Students can now earn first-year ECU credits and a portfolio waiver while still in High School.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) has re-launched HeadStart in Art, a partnership with the Vancouver, Surrey, and Coquitlam School Districts as part of the provincial Dual Credit pathway. Beginning Fall 2026, the program will see its first cohort of 40 grade 12 students on ECU’s campus — marking a shift from delivery within school districts to an immersive university experience. With the BC Labour Market Outlook projecting over 42,600 job openings in art, culture and related occupations over the next decade, this initiative arrives at a moment of growing demand for creative skills across the province.
HeadStart in Art enables students to earn high school graduation credits while completing three first-year credits applicable toward a bachelor’s degree. Participants are also eligible to receive a portfolio waiver when applying to ECU, creating an accessible bridge into undergraduate programs at Canada’s top-ranked art and design university.
Through the program, students can explore their creativity as they build post-secondary credentials early and gain insight into the university experience. In the first year Creative Processes class (FNDT 108), they will engage in hands-on, practice-based learning through collaborative projects, individual assignments, peer reviews, discussions, research and studio sessions, while learning to iterate, experiment and develop solutions in the process of making and studying art.
HeadStart In Art reflects ECU’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to art and design education and supporting the next generation of creative practitioners.
“Art and design communities thrive when new voices enter the studio and curiosity meets craft. This dual credit program is about reaching further, starting earlier and building learning pathways to university-level art and design education,” says Diyan Achjadi, Vice-President Academic + Provost of Emily Carr University. “In our 100th year, expanding access to our creative community with strengthened partnerships provides new opportunities to nurture emerging talent.”
HeadStart in Art is open to grade 12 students enrolled in participating districts who meet academic and program requirements, and tuition is covered. For students or parents of students who may be interested in the program, please contact the Vancouver, Surrey or Coquitlam school districts’ Career Education Offices for more information about eligibility, application steps, and timelines.
For more information about the program, visit our webpage.
Media Contact
Taylor Assion
Communications Manager
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
604-700-7530
tassion@ecuad.ca