NEC acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the host Nations xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ/selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Indigenous Adult Basic Education (IABE)
UPGRADING & diploma
Vancouver campus & online available
Program Description
The BC Adult Graduation Diploma (also known as the Adult Dogwood) program gives students high school completion, and prepares them for careers and post-secondary education. IABE is accredited by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and affiliated with Vancouver Community College (VCC). This program embodies an Indigenous perspective by offering Cultural Studies, Social Justice, and Creative Writing with Indigenous Approaches, including First Peoples English and First Nations Studies. All our English courses use literature by Indigenous authors to provide a cultural perspective and Indigenous worldview. After completing this program, graduates will meet the Grade 12 prerequisite requirements for post-secondary education at all accredited institutions.
The IABE program offers the ability to upgrade your courses or earn your Adult Dogwood Diploma.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 14 weeks per term
- Delivery Method: On-campus or Online (Limited offerings)
- Intakes: Fall, Winter and Spring
- Schedule: Each course consist of 7.5 instructional hours per week + homework
*This program does NOT need to be approved by Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
How to register
There is no admissions requirement for IABE. Students meet with an Academic Advisor to determine their starting level based on previous academic records and/or assessment results. Courses are recommended, and students are registered according to their learning needs and educational goals.
To register for the Indigenous Adult Basic Education, learner must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Meet with an IABE Academic Advisor to review registration
- Provide a transcript (if available) or complete the free assessment.
Assessment is offered daily at no cost to the learner and results are available immediately.
Is it tuition free?
Yes. In B.C., Adult Basic Education is tuition-free for eligible domestic learners. Tuition-free status is separate from the Adult Upgrading Grant.
An Adult Upgrading Grant application is not required to access tuition-free courses. Students who need assistance with books, supplies, transportation, childcare, or other eligible costs may apply for the Adult Upgrading Grant if they meet the eligibility requirements.
How do i apply for adult upgrading grant?
The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) is a financial assistance program that helps eligible adult learners with the cost of books, supplies, transportation, technology support*, childcare, and other education-related expenses.
- Apply each term and meet eligibility requirements.
- Income verification or other financial documents may be required.
- Funding for repeated course attempts is limited and subject to approval.
- Meet with our Student Financial Aid Advisor to complete your application.
*Technology Support – Eligible AUG learner may receive up to $500 per year for a computer, mobile phone, software, or internet access. Available after the add/drop deadline for confirmed students in good academic standing at NEC and be approved by Student Financial Aid Advisor.
Adult Upgrading Grant Application – The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) application is completed electronically with the assistance of a Student Financial Aid Advisor. Once submitted, students will receive a copy of their completed application and registration copy for their records.
Returning or Continuing Student?
Book an appointment with Program Manager to discuss your next steps and register for classes.
New to NEC?
Book an appointment with an IABE Pathways Coordinator to register and plan your next steps.
Adult Dogwood Diploma Requirements
- A required Language Arts 12 course or equivalent
- A Math 11 or 12 course or equivalent
- At least three additional Grade 12 electives, or a Grade 11 Socials Studies course and two additional Grade 12 electives
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1) Develop enhanced literacy and numeracy skills from an Indigenous lens.
2) Understand the impacts of colonization and critically apply this knowledge from your own Indigenous worldview.
3) learners will develop and demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in key subject areas — such as English, math, science, and social studies — through culturally grounded, relevant, and supportive learning experiences.
We are committed to providing a welcoming and culturally safe environment where students can thrive on their educational journey.
Authentic Indigenous Academic Programs and Curriculum
Prevention of Genocide - Critical and Cultural Thought Processes
Holistic Wrap Around Supports
Course offerings
| MTH 020 A & B | Mathematics – Fundamental (MTH020A & MTH020B equates to MTH020) |
| MTH 040 A & B | Mathematics – Intermediate (MTH040A & MTH040B equates to MTH040) |
| MTH 061 A & B | Math Developmental – Advanced (MTH061A & MTH061B equates to MTH061) |
| FPE 040 | First Peoples English – Intermediate |
| FPE 060 | First Peoples English – Advanced |
| FPE 081 | First Peoples English Literature – Provincial |
| CST 080 | Computer Studies – Provincial |
| CRW 080 | Creative Writing – Provincial |
| SJIA 080 | Social Justice and Indigenous Approaches – Provincial |
| EDCP 080 | Education and Career Planning – Provincial |
| FNS 080 | First Nation Studies – Provincial |
| FNS 060 | First Nation Studies – Advanced |
Longhouse Values
These original laws are embedded in every aspect of our House. They invite cultural identity and selfdetermination of Indigenous Peoples, which empowers learners to advance their unique personal and educational goals.
- Diversity
- Respect
- Understanding
- Gratitude
- Accountability