Changes to High School Upgrading for Graduated Adults
Adult learners who have graduated from high school should be aware of a recent announcement from the Ministry of Education that affects the cost of upgrading high school courses. Currently, adult students who have graduated from high-school, and wish to upgrade, are able to choose from a select group of courses for free. These courses are ones typically required for entrance into post-secondary programs. These courses are in Language, Science and Math.
However, time is running out to take these courses for free. A letter from the deputy minister of education to school districts reads: “After May 1, 2015, the Ministry of Education will no longer provide funding to school districts for tuition-free upgrading courses for newly-enrolling adults who already hold a high school diploma.” In other words, if you hope to upgrade high school courses for free, you need to start the course before May1st.
However, adults who have not yet graduated are not affected by this announcement. Minister of Education Peter Fassbender states: “This change will not affect adults who have not yet graduated. Under the School Act, they cannot be charged for tuition for courses.” Adults working towards graduation can continue to take courses for free until they fulfill graduation School District 53 services adult learners through YouLearn which has campuses in Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos.
If you need courses for high-school graduation, or wish to upgrade high-school courses to qualify for a post-secondary program or an employment opportunity, visit them online at youlearn.ca or at one of their campuses.
In addition, they will be holding an open house at their Oliver centre on Monday evening, January 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 and at their Osoyoos centre on Tuesday evening, January 13, from 6:00 – 8:00.