Many new experiences for the Red Deer Polytechnic community

This has been a momentous academic year at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), its first as a polytechnic institution. During the 2021/2022 academic year, 6,200 full- and part-time students are benefiting from the Polytechnic’s diverse and growing program options.

This valuable breadth of programming in apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, micro-credentials, collaborative degrees with partner post-secondary institutions, and degrees allows learners to pursue their academic goals in central Alberta. Work-integrated learning opportunities, whether through practicums, participating in research, collaborating with peers in group projects, or other applied learning in the classroom is part of what learners can expect as part of their post-secondary studies at Red Deer Polytechnic.

In the fall 2021 term, students participated in several programs for the first time in the Polytechnic’s history, including Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, its own Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University Arts Diploma, and University Sciences Diploma.

The Polytechnic continues to evaluate more program options in the future, recognizing the needs of students, industry and community.

While staying true to its values of proudly serving learners and communities, Red Deer Polytechnic continues to dynamically grow with the launch of its new brand. In October 2021, the Polytechnic’s leaders, government dignitaries, and special guests virtually celebrated this important milestone as another exciting chapter in the evolution of the postsecondary institution.

The new brand incorporates updated visual aspects, such as a modern logo, along with the foundation of its identity, which was created from input of more than 600 central Albertans. As a result of these consultations, Red Deer Polytechnic’s brand was formed that can be described as open, empowering, responsive, entrepreneurial, and community-driven.

The updated brand is also reflected in Red Deer Polytechnic’s new website at rdpolytech.ca, which houses information about programming and student services. These services include academic supports, counselling services, accessibility services, and academic advising, among many others. At Red Deer Polytechnic, faculty and staff are committed to helping learners achieve their educational and life goals.

On the path of becoming a greener campus, Red Deer Polytechnic received national recognition for its ongoing sustainability efforts. The Polytechnic’s newest Residence has been named one of Canada’s Clean50 Top Project Award (https://clean50.com) winners, and this project has been declared a Clean50

Top Project for 2022. Home to 145 students, the modern facility offers an environmentally friendly place to live, study, and socialize.

The community continues to generously support Red Deer Polytechnic students in the pursuit of their career aspirations. In 2020, with help from a generous anonymous donor, the Polytechnic launched a campaign to raise $1,000,000 in bursary funding for students experiencing financial need. Through community donations, including gifts from the RDP Alumni Association and Students’ Association at Red Deer Polytechnic, the campaign has raised more than $50,000 to date. As all donations to the Bursary are matched by the anonymous donor, this community support has so far created more than $100,000 in bursaries for students. To help reduce financial barriers for students, the Polytechnic grants its learners more than $1.3 million in awards and scholarships each year. A list of Red Deer Polytechnic’s awards and scholarships can be viewed at rdpolytech.ca/scholarships. For more information about Red Deer Polytechnic’s range of programs, services, and other areas of interest, please visit rdpolytech.ca. n

Real impact. Right here.

Central Alberta isn’t just home to great minds. It’s also home to great opportunity. Here, an innovative campus, diverse programming and local industry connections will help you transform your future, and your community.

Make your impact at RDPolytech.ca/here Erin Boake

Visual Artist & Teacher, Red Deer Graduate