Government is hoping more organizations will participate in a program that provides students with a unique experience and also gives them a high school credit.

Through the Personal Development Credit, students are given more choices in meeting graduation requirements and are able to earn half or full elective credits. But, they have to take part in programs through approved providers.

“The Personal Development Credit provides students with the opportunity to pursue programs outside the education system and receive credit towards graduation for participating,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. “Both students and our local community benefit from offering more opportunities for community-based learning.”

To be a credit provider, organizations must offer community leadership, arts or languages services that meet the standards outlined in the Personal Development Credit policy. If there is a charge or fee related to the program, options, such as bursaries that allow all students to participate, are required.

Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia, 4-H and Gymnastics Nova Scotia are organizations that have benefitted from the program.

“This is a great program that is straightforward and offers a clear benefit to the provider and students,” said Kristin Williams, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia. “For us, it offers students that extra incentive to participate in our after-school company program. At the end of last year’s program, we had more than 268 students that were eligible for the credit.”

For information on how organizations can become a Personal Development Credit provider, visit http://pdc.ednet.ns.ca .

The deadline for applications is Dec. 31.

Source: Release