Goal-oriented high school students in Prince Rupert will have a chance to achieve those goals sooner than expected with the launch of a new program by Northwest Community College (NWCC).
‘The Academy’ program is a brand new initiative by the Prince Rupert campus designed to give secondary school students the option to take university-level courses.
“The Academy at NWCC is ideal for those high-achieving students looking for a high-quality opportunity to learn in an environment that meets their unique needs,” said Dean of Instruction, Tanya Rexin.
“This is the ideal fit for students with specialized interests who may wish to register for independent directed studies and receive high school credits for areas they are passionate about, such as fine arts, music and more.”
A large portion of the curriculum for any Grade 11 or 12 student wishing to enrol is online and students receive a laptop as part of their tuition cost.
A cap for the program is set at 25 and, unlike typical university programs, enrolment for The Academy is allowed at any point during the year, though students are encouraged to apply early if they’re interested.
“The supported learning environment provides students with a low student-teacher ratio, giving students significant academic support,” said Rexin.
The program is part of a recent push by NWCC to attract northwest students fresh out of high school and encourage them to attend one or two years of college education closer to home before heading off to a university elsewhere.
Every course offered within The Academy is taught by qualified B.C. teachers and “meets all provincial learning outcomes”.
The program, encompassing many subjects, starts in September.