Credit program is suited for students in three different situations - the Marginalized and Disengaged Learner; students enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students, and students in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
High school students can enroll in a maximum of four Dual Credit courses, which are completely funded and include transportation to and from the college, course textbooks and fees. Students enrolled in Dual Credit courses are also connected to a Dual Credit Monitoring Teacher whose primary role is to provide students with the supports required to be successful within the program.
While students are enrolled in these courses, they are considered full-fledged college students. Therefore, they have access to all college facilities, resources and services such as computer labs, gym facilities, libraries, counselling and disability services. Jeffrey's experience at Seneca College is an excellent example of this. As Jeffrey is visually impaired, he requires extra supports. Seneca College has been very diligent about providing Jeffrey with as many supports as required to aid him in having a positive college experience.
“The staff and students at Seneca have given me much support, and have helped me become as successful as I am,” said Jeffrey. “They have provided me with accommodations such as a computer with “jaws” when I need to write my tests, the college textbook emailed to me electronically, and, early on in the semester, ambassadors to help me get around the campus.”
Seneca College is one of three colleges that are offering Dual Credit courses to York Catholic students. Along with Seneca College’s Markham, King and Jane Campuses, Centennial College and Humber College also offer interesting courses for students, such as Social Psychology, Spa Management, Blueprint Reading, and Law Enforcement Communications.
So, would Jeffrey recommend the Dual Credit program to other students?
“If you can squeeze in a dual credit course once or twice a week for up to 3 hours, it is definitely something worth considering,” said Jeffrey. “College is different than high school. You have more freedom, more responsibilities, and even more to think about once you graduate. You lose very little, and can acquire a lot.”