2005 News Releases
November 14, 2005Government funds over 1,000 new post-secondary spaces
Spaces increase in institutions, rural and remote areas, and online learning programs
Edmonton... More than $10 million in targeted funds has been committed by the Alberta government to create over 1,000 additional post-secondary spaces in the province this year. The funding is flowing to institutions through the Access Growth Fund, which increases learner access to Alberta's post-secondary system. An additional $1.7 million from the province will help boost access to distance and online learning opportunities.
"Our government has committed to increasing the number of post-secondary spaces by 15,000 over the next three years. Together with an increase to base operating grants for institutions, this targeted funding will help reach that goal," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock. "We are committed to making sure our Advanced Education and Technology system is accessible, by creating more learning opportunities for Albertans, no matter where they live in the province."
The 1,062 new spaces are being created through the Access Growth Fund 2005-06 as follows:
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The $1.7 million includes $1.2 million to increase access to online learning opportunities through eCampusAlberta, which consists of 15 colleges and technical institutes that promote and provide seamless access for online learners. Each member institution develops, contributes and offers its own course materials, and supports other member institutions' course delivery materials online. This collaborative approach gives students the ability to access programs from institutions across Alberta without leaving their communities.
Tricia Donovan, Executive Director of eCampusAlberta, said, "eCampusAlberta is delighted to receive this support, which will increase the availability of courses and programs for students who wish to advance their education online. eCampusAlberta is committed to providing learners with timely and affordable access to online courses - this funding supports that mandate. Also, to ensure materials are of high quality, all course development will be guided by our Quality Standards for Online Learning."
Also included in the $1.7 million is a $500,000 annual commitment to Alberta-North, a partnership between seven institutions that brings post-secondary courses and programs to students in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. This funding will support improvements to learner support and technology in northern Alberta. Alberta-North was established in 1993.
"There is tremendous opportunity in northern Alberta. Alberta-North has been instrumental in providing access in remote communities to allow people to participate in post-secondary education while remaining in their home communities and contributing to local economic development," said Jim Foote, Chair of Alberta-North Board of Directors. "The ongoing funding provided by the Alberta government allows us to improve our services and extend these services to additional northern communities."
Backgrounder
Access Growth Fund 2005-06 breakdown of spaces by institution
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eCampusAlberta
eCampusAlberta is a consortium of 15 college and technical institutes established to facilitate increased access to high quality online learning opportunities. Members of eCampusAlberta are:
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For more information on eCampusAlberta, visit www.ecampusalberta.ca
Alberta-North
Alberta-North is a partnership of post-secondary institutions that brings courses and programs to students in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Members of Alberta-North are:
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For more information on Alberta North, visit www.abnorth.ab.ca
