2025 Impact Report

2025

Contents 3

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Land Acknowledgement

Red Deer Polytechnic at a Glance

Our Social Purpose

Message from the President

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Area of Focus: Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing

Area of Focus: Healthcare & Health Technology

Area of Focus: Energy Innovation

Area of Focus: Social Impact

2 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Land Acknowledgment Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) recognizes that our campus is situated on Treaty No. 7 land, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuu T’ina, and Stoney Nakoda peoples, and that the central Alberta region we serve falls under Treaty No. 6, traditional Métis, Cree, and Saulteaux territory.

We honour the First Peoples who have lived here since time immemorial and we give thanks for the land where RDP sits. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

As outlined in RDP’S RECONCILI-ACTION PLAN 2023-2028, Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to education as reconciliation through action. RDP continues its journey toward Truth and Reconciliation through efforts such as Indigenizing the curriculum, hosting educational events, and promoting cultural awareness initiatives. To increase access to post-secondary, RDP has removed the application fee and tuition deposit requirement for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

540+

We welcomed Indigenous learners in 2024–25

80+

RDP’s Indigenous Initiatives team hosted educational and cultural events

We celebrated the grand opening of

the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre, a welcoming environment where Indigenous students (and all members of the Polytechnic community) can access personalized advising, cultural programming, and opportunities for connection.

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~10,500

$2,141,368 awarded in student awards and bursaries

TOTAL LEARNERS

549

Indigenous learners

8,059

credit and trades learners

149

companies involved in applied research projects

organizations partnered with RDP to offer work-integrated learning placements for students

89%

of learners are satisfied with their experience at RDP

95%

of learners obtain relevant employment

196

dual-credit learners

Ranked as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges/ Polytechnics

Red Deer Polytechnic at a Glance 4 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

811

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RDP OFFERS:

SCHOOLS AT RDP:

Certificates Diplomas

SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Bachelor degrees

SCHOOL OF TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY

University transfer degrees Journeyperson certificates

DONALD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Post-diploma certificates

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND EDUCATION

RDP Athletics ranked 3 most successful program in Canada by Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)

5 ACAC provincial

RD

championships in men’s volleyball, men’s hockey, women’s curling, women’s cross-country, and women’s indoor track

472,000

More than individuals attended events hosted on RDP main campus

5 NEW CREDIT

PROGRAMS LAUNCHED:

ADVANCED ACCOUNTING DIPLOMA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA ANALYTICS DIPLOMA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA ANALYTICS POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE NETWORK ADMINISTRATION DIPLOMA DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY DIPLOMA

Post-baccalaureate certificates

1 CCAA

10 medals won by

national championship in men’s volleyball

RDP apprentices at Provincial and National Skills Canada events

580

Over community events held on main campus, including 369 in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre and 57 in the Arts Centre

Through applied education, real-world research, and deep connections with industry, we’re shaping Alberta’s future one learner, one idea, one breakthrough at a time.

We don’t just prepare people for the future.

We help build it.

We proudly serve our students and Alberta communities, contributing to the economic and social priorities of our province.

At RDP, we believe productivity is powered by people and purpose.

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Our Social Purpose

Collaborating to transform lives and industry.

Our social purpose is the why behind what we do.

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we bring people and ideas together to spark innovation, empower lives, and advance industries — creating lasting social and economic impact through collaboration.

By fostering partnerships across sectors, we unlock potential, drive productivity, and shape solutions that address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

6 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Message from the President At Red Deer Polytechnic, impact is not an abstract idea — it is measured in people prepared for work, industries strengthened, and communities positioned to thrive. As our province addresses labour challenges, technological change, and regional disparities, polytechnics play a critical role in turning ambition into action. At RDP, we believe productivity is powered by people and purpose.

Serving more than 10,500 learners across four Schools, RDP is deeply connected to Alberta’s economic and social priorities. Our applied education model ensures graduates are job-ready, adaptable, and equipped with the skills employers need today and tomorrow. From skilled trades and advanced manufacturing to health care, energy innovation, and social services, our graduates directly support Alberta’s competitiveness and quality of life.

Productivity is strengthened when learning and innovation happen together.

As one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges and Polytechnics, RDP works with industry partners to solve real-world problems through applied research.

Whether advancing manufacturing technologies, improving energy efficiency, expanding health-care access, or designing inclusive solutions through social innovation, our work helps Alberta businesses grow, diversify, and operate more efficiently.

On campus impact is seen in the expanding Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) which will provide more than 25,000 square feet of applied research and training space. The addition of advanced equipment

and collaborative spaces will boost RDP’s innovation supports and industry partnerships.

We also opened a new state-of-the-art Sonography Lab coinciding with our new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma program.

Partnerships are key to amplifying Red Deer Polytechnic’s impact, and this is exemplified in our work with Covenant who we are working with to develop the Rural and Remote Health & Wellness Centre of Excellence. This initiative will underpin RDP’s health programming growth, and provide workforce training and innovative solutions, tailored to positively impact Alberta’s rural and remote communities and residents.

Through rural delivery models, dual-credit programs, Indigenous partnerships, and community-based learning, we are expanding access to education and talent development across central Alberta and beyond. These pathways help retain talent locally, reduce barriers to participation, and ensure productivity gains are shared across urban, rural, and Indigenous communities.

RDP is committed to collaboration that transforms lives and industry, which can be seen through the development of our Central Alberta Trades Strategy.

Working with industry, K-12 education, and postsecondary leaders, we have developed a regionally coordinated framework to reshape how trades training is delivered, accessed, and supported in central Alberta.

RDP’s outcomes are guided by its 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity and Social Impact. This year’s impact report reflects more than outcomes however — it reflects a shared commitment to Alberta’s future.

By investing in people, partnering with industry, and aligning education with purpose, Red Deer Polytechnic is helping build a more productive, resilient, and prosperous province for generations to come.

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Area of Focus:

Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing

8 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Through strategic investments, partnerships, and programs Red Deer Polytechnic is advancing skills and innovation capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), in support of central Alberta’s leading manufacturing sector.

CENTRE FOR INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING Red Deer Polytechnic is expanding its Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) to 25,000 square feet, adding advanced equipment and collaborative spaces to boost applied research and industry partnerships. Supported by $12.9 million in provincial funding, the project will create hands-on learning for hundreds of students and strengthen Alberta’s manufacturing sector.

On May 9, 2025, RDP officially broke ground on the CIM-TAC Expansion.

RDP also successfully renewed its Technology Access Centre designation, securing $1.75 million in funding (from NSERC) over the next five years, reinforcing its role as a national leader in applied research and technical services. These investments not only enhance RDP’s capacity to support small and medium-sized enterprises but also prepare students to meet evolving industry needs, driving productivity, innovation, and economic diversification across Alberta.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT:

Virtual Reality Wheelchair Curling Red Deer Polytechnic researchers and students are breaking new ground in Para sport innovation with a virtual reality training system for wheelchair curling. Developed through an interdisciplinary collaboration at RDP’s CIM-TAC, the project addresses barriers such as limited ice time and facility access by creating an immersive, accessible training environment.

Backed by an NSERC Applied Research and Development grant and partnerships with Curling Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the VR experience replicates real-world gameplay and even the Cortina Olympic Stadium — host of the 2026 Paralympic Games.

This initiative not only reduces fatigue and injury risk but empowers Canadian athletes to sharpen skills and build confidence, showcasing RDP’s commitment to inclusive design and applied research excellence. This is one of many examples of the positive impact the CIM-TAC has on the community.

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STEM CREDIT PROGRAMS AT RDP RDP welcomed our first cohort of students into two new Artificial Intelligence programs: 1 AI & Data Analytics Diploma with specializations in Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, and Bioinformatics.

2 Post-baccalaureate Certificate for professionals seeking advanced AI skills.

Both include co-op placements and prepare graduates for roles such as Data Analyst and Machine Learning Specialist.

Other STEM programs at RDP include:

17 Trades &

CREATING PATHWAYS FOR STUDENTS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH (STEM) Red Hot Science is Red Deer Polytechnic’s youth STEM outreach program offering hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math for K–12 learners. It delivers classroom workshops, community programs, and culturally responsive camps for Indigenous youth, blending traditional knowledge with modern STEM. In 2025, the program earned Actua’s National Experience Award for leadership in Indigenous engagement and secured major grants: $162K NSERC PromoScience for land-based STEM curriculum and $147K CanCode to expand digital literacy and AI programming.

RDP signed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding with SHAD Canada, positioning RDP as the first College/Polytechnic to host this nationally recognized STEM leadership program.

Starting in summer 2026, RDP will welcome 80+ Grade 10–11 students annually for immersive experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Apprenticeship programs

2 Computer programs 3 Engineering

Technologies programs

3 Science programs 78

companies engaged in Manufacturing partnerships

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Sunchild Elders Village Program, a partnership with RDP and Sunchild First Nation, will enable Sunchild First Nation School students an opportunity to gain firsthand experiences of trades work in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical under RDP’s instruction and supervision, while also helping build homes for Elders near the Nation’s school.

DID YOU KNOW? RDP is a proud partner of the CENTRAL ALBERTA COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE­— a collaboration between local K–12 schools, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, and CAREERS that provides dual credit and “try a trade” programming.

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Area of Focus:

Healthcare & Health Technology

12 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Red Deer Polytechnic is shaping Alberta’s healthcare future by delivering responsive programs and preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

In 2025, RDP expanded technology-driven health education, advanced applied research to improve health outcomes using technology, and announced a new Rural and Remote Health & Wellness Centre of Excellence.

NEW & EXPANDED HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMING In fall 2025, RDP welcomed our first cohort of students into the new Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma. The two-year program was designed to meet growing demand for ultrasound professionals, blending classroom learning with clinical experience to improve access to diagnostic imaging. Along with the new program, RDP opened a brand-new state-of-the-art Sonography Lab. RDP also expanded our Practical Nurse Diploma through Campus Alberta Central to a new location in Camrose, Alberta.

This new 16-seat expansion allows rural learners to access theory courses online, and complete labs in-person at the Central Alberta Campus community partner site, the Bethany Group’s Rosehaven building in Camrose.

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NEW RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

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credit health programs offered at RDP, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nurse, Healthcare Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and Kinesiology & Sport Studies to name a few

Red Deer Polytechnic is working with Covenant to develop the Rural and Remote Health & Wellness Centre of Excellence, which will provide workforce training and innovative solutions tailored to positively impact Alberta’s rural and remote communities and residents.

Centrally located, RDP is well-positioned to bridge the urban and rural divide and contribute to the unique healthcare needs within Alberta’s rural and remote communities.

(left–right): Tim Spelliscy, Chair, Board of Directors, Covenant; Guy Pelletier, Chair, Board of Governors, RDP; Heather Dirks, Dean, School of Health & Wellness, RDP; The Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary & Preventative Health Services; Patrick Dumelie, President and CEO, Covenant; Stuart Cullum, President, RDP

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companies engaged in Health partnerships

By partnering with Covenant, RDP is engaging with one of Alberta’s leading health providers. Covenant is uniquely positioned within the sector as it provides care in each of the provinces four pillars of health: Primary Care, Acute Care, Mental Health & Addiction, and Continuing Care.

RENEWED PARTNERSHIP WITH BETHANY CARE SOCIETY

(left–right): Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, RDP; Stuart Cullum, President, RDP; Jennifer McCue, President & CEO, Bethany Care Society; Brooke Schwartz, student enrolled within Bachelor of Science in Psychology, RDP

14 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and Bethany Care Society renewed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their long-term partnership that brings continued social and economic benefits through collaborative teaching, learning and applied research. Located on RDP’s main campus, Bethany CollegeSide provides work-integrated learning opportunities for students enrolled in programs such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nurse Diploma, Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma, Health Care Aide Certificate, and Social Work Diploma.

DID YOU KNOW? CAMPUS ALBERTA CENTRAL, a joint venture between Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and Red Deer Polytechnic, provides 25 programs at 24 rural community learning partner sites, providing post-secondary programs to over 700 learners in their rural communities.

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Area of Focus:

Energy Innovation

16 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Red Deer Polytechnic is advancing Alberta’s energy sector by expanding energy innovation programming and applied research.

Through its Energy Innovation Centre and Alternative Energy Lab, RDP is installing rooftop solar panels and combined heat and power units to achieve net-zero energy status by 2031.

These investments create an innovation ecosystem for teaching, learning, and applied research that supports emissions reduction and productivity gains.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS:

Applied Research in Action RDP’s collaboration with EQUS has advanced modeling and solution development for heat pump systems in extreme cold climates.

These innovations support rural energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide practical pathways for sustainable heating solutions in Alberta.

In partnership with FortisAlberta, Red Deer Polytechnic expanded its Campus Energy Living Lab by continuously monitoring electrical loads to identify buildings with unexpected energy consumption.

This collaboration strengthens our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and supports data-driven strategies for reducing environmental impact.

Partnering with the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA), Red Deer Polytechnic is piloting IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics to optimize HVAC performance in our Alternative Energy Lab. This initiative is projected to reduce energy use by 40 per cent, cut natural gas consumption by 25 per cent, and lower emissions by over 10 tonnes of CO₂ annually — advancing low-carbon building solutions for Alberta.

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17 companies

engaged in Energy Innovation partnerships

NEW ENERGY TEST HUB OPENS Thanks to a generous $600,000 donation from RBC Foundation, RDP has established our new Energy Test Hub. Housed in the Energy Innovation Centre, the Energy Test Hub features a flexible microgrid for testing and validating emerging technologies, including solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wind generation, and battery storage systems.

The Energy Test Hub provides enhanced training opportunities for students in various programs, including skilled trades and engineering.

4,200 solar

panels at RDP generate 60% of its power

With RBC Foundation’s donation, the Polytechnic anticipates that during the next five years, 2,500 students and 100 industry partners will collaborate within the Energy Test Hub to advance energy innovation through education, training, work-integrated learning, and applied research, filling a vital need in Alberta.

8 energy innovation

courses and corporate training opportunities were created, including a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation Masterclass microcredential, through RDP Continuing Education & Corporate Training

200+ students,

including electrical and plumbing apprentices, engineering technology and business students, engaged in hands-on learning in the Energy Innovation Centre

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Members from RBC and RDP tour the rooftop solar panels

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trades & apprenticeship RDP’s programs, computer programs, and engineering technologies programs all produce graduates that are advancing energy innovation.

DID YOU KNOW? RDP hosts the DATA SHARING ALLIANCE — a collaborative initiative that leverages weather and power data gathered from 13 partner sites around the province. The information gathered is used to develop best practices for modeling and installing solar photovoltaic systems for Alberta’s unique conditions.

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Area of Focus:

Social Impact

20 / Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to working collaboratively to develop and implement solutions, practices, and initiatives that address — and positively impact — social challenges which improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

Representatives from RDP and the Alumni Association cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Legacy Way on main campus.

RDP Alumni Association donated $100,000 to the RDP Student Industry Engagement Fund. This innovative fund enhances the learning experience for students across the Polytechnic by providing funding support to cover the costs associated with attending external conferences, forums, and events hosted by industry and professional organizations.

Thirty-six students from a variety of programs utilized the fund to attend several different events, including the Red Deer Chamber 2025 Central Alberta Business Summit, ARCQE National Child Day Conference, and An Evening with The Honourable Justice Mahmud Jamal, Supreme Court of Canada.

Students from Early Learning and Child Care programs at the ARCQE National Children’s Day Conference

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60 students presented their research projects at the annual Student Science Conference

40+ Humanities, Social Work, and Justice Studies students presented their research projects at the annual Agora Conference

25 scholarly activity contributions and capstone projects were presented by RDP faculty at the annual Recognition of Scholarly Activity (RoSA) Awards and Capstone Recognition Event

WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO SUPPORT CHILD ADVOCACY Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) released a new 2025 Silent Cries: Child Abuse Trends in Alberta report. The report provides an in-depth analysis of child abuse data from 2017–2024 and provides recommendations for targeted interventions and policies to enhance Alberta’s child protection system.

The report emphasizes increased support for better data collection, Indigenous communities, professional training, stronger legal frameworks, and more efficient funding allocation.

CACAC and RDP hosted the third annual Transforming Practices: Breaking Silence, Building Safety Conference.

Over 400 frontline practitioners attended.

113 companies engaged in Social Innovation partnerships

9 Creative Arts, Humanities and Social Science programs including Visual Art Diploma, Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects, Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production, Justice Studies, and Social Work to name a few

6 Education programs including Bachelor of Education, Early Learning and Childcare Certificates and Diploma, Educational Assistant, and Bachelor of Education University Transfer

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RDP students working on the Wildlife Management Research Project

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH TAKES STUDENTS INTO THE WILD Sandra MacDougall, a Biology instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic, was awarded a $474,700 grant to amplify black bear research in Alberta. The study explores how fast the bear population is growing and what bears are eating seasonally, with a lens to predict the impact of black bear predation on Elk Island National Park’s ungulate populations (e.g. elk and moose). Findings will inform land use planning, wildlife management and educational outreach.

DID YOU KNOW? RDP was recognized among the top 20 best culinary schools in Canada by University Magazine. Red Deer Polytechnic offers both a three-year, part-time Cook Apprenticeship and a two-year, full-time Culinary Arts Diploma program.

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100 Donald Blvd.

Red Deer, Alberta

rdpolytech.ca