Deer school divisions, Wolf Creek Public Schools, Olds College, Red Deer Polytechnic, and the nonprofit CAREERS. These partnerships provide students with career-oriented learning while creating opportunities for government engagement through students participating in panels with the Premier of Alberta to share their experiences. INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE: EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS Chinook’s Edge School Division understands that creating meaningful educational experiences requires developing the right infrastructure. Bilton provides insight into the division’s infrastructure strategy, highlighting recent investments at Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic. “The funds we were given helped build more opportunities on those campuses so that our students can come together and do labs and learn with the college instructors,” she says. These expanded facilities allow high school students to experience college-level coursework while still enrolled in secondary school, a key part of the division’s careerfocused education model. The next major project on the horizon is a new high school in Sylvan Lake.“This is the number one priority in our capital plan right now,” Bilton says, explaining that the project will feature a joint campus shared with Red Deer Catholic Schools. The goal is to address the growing student population and continue integrating post-secondary opportunities into the high school experience.“We hope to secure funding to add collegiate spaces to the Sylvan Lake campus,” she adds, noting that the location would provide students west of Sylvan with easier access to post-secondary courses without needing to travel to Red Deer. Sacher also discusses expanding facilities in critical areas and mentions another significant infrastructure project currently underway. “We’re in the middle of construction on Penhold Waskasoo Middle School, and we hope it will be up and running within a year,” he shares. PARTNERSHIPS THAT POWER CAREERREADY LEARNING Chinook’s Edge School Division’s career-focused education model thrives on partnerships that extend far beyond the classroom. The division has built strong relationships with local businesses, post-secondary institutions, and industry leaders, all working together to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. Bilton emphasizes the importance of these collaborations in creating opportunities for students. “When we think about business partnerships, the list is long,” she says, noting that these connections are often facilitated through the division’s partnership with CAREERS. This nonprofit helps connect students with industries that are eager to take on apprentices, interns, or co-op students. “Students get to work in integrated learning environments, sometimes even before they finish their dual credit,” Bilton explains. These partnerships allow students to gain real-world 354 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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