Alberta Invests $4.5M in Dual-Credit Programs for Students

High school students in southern Alberta are set to benefit from enhanced educational opportunities as the Alberta Government announced an investment of approximately $4.5 million in dual-credit programming. This initiative allows students in Grades 10 to 12 to earn both high school and post-secondary credits while gaining hands-on experience in various career pathways.

The funding will be allocated in a structured manner, with $1.6 million dedicated to the creation of 33 new dual-credit courses. Additionally, $2.8 million will enhance existing programs, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support as they prepare for their futures. An additional $475,000 from Alberta Assisted Living and Social Supports will be used to develop new and improved health care assistance programs.

Funding Details and Impact

The Palliser School Division is the sole local authority to receive funding in this intake. According to Jason Kupery, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services, Palliser will receive $150,000 this year. Kupery emphasized the significance of dual-credit programs in helping students transition smoothly into post-secondary education. He stated, “Dual Credit is vital to exposing students to potential post-secondary pathways and allows them to feel confidence that they can succeed at a post-secondary level. It is also essential to creating a smoother transition to the post-secondary world for students.”

A key aspect of this initiative is the opening of the new Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute in early 2024. This institution will offer dual-credit pathways in trades and agriculture and will be located within Lethbridge Polytechnic. Kupery noted that collaboration with Polytechnic instructors will enhance the learning experience, stating, “We are being intentional with including LP as we want to create more awareness of trades programs and provide a link to LP.”

The funding allocated to Palliser includes a $100,000 enhancement grant, which will purchase equipment to support dual-credit pathways in schools. Students at Noble Central School in Nobleford and Carmangay School will participate in practical projects, such as building sheds, which will integrate their learning with real-world applications.

Kupery also mentioned the establishment of new courses in technology fields, including Game Design Technology and 3D Architecture, with an additional $50,000 designated as a start-up grant to promote these programs. The Palliser School Division plans to share these innovative offerings with other school divisions across southern Alberta, ensuring that a broader range of students can benefit.

This funding initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more integrated and practical education system in Alberta, equipping students with essential skills and knowledge as they prepare for the next phase of their educational journeys. The full list of funding recipients can be found in the Alberta Government’s official news release.