Once again students in Durham College’s (DC) School-College-Work Initiative (SCWI) have achieved academic excellence. The most recent term saw a success rate of 90 per cent, a four per cent increase over last year for the more than 1300 secondary school students who completed a dual-credit program with DC.

“It was another outstanding year for our School-College-Work Initiative students,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The opportunity to complete college credits while also working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma sets students up for success. This year’s results demonstrate what happens when great educators come together and students show a passion for learning.”

The SCWI program focuses on helping at-risk secondary school students receive their diploma while completing college credits at the same time. Dual credit courses are a great choice for students who are at risk of not graduating; enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major; enrolled in an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program; or are under 21 years old and out of school, but close to earning their OSSD.

More than 100 dual credit courses are offered at DC on a variety of subjects, including but not limited to, skilled trades, apprenticeship, health, art, science and business. Students from secondary schools in the Durham Catholic District School Board; Durham District School Board; Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board; Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board; and Trillium Lakelands District School Board are eligible to participate.

“This initiative has one of the highest success rates among students I’ve ever seen,” said Gail MacKenzie, manager, Strategic Initiatives, School of Interdisciplinary Studies. “The dual credit program allows students to achieve their potential and really motivates students to achieve their best.”

For more information regarding the dual credit program, visit the DC Centre for Success website or contact the School-College-Work Initiative coordinator.