Durham College recently announced that its most recent Dual Credit Data Report, covering September 2012 to January 2013, indicates an impressive 85 per cent success rate for students enrolled in the college’s more than 100 dual credit courses.

Focused on subjects involving the skilled trades, apprenticeship, business, health, wellness, general education, math, science, the arts and more, dual credit courses allow secondary school students from the Durham District School; Durham Catholic District School; Kawartha Pine Ridge District School;  Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School; and Trillium Lakelands District School boards to get a head start on their futures by earning a secondary school and college credit at the same time, resulting in a seamless transition from secondary school to post-secondary education or an apprenticeship.   

“Dual credits offer secondary school students wonderful exposure to a post-secondary or apprenticeship learning environment while they work toward both their OSSD and future career path,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “I am very proud of the results of this report, which are a great example of what happens when local schools, school boards, the provincial government and Durham College work together to create opportunities for students that are designed to meet their individual interests, strengths and needs.”

Delivered at select secondary schools and at the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, depending on each course, individual school and school board, dual credits are aimed at students who are:

• Considered at risk of not graduating from high school;
• Enrolled in a specialist high skills major (e.g. students focused on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
• Enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (e.g. students in Grades 11 and 12 who are earning co-operative education credits through work placements in skilled trades); and
• Under age 21, out of school and close to completing their OSSD requirements. 

In addition, at-risk students can take dual credit courses through Durham College’s Centre for Success program, which encourages students to stay in school and earn their high school diploma by engaging them in a college environment – demonstrating that they can also be successful in post-secondary education. Students work toward their diplomas while on campus with access to regular college support systems and amenities. In addition to meeting the graduation requirements most students also earn a college credit during their time in the program.

“After working as a secondary school teacher and guidance counsellor for 31 years, I can honestly say this is one of the most successful student success initiatives that I have been involved with,” said Gail MacKenzie, manager of Strategic Initiatives, Durham College School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services.  “The dual credit program allows students to reach their true potential and realize they can be successful, not only in their secondary school program but at post-secondary education.”