Red Deer College recognized its partners in education with an award presented to seven Central Alberta school divisions.
The Community Partner Award for 2017 was given by RDC to Chinook’s Edge School Division, Clearview Public Schools, Prairie Land Regional Division, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Red Deer Public School District, Wild Rose School Division, and Wolf Creek Public Schools.
The College has been partners with the seven school districts since 2013, and papers were officially signed on Wednesday to extend their collaboration, called Learning Pathways in Central Alberta.
RDC president Joel Ward said there are five main programs the college jointly offers with the school divisions for Central Alberta students. They are:
- SWAC (School Within A College), which allows students to get trades training while finishing their high school diplomas,
- Reading College, which upgrades students’ reading skills within six weeks,
- Dual Credit Program in which Grade 12 students can get some college credits,
- Health Care Aide program, for Grade 12 students to get a health care aide certificate, and
- Educational Assistants Program, in which staff who work as educational assistants in schools can get their credentials while continuing to be employed in the classroom.
Ward said this partnership is a great example of educators working together for the benefit of learners.