Royal Roads and Sooke School District 62 sign MOU for dual credit
Royal Roads University and Sooke School District 62 (SD62) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets the stage for developing new dual credit opportunities for high school students in the Westshore.
The agreement outlines possibilities that would allow SD62 students to earn university-level credits while still in high school, creating earlier, more seamless transitions into post-secondary education and reducing both time and cost to earn degree-level credits while still in high school.
“Royal Roads is deeply committed to opening more pathways for learners in our community,” said Philip Steenkamp, President of Royal Roads University. “By working together with SD62, we have an opportunity to create truly meaningful experiences for young people, the kind of experiences that inspire confidence, spark curiosity and help students envision themselves thriving in post-secondary.”
Students entering Grade 11 in the 2026/27 school year will have the opportunity to choose dual credit courses from the new RRU undergraduate certificate programs in Business and Sustainability, Applied Environmental Sciences, or Social Sciences. Courses will take place primarily at the RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus, providing Westshore students the opportunity to begin their university journey close to home.
“Exploration builds direction. Through dual credit opportunities, students can discover what interests them, gain firsthand post-secondary learning experience, and graduate with both confidence and a head start on their future,” said Amanda Dowhy, Board Chair, Sooke School District. “They’re able to do this in a familiar setting, surrounded by teams of educators who know them and are committed to supporting their success as they take meaningful steps toward their goals.”
RRU and SD62 are developing the details for application processes, student supports, admission requirements, and other operational elements needed to bring the dual-credit program to life. The collaboration will align with guidelines from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and the Ministry of Education and Child Care, ensuring any future program offerings reflect provincial dual credit policy. The MOU outlines guiding principles for the partnership, emphasizing student success, supported transitions, inclusion, and mutual value for both institutions.