Loyalist College Dual Credit courses expand education opportunities for high school students

Belleville, ON, March 7, 2023 – Loyalist College opens its doors for high school students to overcome barriers and access higher education with the School Within A College (SWAC) program. SWAC provides students who face challenges graduating high school with the transformative opportunity to learn in a dynamic post-secondary environment as they work toward earning high school and college credits simultaneously. This Winter 2023 semester, Loyalist welcomed 17 students on campus to practice their skills, explore career pathways and pursue a brighter future.

“Loyalist College is committed to expanding access to education in the Bay of Quinte and beyond,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Loyalist College President and CEO. “By remaining attuned and responsive to the needs of our community, our exceptional faculty and staff continue to create new pathways to post-secondary education, such as the SWAC program. As Ontario’s Destination College, we are singularly focused on ensuring all learners are successful in their post-secondary journeys and achieve their career goals.”

Supported by the combined efforts of secondary school teachers and College instructors, SWAC offers a variety of Dual Credit course options in fields such as automotive, culinary, construction, esthetics, welding and more.

“We know many high school students achieve better outcomes by learning outside of a conventional secondary school setting,” said Sean Monteith, Loyalist College Senior Vice-President, Academic. “Instead of requiring students to conform to a traditional structure, this program meets students where they’re at and sets them on the post-secondary trajectory they deserve. Loyalist College is proud to host students from a range of local school boards to help expand their horizons and discover career possibilities.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my experience at Loyalist, especially the flexible schedule and the welcoming environment,” said Demona Boyer, a student in the Wellness and Early Childhood Education Dual Credit programs. “The professors treat us like college students and provide us with daily support.”

Brice Hass and Demona Boyer are Dual Credit students at Loyalist.

“As I complete my credits, I’m also getting volunteer experience touring grade 9 and 10 students around the College to show them a slice of life as a Loyalist student,” said Brice Hass, student in the Early Childhood Education Dual Credit program. “I’ve found my instructors have made a huge effort to create a safe space for everyone, and I’m sharing my experience with other students who can benefit from that support.”

Loyalist offers Dual Credit programming to students from Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board; Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board; Durham Catholic District School Board; Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board; Limestone District School Board; and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland & Clarington Catholic District School Board.

Learn more about Dual Credit programs at Loyalist College.

About Loyalist College 

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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