Ascend is part of this commitment. We’re here at the College to act, lead and prepare students to meet labour market needs in our region. Quarterly, Ascend will celebrate our community while focusing on important labour market themes in our region, showcasing statistics, educational programming and growth opportunities. Upcoming themes will centre on health, trades and construction, and tourism, business and academics.
WELCOME TO ASCEND
In this issue, we are focusing on community and the
Move, climb, go upward and rise. That’s the definition
future looks like, and how the College is helping to
of Ascend; it’s also how we see this region and how
make change happen in early childhood education.
we see our students growing and thriving here in the East Kootenay and beyond. In Fall 2020, we reached out to our community to ask how the College could help move our region past COVID and into recovery. The feedback we received
growing needs of the East Kootenay family, what the
I hope you enjoy this first issue and certainly please reach out to me at ascend@cotr.bc.ca with your questions and observations. Kind regards,
helped us lay the groundwork for a two-year action plan, designing programs and curriculum to prepare our region for the future.
Paul Vogt, President and CEO
CHILD CARE
under the age of six will be created over the next five
Local Child Care providers have indicated a significant need for qualified Early Childhood
years, increasing the need for trained ECE and EA providers. See how we are responding at: cotr.ca/ascend.
Educators and Education Assistants in our region. In July, Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Trudeau announced that BC is the first province in the country to sign an agreement for a new affordable childcare plan. As a result of this agreement, it is anticipated 30,000 new regulated early learning and childcare spaces for children
TEN YEAR EXPECTED JOB OPENINGS Education Assistant
Early Childhood Education
5,400 8,610
PREPARING FOR FUTURE EDUCATION AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Our Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE) program, also known as Adult Upgrading, returned to our Invermere campus in February of this year. The UACE program provides a great first step toward further education and employment and is available to students in our region through almost all our campuses. Learn more about UACE at: cotr.ca/programs
DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY NEEDS
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Continuing Education programming at each of our
We recognize the importance of physical and mental
Our Summit Leadership Series is available
campuses provide access to the short-term business,
health in supporting the academic well-being of our
professional development, first aid, and safety training many
students. In 2020, we launched a fundraising campaign
community members need – while also providing fun and
for the College of the Rockies Cranbrook Community
thought-provoking lifestyle and leisure opportunities. From
Forest trail enhancement project. In June 2021 we were
gardening to music to meditation, Continuing Education has
excited to announce we had reached our fundraising
it all. Learn more about Continuing Education:
goal. Take a ride through the forest at: cotr.ca/ascend.
through all College of the Rockies campuses. Consisting of three levels, or “Peaks”, this series covers the critical skills for success needed for leading teams in today’s organizational landscape.
cotr.ca/continuing-education
A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Expanded our recycling
Sustainability is very important at College of the Rockies – so much so, we have an entire four-year degree
basic math learning disability and became
Sustainability in Higher Education, an association of colleges and universities working to create a sustainable future.
Vehicle charging station at Cranbrook Campus
Solar technology installed at Cranbrook Campus
Composter installed at Cranbrook Campus
Jessica Mooney lacked confidence in her abilities. She had been diagnosed with a
dedicated to Sustainable Business Practices. We are also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Some of our recent sustainability initiatives include:
FACING CHALLENGES HEAD ON
Water bottle refilling stations at every campus
a young mom before she completed high school. Determined to get her high school
New builds are Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED) certificatied and “net-zero energy ready”
diploma, Jessica participated in the Young Parents Education Program (YPEP). With support of the program, and her UACE instructors, Jessica not only earned her diploma but gained so much confidence she applied for and was accepted into the BSN program this fall! Read more of Jessica’s story: cotr.ca/blog
With determination, supports, and a goal, anyone can achieve anything. College of the Rockies represents this ideology with the services, programs, and assistance they provide as students work to achieve their career goals. I would recommend anyone consider the College, especially if they live locally. – CHYANNE PAN, HUMAN SERVICE WORKER CHILD YOUTH FAMILY STUDIES ALUMNA
READY. SET. FOR CHANGE.
GO.
FOR SUCCESS. FORWARD TOGETHER.
Responding to regional needs for childcare workers and education assistants through a fast-track semester, additional program seats, dual credit opportunities, and more.
• Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE) provides first-step for further education/ employment • We’re developing the region’s leaders
• Offering professional development, first aid and safety training. • Looking to the future with a focus on sustainability
TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT College of the Rockies serves the communities of the East Kootenays. All of the College’s campuses are located in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa people which is also home to the Kinbasket people. Five First Nations bands are located in the regional boundary of the College: Four of which are Ktunaxa and one is Shuswap. Additionally, the College partners with the Kootenay Regional Office of the Métis Nation, BC. We are thankful for all our Indigenous
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partners and are constantly seeking new ways to support the development of our community.
Cranbrook Campus Phone: 250-489-8242 Email: cranbrookce@cotr.bc.ca
Fernie Campus Phone: 250-423-4691 email: fernie@cotr.bc.ca
Kimberley Campus Phone: 250-427-7116 x3752 Email: kimberley@cotr.bc.ca
Cranbrook Gold Creek Campus Phone: 250-489-8242 Email: cranbrookce@cotr.bc.ca
Golden Campus Phone: 250-344-5901 Email: golden@cotr.bc.ca
cotr.ca
Creston Campus Phone: 250-428-5332 email: creston@cotr.bc.ca
Invermere Campus Phone: 250-342-3210 Email: invermere@cotr.bc.ca