News release

Province Expands Personal Development Credit

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

More students will be able to take advantage of a credit that allows them to learn about leadership, languages and the arts outside school hours.

The province is expanding the Personal Development Credit, which was introduced in high schools this fall. Programs and organizations wanting to be included in the credit beginning next September are invited to submit applications by Jan. 31.

"We've heard from parents and youth who are pleased that high-school students now have the option to earn credit for learning new skills outside the classroom," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "This credit is another way to encourage youth to be active in their communities and gain skills that can help them in the workforce."

The first phase of the Personal Development Credit began this past September. Students who take part in approved courses through Dance Nova Scotia, Junior Achievement, Cadets and 4-H are able to earn a full or half elective credit on their transcripts.

"Through 4-H I have become a confident public speaker and I've learned many new skills," said Nicole MacEachern, a Grade 12 student at Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre in Port Hawkesbury. "I believe having this credit on my transcript will help show my chosen university program and future employers that I would be an asset to their team."

Programs that promote community leadership, arts or languages not offered in schools are eligible to take part in the credit. Programs that charge fees must have options available, such as bursaries, that allow all students to participate.

More information for parents, students and service providers is available at http://pdc.ednet.ns.ca.