First-ever agreement for rural learning: Campus Alberta Central creates new paths with Stettler community
Olds, Alberta, September 28, 2011 – Central Alberta learners now have increased access to a greater variety of educational options, thanks to two separate new agreements signed with Campus Alberta Central; one with the Town of Stettler and another with the Stettler District Community Adult Learning Council.
Stettler area residents will be able to utilize learning opportunities such as on-site, online, videoconferencing, and blended learning that uses any combination of those options. Coordination of a post-secondary committee will help facilitate the active participation of community partners including municipalities, school divisions, health support services, community agencies/organizations and the business community.
“We are especially pleased that this agreement will help us further build a culture of learning in the Stettler area,” said Dick Richards, Mayor of Stettler. “This opportunity allows us to provide a town representative to sit on a post-secondary advisory committee and also allows us to provide input on the community’s learning needs to Campus Alberta Central.”
Campus Alberta Central is the result of a joint partnership between Red Deer College and Olds College and operates under the Province of Alberta’s Campus Alberta mandate. Campus Alberta was created to allow students to learn the skills they want, and gain the certification they seek, where and when they want it with seamless transfer between Alberta post-secondary institutions. It also encourages institutions, such as Red Deer College and Olds College, to undertake greater regional stewardship and collaborate to enhance Alberta’s post-secondary education system.
“As an organization dedicated to providing lifelong educational opportunities for adults,
Campus Alberta Central’s support will be of tremendous benefit to us and the greater community,” said Bonnie Ireland, Manager of the Stettler & District Adult Learning Council. “From bricks-and-mortar support such as leased office and learning space to furniture, training and support for our Site Coordinators, this new partnership brings tremendous advantages.”
Campus Alberta Central currently has eight programs operating in Stettler and 17 across the Central Region. The agreements, signed in early July, mark Campus Alberta Central’s first between two post-secondary institutions, a town, and a community learning council.
“This builds on our already-strong history of working with central Alberta communities to provide post-secondary opportunities beyond the traditional classroom,” said Dr. Tom Thompson, Olds College President. “Olds College has offered various programming including apprenticeship, land reclamation, fashion, agriculture courses and more and we will continue to grow the capacity to deliver them through agreements such as this.”
“We’re excited about the opportunities these agreements provide for students in Stettler and area,” said Joel Ward, President and CEO, Red Deer College. “We’re committed to providing valuable learning opportunities and delivering innovative programming to all central Albertans now and in the future, in their home communities, to ensure our region continues to thrive – this is just the start!”
- END -
About RDC: RDC has served the needs of students and the community for 45 years. With more than 75 programs to choose from, we pride ourselves on providing a practical education, in a genuine and sustainable learning environment. Our 7,800 full-time and part-time credit students and more than 13,000 continuing education students are at the core of everything we do. RDC – when you get here you understand. For more information on RDC, please visit our website: www.rdc.ab.ca
About Olds College: Founded in 1913, Olds College’s vision is to be the premier Canadian integrated learning and applied research community specializing in agriculture, horticulture, land and environmental management. Located 45 minutes north of Calgary, Olds College prepares students to contribute provincially, nationally and internationally through careers in agriculture, horticulture, environmental land management, agribusiness, and rural entrepreneurship. Olds College provides certificate, diploma and applied degree programs, and participates with other institutions in offering post-diploma degrees. Olds College is further dedicated to nurturing innovation, learning, applied research and commercialization for agribusiness through the School of Innovation. 2013 marks the College’s Centennial Anniversary, closely following notable recent accomplishments including the opening of the Shirley McClellan Riding Arena and the launch of the Canadian Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship. www.oldscollege.ca
For additional information, contact:
Dr. H. J. (Tom) Thompson
President, Olds College
403.556.8301
Joel Ward
President & CEO, Red Deer College
403.342.3233