Saskatchewan high school students now have a window into the world of commerce and a chance to earn university credits through a program offered by the Sun West School Division.
The division teamed up with the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business to create an introduction to business course online.
Keith Willoughby, Edwards’ associate dean of research and academics, said the course is an overview of concepts in a business degree program and includes modules in subjects ranging from leadership to human resources to finances.
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“This could be a model for the future for us to look at in the north and remote communities without access to things folks in the city enjoy,” he said.
Eight faculty members recorded lectures for the one-semester program. Eight of 12 students who participated in the course last year have since joined the Edwards school.
“Here’s a way of whetting their appetite and giving them an opportunity to come into Edwards with three credits under their belt,” Willoughby said.
Darren Gasper, Sun West’s superintendent of education, said it’s a big advantage for rural schools such as Beechy’s with only 80 students.
“Normally, their choice of courses are very limited, but now they have a range of courses to choose from that’s larger than a large urban high school,” he said.
The division delivers its online classes to 3,000 students, half of which are in Sun West. This year, it is also offering programs with the university’s arts and science, computer science and agriculture faculties.
Gasper conceded it can be challenging at first.
“They need to be independent. Our focus is all about preparing students for future careers.”
“We can give them a taste of what university is like, so that can help make that step easier for them and the transition smoother,” he said.
Terissa Ousdahl of Rosetown, Sask., took the course last year and entered the Edwards’ school this past fall, while Alex McFie has just completed the course online at a Saskatoon high school.
McFie, who plans a career in accounting, said one assignment required him to learn about an entrepreneur’s challenges and rewards.
“It got you thinking, building up your understanding,” he said.
Both students said it was more challenging than traditionally taught courses because it was assignment heavy and required self-motivation and discipline.
