Aeroplan members have long used their points to buy everything from airplane tickets to electronics and other merchandise.
Now they can apply those points toward a degree, diploma or certificate from Red Deer College.
The college confirmed on Thursday that it’s joined HigherEdPoints, a program that allows students to apply loyalty program points toward their education fees.
Aeroplan is the only loyalty program currently participating in HigherEdPoints, but the company’s website says, “Plans are afoot to add more.”
HigherEdPoints was officially launched last November, and now has 31 post-secondary institutions involved. In Alberta, SAIT Polytechnic, University of Lethbridge, Concordia University College of Alberta, Lethbridge College and Alberta College of Art + Design are all involved.
Charity Tonkin, Red Deer College’s student funding and awards co-ordinator, said HigherEdPoints should be a good way for students to cover some of their education costs. They can convert 35,000 Aeroplan points into $250, with parents, family and friends able to contribute their points as well.
Tonkin wasn’t aware of any RDC students who have registered in HigherEdPoints, but thinks interest in the program will grow as fall registration approaches. HigherEdPoints is currently running a contest that allows students at participating institutions to win one of 10, $250 prizes.
That contest closes on Sept. 30.Aeroplan was started by Air Canada in 1984 as an incentive program for travellers.
It later expanded to include purchases from other companies, as well as the use of certain credit cards. Aeroplan is now operated by Aimia Inc.
For more information about HigherEdPoints, including how to register in the program and enter its contest, go to www.higheredpoints.com.