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Dual Credit Programs: A Head Start on Post-Secondary


Dual Credit programs give B.C. students the opportunity to earn high school and post-secondary credits at the same time. Offered in partnership between school districts and colleges, universities, or industry training authorities, these programs help students get a head start on their career or post-secondary pathway—while still in high school.

Why consider dual credit?

  • Access courses that may not be available at your high school
  • Discover what post-secondary programs you may consider
  • Get started on your post-secondary education while still in high school
  • Enjoy a lighter course load in your first year of post-secondary
  • Open doors – most courses are transferable to other colleges and universities

Whether exploring trades, health care, business, technology, or other high-demand fields, Dual Credit allows students to experience real-world learning, build confidence, and reduce future tuition costs.

Dual Credit is a powerful way to connect classroom learning with life beyond graduation—supporting student choice, engagement, and transition success.

Learn more about what’s available in your district and how to get started.

Website: MOECC Dual Credit

College Partners

Dual credit opportunities are available through both College of the Rockies and Selkirk College. Prospective students should talk to their principal and school counsellor for supported programs prior to enrolling. See below "Resources" for downloadable information, and the sponsorship and application process below.

Sponsorship & Application Process

Since SD8 pays for students' dual credit tuition for supported programs, we want to ensure students are set up for success, demonstrate commitment, and are prepared for entering post-secondary life while ensuring high school graduation.

Prospective Students Should:

  1. Attend "Student for a Day" at the college -- contact your school counsellor to arrange
  2. Meet with your school counsellor to review program/ course / admission requirements
  3. Be on track to graduate with a Dogwood diploma and have a 3 year grad/transition plan in place
  4. Have your school principal or designate approve and submit your dual credit district application
  5. Complete the required college application package and hand it into your school counsellor
  6. Application approved for sponsorship (tuition payment) by SD8 Innovative Learning Services
  7. School or district designate forwards your completed college application to college admissions

Extensions: Building Your Pathway to Graduation and Beyond

Your high school journey can be more than just courses and credits—it can be a launchpad into your future.

Through extensions and integration programs like Dual Credit and Work Experience 11/12, you can start exploring careers, gaining real-world skills, and even earning post-secondary credits while still in high school. These programs are designed to support your passions, goals, and readiness for life after graduation.

We’ll help you map out your courses and experiences in Grades 10–12 through a 3-year graduation plan, so you stay on track for graduation and your transition to college, university, or a career. Your Career Life Education and Career Life Connections courses are key to making this plan reflect who you are and where you’re going.

Integration: Double Down on Capstone & Scholarships 

Students in Dual Credit can earn CLC 12 credit and complete a single Capstone presentation that also serves as their District Dogwood Scholarship application—where applicable.

This integrated option saves time, showcases your strengths, and sets you up for post-secondary success.

One presentation. Two powerful outcomes.

Talk to your CLC teacher or school counsellor to learn more.

Website: SD8 Scholarships

Resources:

Early Childhood Care Education Dual Credit Program (Selkirk College)

SD8 Kootenay Lake has partnered with regional colleges to offer an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) dual credit program for high school students in grades 11 or 12.

The program takes place in the Fall Semester at the Castlegar campus, and will provide students with graduation credits as well as credit toward an ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) program certificate. Students who complete the semester program will be eligible to become an ECE Assistant.

The program is currently offered at Selkirk College (Fall Semester).

SD8 Kootenay Lake pays for the tuition of the program. All other costs are paid by the student/family.

Website: Selkirk College Dual Credit

Schedule (Fall 25-26)

Full day on Tuesdays face to face at the Castlegar Campus:

HSER 174 - Interpersonal Communications (gives students a course that can transfer to the other human services programs, and including Business Administration)

ECCE 188 - Planning with Young Children (this is the curriculum course with play-based and experiential learning; not as academic)

Online:

ECCE 186 - Child Health and Safety (this is the course to give students the credential to work as an ECCE Assistant at a childcare centre)

Resources

Selkirk College Early Childhood Care Education 

Become an Early Childhood Educator (Province of BC)

WorkBC ECCE Career & Labour Information

Interested students should contact their high school counsellor for information.

Scholarships & Bursaries

For students interested in an ECCE (Early Child Care Education) program in the Kootenay region after graduation, please see the following bursary opportunity from the ECE Education Support Fund:

Since September 2018, the Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC), in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, enhanced and expanded the ECE Bursary Program, now known as the ECE Education Support Fund (ECE ESF).

This program consists of two funding streams:

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Student Bursary Program and The ECE Workforce Development Bursary Fund Program

These funding streams are designed to increase the number of students entering, re-establishing and graduating from recognized ECE post-secondary programs. For a list of post-secondary education ECE programs recognized by the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry, please click here.

Bursary Information: https://www.ecebc.ca/bursaries-grants/ece-education-support-fund

ECE Registry

For students who are on the certification pathway to ECCE, apply or manage your certification to work in a child care facility in BC (click here).

Applications & Information:

 

Introduction to Business (ADMN 170) – Dual Credit (Selkirk College)


Are you curious about what it takes to start and run a business? ADMN 170: Introduction to Business is your chance to explore the world of business while earning both high school and college credit—all before you graduate.

Offered online through Selkirk College from February to May 2025, this dual credit course is open to Grade 11 and 12 students across the West Kootenays. You’ll learn the foundations of business, build a business plan, explore careers, and gain transferable skills that can jump-start your future.

-Earn 3 Selkirk College credits toward a Business Administration diploma
-Earn high school credits that count toward graduation
-Build your resume with real career exploration
-Flexible online learning with optional in-person sessions

This course is ideal for students interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, or business leadership.

Registration deadline: January 27, 2025
Course dates: February 3 – May 30, 2025
Talk to your school counsellor today to apply!

Website: Selkirk College Dual Credit

Applications & Information: