The Open Studies Program at Selkirk College is expanding after a successful first year that saw over 100 students attend.

The program, created last year, is designed for the public to be able to take a variety of courses without having to join a credentialed program.  Courses are available at the Castlegar and Tenth Street Campus in Nelson, as well as online.

Open Studies courses have been available since September 2022, but Selkirk has added several new courses for the upcoming fall and winter semesters. Last year, they had roughly 130 individuals take at least one Open Studies course. They expect to have up to 200 this coming year.

In a recent news release, the college said the program is designed for “community members looking to expand knowledge, high school students wanting to get a taste of post-secondary or learners from other institutions eyeing specific areas of interest.”

The program is overseen by Allison Alder, dean of the School of Academic Upgrading & Development, the School of University Arts & Sciences, and the Mir Centre for Peace. Alder says, “it’s a great way to find out what your local community college has to offer."

Alder joined CJLY to discuss the Open Studies Program. Listen to the story below: