What is SWAC?
The School Within a College (SWAC) program gives students the opportunity to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while earning college-level credits in a supportive, adult learning environment on a college campus.
This program is offered in partnership with Seneca Polytechnic and is designed for students who may face challenges graduating in a traditional high school setting, but who show the potential to succeed in a college environment.
What does the program look like?
Students attend Seneca Polytechnic: King Campus throughout the semester.
Courses are delivered by secondary school teachers and college instructors at Seneca Polytechnic.
YRDSB students can earn up to 4-6 credits in one semester. For example, students could earn:
- two dual credit courses (that count towards a first-year college course and secondary school diploma)
- two secondary school credits (such as cooperative education)
This structure allows students to make progress towards graduation while exploring college programs and careers.
Participating students also benefit from:
- A Presto card (if applicable) to support travel to the campus.
- A snack program offered throughout the semester.
- Access to college events and facilities including gymnasium, library, computer labs, etc.
- Career exploration activities and workshops to help students plan and prepare for their next steps.
Sample schedule for a semester
2 Dual Credit courses
2 other OSSD courses which could include Co-operative Education
What are the benefits?
Students in the SWAC program can:
- Earn high school and college credits at the same time.
- Build self-advocacy, literacy skills and learning strategies that support a successful transition to post-secondary education.
- Learn in a state-of-the-art college environment.
- Gain confidence by experiencing college before applying full-time.
Who is SWAC for?
Students who apply for this program should:
- Be between the ages of 17-20.
- Have completed at least 24 credits, including Grade 11 English (ENG or NBE).
- Have completed OSSLT or OSSLC (preferred but not required).
- Be early school leavers.
- Be apprenticeship and/or college-bound.
Where is SWAC offered?
Students in all YRDSB secondary schools can apply to the SWAC program.
The program runs at Seneca Polytechnic: King Campus.
How and when do I apply?
Students are recruited twice a year for September and February intakes.
Interested students: apply online.
Applications are reviewed and selected students attend an interview with YRDSB and Seneca Polytechnic Staff in August or January.
Please speak with your school guidance counselor if you have any questions.
For More Information
- Contact YRDSB Pathways Department: pathways.yrdsb@gapps.yrdsb.ca
- Follow us on Instagram: @yrdsb.pathways
- Youtube: Pathways playlist videos
