New High School Credit Promotes Leadership in Community
NOTE: A social media version of this release with hi-res, downloadable photos is available at http://novascotia.ca/news/smr/2012-06-19-Personal-Development-Credit/. More photos, audio and video clips will be added later today.
Nova Scotian high school students will be able to earn a credit for pursuing their interests in leadership and the arts outside of school hours.
Education Minister Ramona Jennex introduced the new Personal Development Credit today, June 19.
"One of the goals of the Kids and Learning First plan is to prepare young people for good jobs and citizenship," said Ms. Jennex. "This credit provides another way to encourage students to gain valuable life skills and experience outside the classroom, strengthening their connections with their communities."
The first phase of the new credit will launch in September. Students who participate in approved programs including the Cadet Program, Dance Nova Scotia, 4-H, and Junior Achievement can earn a full or half elective credit on their high school transcript.
"Junior Achievement inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship as a career and gave me the tools to do so successfully," said Bethany Dickey, a Grade 12 student at Dartmouth High School. "I think the ability for students to earn a credit for participating in the Company Program is an amazing step. It provides an even greater incentive for students to join who may not have considered participating otherwise."
Ms. Dickey, who was vice-president of finance in her Junior Achievement company Snug That!, will attend Acadia University in the fall.
In September, the Department of Education will begin accepting applications from other community programs and service providers interested in taking part in the credit in 2013.
Programs that promote community leadership, arts, or languages not offered in schools will be eligible. Programs that charge fees must have options available, such as bursaries, that allow all students to participate.
"We are very pleased to work with the schools to ensure cadets get credit for what they are learning in the Cadet Program," said Cmdr. Wayne DiPersio, Commanding Officer of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Atlantic).
"Learning to sail, exploring Canada's backcountry, and earning a pilot's licence are just some of the many exciting opportunities available to cadets. They develop valuable life and work skills like good citizenship, leadership, self-confidence, and respect for others while having fun and building lasting relationships."