Free tuition for adults taking high school credit courses has resulted in a 30% jump in enrolment, suggesting the $550 course fee previously required was a hurdle to higher education for many.
“We are seeing a pretty significant bump," said David Mushens, vice-principal of Coquitlam Continuing Education for School District 43. "It’s done what we hoped it would. It does push the barrier away that we would normally see for adult grads."
As many as 100 more graduated adults have signed up for high school credit courses than SD43 saw this time last year, bringing the total to about 700 people for the fall semester.
Mushens said some of the more popular choices are Grade 11 math, which many need to get into Douglas College or BCIT courses, as well as chemistry and biology.
Among the new enrolees are adults seeking to enter the field of nursing, where employees are in high demand to work in the burgeoning health sector.
Mushens said more people are likely to enrol in the future as news gets out that tuition is now free since no-fee adult education programs were reintroduced for adult grads by the provincial government.
A number of people he’s talked to didn’t know about the free tuition and were pleased to get the news.
“People are coming in and they are surprised," he said. "They were saying ‘oh my goodness, that’s great.’”
Mushens added that it’s important that people have an opportunity to upgrade their education because many graduate without completely knowing where their interests and careers will lead them.
For more information on high school credit courses, visit www.ce43.com.
