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Eligible Red Deer Polytechnic students will have the opportunity to enhance their competencies and career opportunities by participating in unique global experiences, including in Costa Rica and Saint Lucia, through the newly launched RDP Abroad program. This exciting study and work abroad program will provide learners with valuable opportunities to experience different cultures, develop their skills, and grow academically and personally through life-enhancing experiences. These academic and cultural learning opportunities are offered through the Global Skills Opportunity program, which is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and jointly administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada. Through the RDP Abroad Biology Experience, students enrolled in Red Deer Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree can apply to work with the Centre for Rescue of Endangered Marine Species ( CREMA) and Turtle Trax, which are organizations responsible for sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Learners will participate in applied research while receiving credit for their work. Students have the option to select a three-week volunteer experience or apply for a three-month research assistant role. In addition, learners enrolled in the Polytechnic’s Practical Nurse Diploma program can develop their health promotion skills and expand global connections while working in

Eighteen months ago, Red Deer College was formally re-designated Red Deer Polytechnic. Central Alberta’s largest post-secondary institution embarked on a journey to fundamentally shift its purpose and elevate its economic and social impact to benefit the province. Our new designation brought with it a new name, a new brand and even a new logo for our athletic teams. However, the evolution to becoming a polytechnic was not merely a marketing exercise or a cosmetic upgrade. As we close out 2022, I am reflecting on two key questions that are often top of mind for those with whom I have spoken: what does it mean to be a polytechnic and why does it matter? In my view these questions are key to our identity and the answers below will guide our accomplishments in the years to come. What does it mean to be a polytechnic? As described within Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act, a polytechnic is focused on the economic and social interests of the province. It operates a “bigger game” than a community college (whose focus is its region) and offers industry-relevant programming and enhanced applied research opportunities. It is fundamentally applied, externally focused, and responsive to the needs of employers

Red Deer Polytechnic has launched a new Life and Employment Skills for Independence (LESI) certificate to support learners with developmental disabilities. This one-year, non-credit program will help learners acquire the competencies to obtain and maintain employment and independence through classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities, and work experiences in a supportive environment. “We engaged in several stakeholder consultations and sat on various provincial committees with other post-secondary institutions to strategically plan the LESI certificate program to best serve the needs of learners and communities,” says Kim Hogarth, Dean of Extended Education. “With a range of valuable course offerings and relevant work-place experiences, this program has a more inclusive approach to provide enhanced support and training for students while also helping to build their confidence.” The LESI certificate program has three terms which focus on Social Skills and Personal Development, Independent Living Skills, and Employment Readiness. The certificate is comprised of 16 courses, including Financial Literacy and Numeracy, Healthy Relationships and Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Technical Proficiency and Digital Literacy, and Leadership and Self-Advocacy. “Students will take their theory classes at Red Deer Polytechnic from Monday to Thursday, so they can experience a collaborative post-secondary environment. Each learner will work with the

During a creative holiday-themed campaign, community members and the Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Association (RDPAA) raised $12,600 for student scholarships, including the Student Emergency Bursary. The Sweaters for Scholarships initiative encouraged community members to donate to student scholarships and to share a photo of themselves with friends, family or coworkers in a festive sweater to show that they had committed their support. “Our community is generous and at this time of year, many donors think of our students’ needs and make donations to scholarships or other areas. This year, through conversations with students and alumni who have received scholarships and bursaries, we wanted to add extra impact for students to see the faces of the donors who are so generously invested in their success,” says Richard Longtin, Vice President External Relations at Red Deer Polytechnic. “Sweaters for Scholarships provided an avenue for our donors to share their photos with us on social media so that we could show students the people who are championing them.” This initiative resonated with the Board of Directors of the Polytechnic’s Alumni Association (RDPAA). Two current members volunteered to share their stories as part of the campaign. Lynne Madsen, RDPAA Secretary (and instructor in RDP’s

At the Building on Excellence Skills Canada event held today, Red Deer Polytechnic recognized an outstanding group of apprentices who demonstrated their high-level competencies at Skills Canada competitions. Skills Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of careers in technology and skilled trades across the nation and has chapters, including Skills Canada Alberta, in every province and territory. In 2022, Red Deer Polytechnic Apprentices earned three gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at Skills Canada Alberta and two gold medals at Skills Canada National competitions. Dayton Playford (Welding) and Tristen Hatto (Electrical Installations) also represented the Polytechnic and Team Canada at WorldSkills International competitions. WorldSkills, of which Skills Canada is a member, is an organization that hosts conferences and competitions to promote the benefits of and need for skilled trades professionals around the world. “With high-quality learning opportunities that are provided by dedicated Red Deer Polytechnic faculty and staff, our apprentices equaled their highest annual medal total in the history of the institution at the 2022 Skills Canada competitions,” says Joel Gingrich, Dean, Red Deer Polytechnic’s School of Education and Trades. “We were thrilled to gather as a Polytechnic community with alumni, employers and industry partners to

In just two weeks, staff and faculty of Red Deer Polytechnic raised more than $13,000 in support of students and United Way Central Alberta partner organizations. Employees also held a food drive for the Students’ Association Food Bank which netted nearly a ton of donated non-perishable food items. During the internal fundraising campaign, staff and faculty participated in a range of community-building activities that included themed dressing days, a coffee cart staffed by Polytechnic leaders, recreation activities and more. “The activities that staff and faculty design contribute to a sense of community across the institution,” says Mara-Lee Moroz, Executive Director of People and Culture at Red Deer Polytechnic, who served as one of the volunteer co-chairs of the 2022 campaign. “Emphasizing the breadth of United Way’s work, this year we worked together to highlight the Students’ Association Food Bank as one of the featured organizations where employees could direct their gifts. This was a valuable reminder that the constituencies the United Way benefits are our friends, neighbours, classmates and colleagues.” The workplace campaign netted $7,880 for the Students’ Association (SA) Food Bank, in addition to 1,951 pounds of food items. The Students’ Association has experienced a significant increase in requests

On November 23rd, alumni from across Canada came together in a hybrid environment for the Alumni Association Annual General Meeting. This year’s meeting drew a 1,200% increase in registrations compared to previous years. We came together to celebrate our accomplishments and took a look back at all of the exciting initiatives that took place in 2021 and 2022. We honoured two retiring Board members and welcomed five new members to the Board of Directors. Retiring community members were Evan Staal, Chair and Sharyl James, Vice-Chair. Evan and Sharyl have served on the RDP Alumni Association Board of Directors for the past four and three years, respectively Evan’s passion for engaging alumni was evident in the growth and development of the Alumni Association over the past four years. His innovative ideas and outgoing personality were a catalyst in bringing the Board of Directors together to reach their goals. Sharyl’s experience and enthusiasm working in higher education and strategic thinking were an asset to idea generation and strategic planning for the Alumni Association. The Board Executive saw a refresher with the election of Courtney Avram as Chair and Lynne Madsen as Vice-Chair. Courtney is a talented, passionate community builder with experience in

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is highlighting its unique programs, hands-on training and applied research through a new “Polytechnic Means More” campaign. With more ways to learn and more industry connections, Red Deer Polytechnic provides its students with more opportunities to attain rewarding careers. “Within a polytechnic model, our students receive outstanding learning experiences, focused on where industry is going, and the innovations required to get there. Through this campaign, our learners share their experiences about Red Deer Polytechnic’s impact,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. The “Polytechnic Means More” campaign also highlights how applied research benefits students. By collaborating to solve complex social, technical and business challenges with industry, community partners, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, RDP students are gaining the skills and competencies needed for their success in work and life. “The ‘Polytechnic Means More’ campaign will be shared in a variety of ways across Alberta during the next six months. We’re excited for this opportunity to engage with people across the province as we share more about our institution’s impact,” says Richard Longtin, Vice President, External Relations. Red Deer Polytechnic is proudly rooted in central Alberta while making an impact across the province and around the world

I’ve always tried to give back to students at Red Deer Polytechnic because of the help that I received. When I was a student in the final semester of my final year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, I applied for the Student Emergency Bursary. Our van had broken down and I was due to go to my Home Care clinical placement. At this time, we had a four-year-old daughter and a fifteen-year-old son and were caring for my ill parents. Even though I had been working part-time through all four years of my program, we had run through our savings. I received $500 and a trip to the Students’ Association Food Bank. This support at this critical time allowed me to finish my program and graduate rather than withdraw and go back to work full-time. It’s because of this support that I have the career I have now, and that I can give back to students in so many ways. I have donated to scholarships and the Student Emergency Bursary and have participated in many projects that give back to the Students’ Association Food Bank. As Nursing instructors, we used to have a social committee for our

Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to host Perspectives: Canada in the World, featuring Timothy Caulfield, author and Professor of Health Law & Science Policy at the University of Alberta, on January 26, 2023. Professor Caulfield, who is also Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the U of A, has published more than 350 articles and book chapters about a range of compelling health topics. These topics have included stem cells, research ethics, health policy issues, and myths and assumptions in health. “After a pandemic-enforced hiatus, we are thrilled to bring back Perspectives: Canada in the World, one of the premier public outreach events at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Dr. Jeff Wigelsworth, History Instructor and Chair of the Perspectives Committee. “Perspectives is an opportunity for the Red Deer and central Alberta communities to hear world-renowned speakers address timely topics that are of interest to all Albertans. Past speakers at Perspectives have included Margaret Atwood, Murray Sinclair, Amanda Lindhout, Roméo Dallaire, and many other notable Canadians.” At Perspectives: Canada in the World, Caulfield will explore decisions that individuals are faced with daily. These decisions are influenced by beliefs, which can be misperceptions and cause unnecessary stress, lost time and money

Red Deer Polytechnic hosted a variety of events and initiatives during Métis Week to provide learning opportunities about Métis culture and history, to celebrate the contributions of Métis people and to commemorate the legacy of Right Honourable Louis Riel. On November 16, Canadians recognized Louis Riel Day, which honours the contributions of Right Honourable Louis Riel as a political leader, an advocate for Métis rights and the founder of Manitoba. The week surrounding Louis Riel Day is recognized as Métis Week (November 14-18). “Throughout Métis Week, Red Deer Polytechnic students, employees and community members had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about Indigenous ways of knowing and being by engaging with Métis knowledge keepers and partaking in daily cultural opportunities,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “These collaborations and learning opportunities help to advance Truth and Reconciliation and to contribute to a culturally diverse campus.” Over five days, there was a range of learning opportunities that included a session about Indigenous war veterans and a presentation of “ Métis Memories of Residential Schools,” which is a collaborative project between the University of Calgary, Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute. In addition, there was also a screening of “Hiding

At an on-campus event earlier today, Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic, signed a new Collaborative Agreement with Kern Dass, President of NESC Technical Institute, to extend the collaboration and support for apprenticeship training in Trinidad & Tobago until 2031. “As Red Deer Polytechnic, we are excited to continue our valuable partnership with the NESC Technical Institute and our global outreach,” says Mr. Cullum. “This ongoing collaboration is an example of how Red Deer Polytechnic helps to contribute to the accessibility of high-quality educational opportunities, skill development, and economic growth around the world.” Red Deer Polytechnic and the NESC Technical Institute’s partnership began in 2008 and has evolved over the years. Over 14 years, Red Deer Polytechnic has provided skilled trades training, Red Seal Exam preparation, quality assurance, certification and access to its Learning Management System which allowed the NESC Technical Institute to offer blended online delivery to apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the collaboration evolved into an Affiliation Agreement in 2016, more than 375 learners have graduated as skilled trades professionals in Trinidad & Tobago. The new Collaborative Agreement affirms a commitment to increase the offering of skilled trades programs through the NESC Technical Institute and to