Released on September 2, 2014
Thanks to an agreement between the Government of Saskatchewan, the 38 Canadian Brigade Group, Regina Public Schools and the Regina Catholic School Division, high school students in the Regina area now have the opportunity to receive military dual credit recognition through the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve Co-op Program.
This addresses one of the goals in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth that by 2015 there will be an expansion of alternative credentials for high school completion through partnerships with school boards, teachers, training institutions, business and industry.
“Our government has deep respect for our Canadian Armed Forces and their commitment and dedication to serving our country and our youth,” Education Minister Don Morgan said. “The Primary Reserve Co-op Program will help students learn valuable life and leadership skills and I encourage other school divisions to explore similar dual credit opportunities.”
Starting in February 2015, students in both Regina school divisions can apply to take the program in the second semester of each academic year. Under the program, students who complete the requirements of basic military training, as well as Canadian History 30, will receive two high school credits and recognition as a member of the Canadian Army Reserve.
Military training will be delivered at the Regina Armoury. To be eligible, a student must be a Canadian citizen with a minimum grade 10 education and be 16 years of age. If successful, students may choose to continue to serve with the Canadian Army Reserve.
“The Canadian Armed Forces are proud to provide employment and career exploration opportunities to our Saskatchewan youth,” 38 Canadian Brigade Group Commander Colonel Ross Ermel said. “A career in the Army Reserve is an excellent opportunity for students to experience service to Canada while experiencing part-time military occupations that provide direct skill transfer to civilian careers. In partnership with the Saskatchewan government and educators, we will achieve diversity in learning and growth while building tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Regina Public Schools is pleased to be introducing the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve Co-op Program, which is a great opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of career options with the Canadian Armed Forces,” Regina Public Schools Director of Education Julie MacRae said. “It is yet another example of how we are working with our partners to ensure successful outcomes for all Regina high school students.”
“This is an exciting initiative that will allow our students to attain credits while accessing unique training and paid employment,” Regina Catholic School Division Superintendent of Education Services Cheryl Exner said. “It will provide students with employment opportunities after the program ends. We are very much looking forward to offering this opportunity to our students.”
The Government of Saskatchewan supports alternative pathways to graduation by allowing high school students the opportunity to earn high school credits and post-secondary credits or other program recognition at the same time in the same course. Post-secondary institutions or other entities that deliver a recognized program of instruction can apply to offer dual credit programming to secondary level students.
To learn more about the dual credit initiative, please visit www.education.gov.sk.ca/the-saskatchewan-provincial-dual-credit-initiative-2014.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506
Major Michael Lagace
Canadian Armed Forces
Winnipeg
Phone: 204-833-2500 ex
Email: michael.lagace@forces.gc.ca
Terry Lazarou
Regina Public Schools
Regina
Phone: 306-523-3133
Email: terry.lazarou@rbe.sk.ca
Sean Conroy
Regina Catholic School Division
Regina
Phone: 306-791-1734
Email: s.conroy@rcsd.ca