Dual Credit Program students earn high school, university credits together

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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Today, 17 students successfully completed the second instalment of the Dual Credit Program offered through partnership between Algoma University, the Algoma District School Board and the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board. This course serves as an opportunity for students to earn a Grade 12 course credit as well as a university credit at the same time.

The course, Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice provided students opportunities to experience life as a university student – participate in a virtual campus tour, mock university lecture, workshops on student success, library skills, financial aid, and a graduation ceremony. The program was a 12-day intensive experience (July 2-3, 6-10, 13-17) where students came together (virtually) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and worked independently in the evenings and on the weekends.

"I'm really pleased that Algoma University was able to offer this dual-credit opportunity to local students again this year,” shared Provost and Academic Dean Dr. Donna Rogers. “We had a lot of ambitious plans that we had to scale back a bit due to the pandemic, but even so, enrolment was up from last year. The topic Equity and Social Justice is so necessary for our times, and we are lucky to have Nicole Kay return for a second year to engage and challenge these students."

The students engaged in synchronous lectures, discussions, and guest speaker events. This course is offered at no cost to the students accepted into the program and is meant to help all pupils recognize their capacity for success in post-secondary education. Students worked towards understanding theoretical, social, and historical underpinnings of equity and social justice issues, and implemented their own social action initiatives in their communities. 

“The growth, both academically and emotionally, demonstrated by the students in this course has been absolutely inspiring,” shared Nicole Kay, Dual Credit Course Instructor. “These young people engaged in the difficult process of unlearning, displayed a willingness to embrace uncomfortable and courageous conversations, overcame and worked through their emotions, and truly understand that the commitment to social justice requires a lifelong commitment to learning. Knowing the future is in the hands of these 17 students and their peers brings me extreme comfort and joy during these difficult times.”

For more information on the Dual Credit Program, please click here.

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