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Meet Issac Nyamekye, Executive Director of Institutional Planning at RDP. First, Isaac describes his experience as a member of the Black community in Central Alberta and as an employee at Red Deer Polytechnic? "My journey as a Black leader at Red Deer Polytechnic has been both enriching and nuanced. As a Ghanaian immigrant, I bring a deep appreciation for community and collaboration rooted in my upbringing —principles I've found reflected in many of my interactions at RDP. Colleagues have consistently demonstrated openness, support, and a shared commitment to fostering meaningful connections and collaboration. The recent launch of RDP's EDI plan and the creation of advisory committees also show the institution's commitment to further enhancing inclusivity and a sense of belonging among staff, faculty, students and partners. While I've found RDP welcoming, I have also had to navigate some unique challenges, like receiving a "compliment" about speaking "good English," which, given Ghana's colonial history, carries complex undertones. Overall, I feel encouraged by the progress I've witnessed and remain optimistic about contributing to a culture where diversity is celebrated as a cornerstone of excellence." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "My Ghanaian heritage is a vibrant part of who I am

Meet Dr. Juliet Onabadejo (she/her), a faculty member of the BScN program at RDP. First, Juliet describes her experience as a member of the Black community in Central Alberta "My experience as a member of Black community in Central Alberta and RDP has been great. Within RDP, it is nice to see more blacks coming in. We seem to be growing here as a community." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "As a child I was told that Black is beautiful and that is what I hold on to. I celebrate my 'Black is beautiful' every day in the way I carry myself. I also celebrate my identity by enjoying music and food from my culture and country of birth, as well as integrating with the community." Who (or what event/moment) do you think about when you hear Black resistance? "My thought goes back to the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977 which helped to end segregated schools in Canada. Of recent, is the Black Lives Matter which is a movement that advocates for racial justice. Why? If schools were still segregated, we would not have a good environment like RDP where people work together regardless of their race

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) faculty, staff and students continue to address the needs of communities in unique ways. Recognizing the demand for blood, plasma and stem cells, RDP’s Employee Wellness Group is collaborating with Canadian Blood Services in Red Deer to host an on-campus radiothon on February 11. This event will share information about blood and stem cell donation. RDP faculty, staff and students are encouraged to donate blood and to consider joining Canada’s Stem Cell Registry. “Today’s event showcases how the Polytechnic community’s partnership with Canadian Blood Services makes meaningful impact in communities,” says Megan Andruik, Safety Coordinator and member of the Polytechnic’s Employee Wellness Group. “RDP’s Employee Wellness Group has launched a 60 for 60 Campaign that encourages 60 blood donations throughout the Winter term from the Polytechnic community in celebration of 60 years of faculty, staff and students creating positive impact in our community and beyond.” Depending on the blood type, the national supply of blood products ranges from a few days to weeks, with the O- blood type having the most demand. It is even more challenging to find prospective stem cell donors who have a one-to-one genetic match with patients. As a result, Canadian Blood

Meet Emile Johnson, Director of Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research, Applied Research at RDP. First, Emile describes his experience as a member of the Black community in Central Alberta "As a Black professional in Central Alberta and an employee at Red Deer Polytechnic, my experience has been a blend of resilience, advocacy, and hope. While I have encountered the challenges that come with systemic gaps affecting marginalized communities, I have also witnessed the commitment of our central Alberta communities and RDP in fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers. In my roles as Director of Resiliency, Child Advocacy Research, and a board member of Canadian Mental Health Association Red Deer, I actively promote cultural understanding and equity. Additionally, my work with the RCMP's Diversity Advisory Council has reinforced my belief in the power of representation and dialogue in public institutions. These experiences have shaped my passion for creating meaningful change and ensuring that all voices, especially those from underrepresented communities, are heard and valued." How do you celebrate your identity (heritage)? "I celebrate my identity and heritage through active participation, continuous learning, and open dialogue. As an active member of the Sierra Leonean and Afro community, I engage in cultural events

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to provide opportunities for the community to advance their knowledge about cultures and history through a series of events and experiences. In collaboration with the Students’ Association of RDP (SARDP), the Polytechnic welcomes students, faculty, staff and community members to participate in a variety of on-campus initiatives throughout Black History Month. In February, the Polytechnic community will honour the contributions, achievements and lived experiences of Black community members, including students, faculty and staff. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are committed to continue fostering an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment that values all students, employees and guests,” says Rambo Nyirimihigo, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor, Red Deer Polytechnic. “By offering a variety of culturally immersive opportunities at RDP, members of our campus community are able to expand their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversation about a variety of topics.” At RDP, Black History Month will begin with a Flag Raising outside the Polytechnic’s main entrance on Monday, February 3 at 10:45 am. Additional Black History Month initiatives and events at RDP include: Book and Fabric Display | February 3-14 | RDP Library Anti-Racism Workshop | Wednesday, February 5 | 12-3 pm | The Loft Panel

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has partnered with BorderPass, an innovative platform to streamline the immigration process for international students. “We are excited to collaborate with BorderPass which provides international students with cost-effective, legal support as they navigate the immigration process to study, live and work in Canada,” says Werner Beylefeld, Dean, International Education, Red Deer Polytechnic. “As we increase our global presence and opportunities at RDP, we anticipate that interest from international students to attend the Polytechnic will continue to grow. We will continue to welcome both domestic and international students on our campuses as diversity strengthens the entire RDP community.” BorderPass will complement the student services and supports provided by Red Deer Polytechnic, assisting international students throughout their entire journey from being accepted into an academic program to employment after graduation. Used by thousands of international students, BorderPass provides access to Canadian immigration lawyers who provide legal expertise about preparing and filing study permit applications, along with exploring permanent residency pathways. BorderPass also helps to keep important immigration documents organized and provides automatic updates about the individual’s immigration process. Through RDP’s robust student services that include academic advising, health and wellbeing, and tutoring, the Polytechnic offers a variety of

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has released its 2024 Impact Report, showcasing the progress made in the 2023-24 academic year toward achieving the institution’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. In 2023-24, RDP launched seven new credit programs, welcomed over 11,000 learners to their campuses (an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year), received a historic $20 million dollar gift from the Donald Family to create the Donald Family Institute for Healthtech Innovation, and was once again named to the Top 50 Research Colleges/Polytechnics in Canada. These are just a few of the positive highlights featured in RDP’s 2024 Impact Report. “Our 2024 Impact Report showcases RDP’s many successes and progress made to achieving our 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. Launched in December 2023, our plan is bold and ambitious; it provides the blueprint for our polytechnic journey,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “By sharpening our focus on the issue of productivity, we are increasing and diversifying the talent base for Alberta’s economic growth and producing a community of innovators and entrepreneurs for our essential industries to compete and thrive. As we look forward to 2025, we will continue to work alongside our

RDP celebrated the completion of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on January 23, 2025, highlighting its cultural and community significance.

A powerful partnership that is helping to build Alberta’s future skilled trades workforce, the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), is providing practical learning that brings together K-12 and post-secondary learning with on-the-job opportunities to central Alberta middle and high school students. At a gathering at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) today, CACI partners provided an information session and update to a group of educational partners, industry representatives and government officials. The Central Alberta Collegiate Institute focuses on providing skilled trades dual credit learning opportunities for middle school and high school students. 190 high school students participated in programming in 2023/2024, with almost 350 learners engaged in programs, so far, this year. Programming currently includes skilled trades exploration and pre-employment training within Heavy Equipment Technician, Welding, Industrial Mechanic and Automotive Services Technician programs for central Alberta students enrolled in grades 8 through 12. “This new Collegiate is allowing RDP to build capacity with local K-12 school divisions, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and CAREERS to enhance dual credit programming in the region, creating pathways to post-secondary education and rewarding careers for central Alberta youth,” comments Stuart Cullum, President of RDP. “The CACI partners have a long history of working collaboratively together

The City of Red Deer has partnered with Red Deer County and Red Deer Polytechnic to gather Business Retention and Expansion and Workforce Development (BREWD) information from local businesses. The project, known as BREWD, is launching with the goal to support local business growth and address workforce challenges. This portion of the project is focused on collecting data that will be used to assess the needs of local businesses and develop a targeted action plan for economic prosperity. The City of Red Deer, Red Deer County and Red Deer Polytechnic have joined forces with partners across central Alberta to collect the data that will help them understand what is driving the local economy and what challenges local businesses face. “The data collected will help decision-makers better understand what is needed to drive local businesses forward so they can grow and succeed,” said Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston. “This will help to create a thriving business environment that supports existing businesses and attracts new investment.” “Regional collaboration is essential to fostering a robust business community that drives economic development, said Jim Wood, Mayor, Red Deer County. “By uniting our strengths and resources, we ensure that our region remains competitive, resilient, and

Through a new partnership between RDP and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, aspiring LFES candidates can now complete their Firefighter Applicant Physical Test closer to home.

RDP is proud to be part of a network of 38 post-secondary institutions who are receiving more than $24 million in Lab to Market funding from the Government of Canada.