Hal and Keanna Holden appreciated the chance
to learn more about Dual Credit programs.
Associate Dean of Trades, Stacy Smith, talking
about Trades program options.
Student Recruiter Tricia Hotchkiss with Dawit Fellissa.
FORT ST. JOHN – More than 80 Grade 10 and 11 students and parents from across School District 60 attended a special open house to learn how they can start the transition to a career in Grade 11 or 12 through Dual Credit programs at Northern Lights College.
The open house, held December 11, provided students with information on programs and careers available at NLC, and how they can get a head start on their futures by earning post-secondary credits while still in secondary school through Dual Credit program options.
Keeanna Holden was looking for more information about Visual Arts programs offered at the Dawson Creek Campus. She also hopes she can get some advanced credits in Biology while still in high school. Her father, Hal, is very impressed with the concept of Dual Credit programming.
“The idea that students can get a head start in their post-secondary education with the Dual Credit program is an amazing opportunity. I wish I had this option when I went to school,” he said.
Also in attendance was student Nicholas Crawford, who wanted to learn more about the Automotive Service Technician and Welding programs.
“I came out tonight to get more information on the specific trades programs that I am interested in and what prerequisites I need as a Dual Credit student in order to get into them,” said Crawford.
The event included presentations by several NLC representatives, including Admissions Officer Junko Leclair, Academic and Career Programs Chair Lisa Verbisky, Associate Dean of Trades and Apprenticeships Stacy Smith, and Student Recruiters Tricia Hotchkiss and Rachael Casponi. There were also tours available of the Fort St. John Campus.
“This College and this community have so much to offer. An event like this open house really helps create a bridge between the two, so that students can get a great local education and put it to use in their own community,” said Verbisky.
Smith was impressed with the strong sense of commitment he got from students about planning for their future educational plans.
“Those students that I had the pleasure of speaking with seemed very sincere about their desire to ensure they proactively aligned their current course load to accommodate the entry into a Dual Credit program and ensure they had the necessary credits to graduate,” said Smith.
For more information on Dual Credit programming, students should contact their secondary school counselor.