Ministry of Education funding school divisions across southwest Alberta

School divisions such as Palliser School Division and Westwind School Division are slated to receive over $6 million dollars in funding from Alberta Education. In a press release, it is stated the funding will help create the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute in partnership with Lethbridge College and Career Transitions.

This will encourage students to find career pathways and build capacity in areas like the trades, agriculture and medical.

With this funding, hope is it will have a drastic influence on the lives of students with expansions in educational opportunities and career development programs.

“The proposal for the new collegiate emerged from the work of the Pathway

Partnership of Southern Alberta. This group has been working collaboratively for several years to create opportunities for southern Alberta students to explore career opportunities including dual credit programs,” it was stated in the press release.

“Plans for this funding include creating a dedicated education space for secondary students at the Lethbridge College. It will also further strengthen the partnership between Lethbridge College and the six school divisions involved. This opportunity will create more room for students to explore post-secondary options and experience hands-on, technical training.”

Jason Kupery, the Director of Learning for Palliser School Division said, “This collaboration with our neighbouring divisions and Lethbridge College, and Career Transitions will increase the scope of programs offered and give students meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that will increase their skills and develop their interests. Career exploration is foundational to this Collegiate and we are very grateful for this opportunity to provide more avenues for our students to explore career possibilities.”

Also noted is students enrolled in the collegiate will have the opportunity to pursue career exploration and training in trades programs offered at Lethbridge College. Some of these programs include; Agricultural Equipment Technician, Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician and Parts Technician.