New program opens college door for adult learners finishing high school
A new program hatched in the London-area is offering adult learners a chance to earn college credits and explore the ins and outs of post-secondary education while finishing high school.
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A new program hatched in the London-area is offering adult learners a chance to earn college credits and explore the ins and outs of post-secondary education while finishing high school.
Through a partnership between Thames Valley District school board and Fanshawe College, the adult dual-credit program offers two elective credits.
“It’s a benefit no matter what they want to get into. It allows them to experience learning on a college campus, a little more on their own, and in a class with other first year students,” said Dave Carnevale, learning co-ordinator of the dual-credit program.
He describes the program as “a risk- and cost-free way to get the full experience of taking a college course.
“All are general elective courses which means in the future students can apply them to any college diploma program,” Carnevale said. “Usually two to three general electives are a requirement for a diploma.”
Participants can enroll in one elective course such as video game theory, film genres, personal wellness, addictions, discovering social sciences, as well as a course that explores the history of the world through learning about 15 machines.
Along with the first-year course, students will be required to take a college orientation and success course, Carnevale said.
The intention of that course is to “remove the fear and anxiety” associated with being enrolled in a college program, he said.
The dual credit program, which previously has been geared only toward those younger than 18, has been around for about 15 years. It started with 12 Woodstock students going to Lambton College, Carnevale said.
It has grown into three colleges, three days a week, and hundreds of students with “a high success and retention rate,” he said.
The latest program provides both first year college credits and secondary school electives credits.
It starts on Jan. 4 and runs until April 12, or later depending on the date of the exam.
Participants must be at least 21 years old and able to attend in-person classes at the Oxford Street campus of Fanshawe College.
The program provides participants a chance to meet with a college adviser to learn more about college programs and get assistance applying for college and for financial assistance while earning their diploma.
They also must have completed a senior level Grade 11 or 12 secondary school course to qualify.
London students who require transportation will be provided with London Transit bus tickets.
IF YOU GO
Orientation
When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Fanshawe College, Oxford Street campus
More information: www.tvdsb.ca/en/parents/adult-day-away-program—fanshawe-college.aspx
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