NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Niagara Catholic Announces Two New Dual Credit Courses

Grade 11 and 12 Niagara Catholic students interested in careers in healthcare or in early childhood education will soon have the opportunity to gain two college credits while still in high school.

The board was recently approved for two new programs through the School College Work Initiative with Niagara College: Communication in Healthcare 1, and Foundations of ECE 1.

Both programs are offered with an introductory Psychology course.

Communications in Healthcare 1 supports students interested in a career in health care with written communication. Foundations of ECE 1 introduces students to the foundations of play-based learning and the principles of Early Childhood Education, including the roles of an Early Childhood Educator. They will also learn about the Child Care and Early Years Act and the Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) document.

Through the School College Work Initiative, students who successfully complete their courses receive a credit for each from Niagara College, as well as credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students learn from a Niagara College instructor, under the guidance of Niagara Catholic staff. This program is tuition free, and students also have free access to textbooks, course resources, and transportation, as necessary.

"The School College Work Initiative is an incredible opportunity for students who are interested in attending college after graduation," said Joseph Zaroda, Superintendent of Education for K-12 Experiential Learning and Technology, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), Cooperative Education and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). "It's kind of a risk-free trial of a program they may want to take after high school that allows them to explore their future pathways while getting two free college credits and two high school credits. By adding these two new dual-credit programs to the seven already offered to our students through the program, we are opening more doors to the future for a different cohort of students. We are very grateful to work with Niagara College on this exciting opportunity, which will be available in Semester Two."

Niagara College is also excited about the opportunities the new programs will provide to students.

"We consider it a privilege to be a supporter of the School College Work Initiative for over 20 years, working in partnership with our local school boards," said Niagara College's Associate Dean, Workforce Development and Community Partnerships, Rebecca Nicholls.

"We appreciate the opportunity to introduce college programming to high school students early on and recognize how these opportunities position students for success. Niagara College continues to explore new courses and academic pathways in key labour market areas to prepare students for post-secondary education and their future careers."