Red Deer Polytechnic is in line for a $250,000 Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant from the province.
The Alberta government announced on Friday that 20 mostly non-profit community groups received grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 as part of the $3.6 million program designed to improve economic opportunities for women and girls.
RDP’s money is earmarked for its Introduction to Business Basics Certificate program.
A wide range of programs received funding, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training and mentoring, digital literacy, career planning, employment and entrepreneurship skills and inclusivity campaigns.
“Alberta’s economy is moving from recovery to sustained growth. There is opportunity in every industry as labour shortages are the only thing holding back further growth,” said Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer in a statement.
“The programs these grants support will ensure that women and girls are not left out of those opportunities.”
The government says the programs will support women and girls in diverse populations across the province, improving their ability to go back to work in good-paying jobs and providing them with opportunities for training, skills development and the knowledge they need for the future.
Other grant recipients include: Agriculture for Life Inc., Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, Board Ready Women, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA), Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and the Universities of Alberta and Calgary among others.