RDP 2024 Impact Report

2024

Impact Report

Land Acknowledgement

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Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) recognizes that our campuses are situated on Treaty 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 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.

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Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

Contents 02

Land Acknowledgement

13

2030 Strategic Drivers

22

Athletics

06

Message from the President

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Area of Focus: Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing

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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

08

RDP at a Glance

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Area of Focus: Healthcare & Health Technology

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RDP’s Journey Towards Truth & Reconciliation

10

Productivity, Programs & Partnerships

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Area of Focus: Energy Innovation

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RDP is a Proud Community Member

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Areas of Focus

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Area of Focus: Social Innovation

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Message from the President At Red Deer Polytechnic we see ourselves as more than a post-secondary institution. Located in the heart of central Alberta, we are a connector of industry, teaching and learning, applied research and community. A place for students, faculty and researchers to teach, learn and engage in applied research alongside industry and community members, to advance Alberta’s economic and social prosperity. RDP is focused on producing the talent, solutions and environments needed for Alberta’s economy and society to thrive.

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Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

The 2023-24 year held several key milestones for Red Deer Polytechnic. In December 2023, we launched our 2030 RDP Strategic Plan: Productivity and Social Impact. Our plan is bold and ambitious, it provides the blueprint for us to become a polytechnic that Alberta and Canada needs. By sharpening our focus on the issue of productivity, we are preserving and enhancing living standards, increasing and diversifying participation and producing a community of innovators and entrepreneurs that will enhance technology adoption and the growth of our essential industries.

Canada’s productivity is challenged and the implications for not addressing the root causes are dire. As a polytechnic, RDP is well positioned to support Alberta in meeting this challenge. With its four areas of focus (Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Health Technology, Energy Innovation and Social Innovation), we are concentrating on key economic and social sectors for the province.

By leveraging our diverse programs and credentials; our strong connection to community and industry; our focus on skill and talent generation; and our growing applied research and innovation supports, we are enhancing our contribution toward increased productivity within our region and province. We are also maximizing the learning experience for student success, and this will be further enhanced as RDP transforms areas of our campus into innovation ecosystems, that combine teaching, learning, applied research and industry engagement.

In our 2023-24 academic year we launched seven new credit programs, and welcomed over 11,000 learners to our campuses, an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year. This included an increase in domestic, international, Indigenous and skilled trades students.

We also celebrated transformational investments into RDP, including a historic $20 million dollar gift from the Donald Family to create the Donald Family Institute for Healthtech Innovation, and a $12.9 million investment from the Government of Alberta to expand our Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC).

Our applied research efforts continued to grow through industry partnerships, and RDP continues to be ranked as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges/Polytechnics.

Through the recently funded Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), we built capacity with local K-12 school divisions, Olds College and CAREERS to enhance dual credit programming in the region, creating pathways to post-secondary and careers important for Alberta industries to thrive.

As a proud community member, we welcomed more than 445,000 community members to our campus to attend over 500 events hosted at RDP. Together, we celebrated RDP’s 60th Anniversary through a series of events, including an evening with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, our first-ever Westerner Days Pancake Breakfast and the return of our annual golf tournament.

Our 2024 Impact Report showcases RDP’s many successes and progress made to achieving our Strategic Plan. As we look forward to 2025, we will continue to work alongside our industry and community partners, faculty, staff and students to create lasting social and economic impact. We will continue to be a Polytechnic with purpose.

Stuart Cullum President

RDP is focused on producing the talent, solutions and environments needed for Alberta’s economy and society to thrive.

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Red Deer Polytechnic at a Glance At RDP, polytechnic means more. RDP is focused on advancing Alberta’s economic and social priorities by empowering productivity. Our unique polytechnic experience is centered around innovation ecosystems that foster collaboration between teaching, learning, applied research and industry engagement.

At RDP, we see productivity as continually improving and advancing our industries and communities through technology, education, training and applied research.

Unbound by tradition, we are a polytechnic where innovation thrives.

~11,000 Total students

450 Indigenous students

6,292 Domestic credit and trades students

2,159 Trades students

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Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

SCHOOLS AT RDP: • School of Health and Wellness • School of Trades and Technology • Donald School of Business, Science and Computing • School of Arts and Education

In 2023-24 Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices earned one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Skills Canada Alberta competition.

84 medals total at Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National competitions since 2003.

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S

100

TRY-READ US

RE

T VAN , IND E L

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RDP OFFERS: • Certificates • Diplomas • Bachelor degrees • University transfer degrees • Micro-credentials • Post-diploma certificates • Post-bachelor certificates • Journeyperson certificates

G PRO RAM

$1,181,090 awarded in student awards and bursaries

93

95

90

per cent

per cent

per cent

of grads satisfied with quality of education

of learners obtain relevant employment

of learners would recommend RDP to a friend

RDP Athletics was ranked as the 3rd most successful program in Canada by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

During the 2023-24 academic year, Red Deer Polytechnic had more than 190 student-athletes competing in nine sports on 17 teams.

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

Through our Continuing Education and Corporate Training team, located in our downtown campus, we create and deliver certificate programs, professional development courses, community programming and customized corporate training that enhances individual and business success. Over 4,300 learners accessed programming through Continuing Education.

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Productivity, Programs & Partnerships Productivity. It’s the driving force behind everything we do at RDP. We characterize productivity as continually improving and advancing our industries and communities through technology, education, training and applied research for positive social and economic impact.

Working alongside our partners, RDP is continuously creating industry-relevant programming. Programs that provide our students with the skills to be successful as the future leaders of industry and community. To be agents of change, in a world being transformed by technology at an astonishing rate.

It is through our creation of innovation ecosystems that RDP provides students with opportunities to work alongside industry and applied researchers to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a collaborative approach that combines academic learning with practical experience in a workplace setting.

82

per cent

7

of RDP’s programs provide work-integrated learning opportunities for our students

NEW CREDIT PROGRAMS LAUNCHED

12

per cent

500

+

organizations partnered with RDP to offer WIL placements for our students

• Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies • Bachelor of Business Administration • Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate • Machine Learning Analyst Diploma • Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma • Medical Device Reprocessing Certificate • Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma

EXPANDING DUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Dual credit opportunities allow high school students to take approved RDP courses while still in high school, earning them both high school and postsecondary credits. Most importantly, it provides students in grades 10 to 12 an opportunity to explore different career options, preparing them for post-secondary readiness when they graduate.

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134

learners engaged in dual credit

5 school division partners (Red Deer Catholic, Clearview, Wolf Creek, Chinook’s Edge and Red Deer Public)

CREATING INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS WITH PARTNERS LIKE FORTISALBERTA Red Deer Polytechnic and FortisAlberta have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions by renewing our partnership for an additional five years. The renewal marks the continuation of a productive partnership that creates an innovation ecosystem focused on energy innovation for RDP students and industry partners.

CENTRAL ALBERTA COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE PARTNERSHIP Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to be a partner in the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI). Established in 2023, CACI is a successful collaboration of four partnering school divisions, two post-secondary institutions and CAREERS. CACI’s three-to-four-year career readiness model in skilled trades programming begins with career exploration and learning, leading into apprenticeship training and purposeful work-integrated learning. CACI students are industry ready as they graduate high school, finding themselves successfully transitioning to career training with their apprenticeship placement secured for journeyperson certification.

LEARNING MADE LOCAL THROUGH CAMPUS ALBERTA CENTRAL PARTNERSHIP A joint venture between Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and Red Deer Polytechnic, Campus Alberta Central (CAC), provides post-secondary programs to students in their local central Alberta communities.

Working with local community learning partners, students can access information, technology and support.

25 programs offered through CAC

24 community learning partner sites

711 unique learners enrolled in CAC supported courses

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Areas of Focus Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing

Energy Innovation

Healthcare & Health Technology

Social Innovation

Our four Areas of Focus will ensure RDP creates innovation ecosystems that provide exceptional and unique experiences for our learners through programming and applied research that is hands-on and anticipates the needs of industry and our communities.

• Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing ° Integration of digital technologies, automation, and innovative processes across various stages of design, production and supply chain management leading to more efficient, customized and sustainable manufacturing processes.

• Energy Innovation ° Development, adoption and implementation of novel and advanced technologies, processes and strategies aimed at improving the efficiency, sustainability and environmental impact of energy production.

• Social Innovation ° The development and implementation of novel solutions, practices or initiatives that address and positively impact social challenges, emphasizing collaboration, empowerment and sustainability to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

• Healthcare & Health Technology ° Integration of experts, practitioners and interdisciplinary researchers to drive solution-oriented approaches in healthcare training, applied research and economic diversification, with a focus on the development of products, processes, digital technologies and communication tools to improve the efficiency, accuracy and delivery of healthcare services.

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Red Deer Polytechnic Impact Report

2030 Strategic Drivers In December 2023, RDP launched our 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. The seven-year plan provides clear direction and ambitious goals that will see the institution continue to transform into a provincially focused, nationally recognized and globally relevant polytechnic. The plan is built around seven strategic drivers.

Strategic Driver #1 Learner Impact

Sustainably grow enrolment by 50 per cent while creating an inclusive culture where learners engage in unique polytechnic experiences that lead to meaningful employment and positive social impact.

Strategic Driver #2 Program Mix & Delivery

Expand and align programming to meet industry and community demand for the region, province and beyond.

Strategic Driver #3 Research & Creation

Be nationally recognized in RDP’s four Areas of Focus through applied research, scholarship and creative activity.

Strategic Driver #4 Innovation Ecosystem Spaces

Provide campus environments that foster collaboration and integration between teaching, learning, applied research and industry engagement.

Strategic Driver #5 Brand Recognition

Be a polytechnic leader that is provincially focused, nationally recognized, and first choice for learners, employees, industry and partners.

Strategic Driver #6 Enhanced Partnerships

Generate $200M in investments and partnerships and deliver transformational value for students, businesses and communities.

Strategic Driver #7 Employer of Choice

Be a Top 100 nationally recognized employer that elevates and supports each employee to collectively strengthen the Polytechnic.

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Area of Focus: Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing Red Deer Polytechnic supports various sectors, including energy, transportation, aviation, healthcare and agriculture, through our advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Leveraging programs and applied research capacity, such as the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC), RDP is bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization by enabling industry to apply new technology, develop prototypes and refine and optimize designs and processes to remain competitive.

2023-24 STATS

69 companies/organizations engaged

57 active applied research projects*

$15M in investments and revenue

2 new programs launched

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CENTRE FOR INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING – TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTRE (CIM-TAC) EXPANSION Thanks to a $12.9 million investment from the Government of Alberta, the CIM-TAC will expand from 15,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. Construction will begin in spring 2025 with the new CIM-TAC opening in fall 2026.

By 2030 the expanded CIM-TAC will provide: • work-integrated learning opportunities to 450 post-secondary students • training to 2,000 additional students annually through workshops and events • increase dual credit programs to over 500 junior and senior high school students • new academic programs to be developed

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS RAPID OBJECT-THAWING DEVICE CIM-TAC collaborated with the Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network to design and prototype a rapid object-thawing device for an industry partner. The Centre also connected the client to funding to offset development costs of this innovative technology.

STUDENT INTERN HELPS MANUFACTURE STRETCHING STICK

TWO NEW PROGRAMS LAUNCHED • Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma • Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma

CIM-TAC’s student interns play a vital role in our client projects.

An engineering transfer student led the design for manufacturing of a stretching stick, reducing production costs and enabling the industry client to efficiently ship the product to customers.

This experience also provided valuable, real-world learning opportunities for the student.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT PROTOTYPE PROJECT CIM-TAC supported a local entrepreneur in developing a design for a new piece of exercise equipment. The entrepreneur is now prepared to prototype and validate the equipment. *Multi-layered partnerships mean projects may support more than one Area of Focus, so the list of applied research projects is not an unduplicated count.

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Area of Focus: Healthcare & Health Technology Red Deer Polytechnic has contributed to Alberta’s healthcare sector through providing programs that meet the dynamic needs of our citizens, and equipping graduates with the knowledge and training required to contribute to a healthier society.

Moving forward, RDP will focus on the use of technology and integrated practice – expanding training and education to enhance regional healthcare service delivery; leveraging applied research, demonstration and validation initiatives to advance health outcomes; and focusing on the development and application of Healthtech for economic development and diversification within central Alberta.

2023-24 STATS

18 companies/organizations engaged

8 active applied research projects*

$20M in investments and revenue

3 new programs and pathways created 16

DONALD FAMILY INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHTECH INNOVATION ANNOUNCED Long-time supporters of Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), the Donald Family, made a record-breaking $20 million donation in February 2024 to establish the Donald Family Institute for Healthtech Innovation.

This gift supports healthcare and healthtech programming, creating an ecosystem where experts, researchers, faculty and students collaborate to improve healthcare training, advance health outcomes and drive economic diversification in Alberta through the development and commercialization of new health technologies.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS RDP STUDENTS PARTNER WITH BETHANY CARE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH PROJECT Dr. Greg Wells, Psychology instructor, supervised a fourth-year student in an applied research project aimed at helping young adults in long-term care who need assistive technology for physical and medical challenges. The project, conducted in collaboration with RDP’s CIM-TAC and Bethany CollegeSide residents, began with five student research technicians and 20 students in Dr. Teena Dickerson’s Creative Think Tank course. Dr. Dickerson led a workshop where residents identified well-being needs through creative activities. Residents then collaborated to brainstorm and test assistive technology prototypes which are now used to improve their well-being. This project highlights RDP’s ongoing partnership with Bethany Care Society, promoting community health and providing valuable applied research opportunities for students and instructors.

THREE NEW PROGRAMS AND PATHWAYS CREATED • Medical Device Reprocessing Certificate launched in winter 2024 • RDP was the first Alberta institution to offer an accelerated pathway into the Practical Nurse Diploma for internationally educated nurses and Canadian healthcare professionals seeking faster completion • Healthcare Aide dual credit opportunity created with the Clearview School Division

$1.07 MILLION GRANT FROM PRAIRIESCAN to purchase new software and three 3D printers for the creation of prototypes for wearable health device enclosures, hyper-realistic bones for anatomy visualization and patient-specific medical devices, such as canine surgical implants.

*Multi-layered partnerships mean projects may support more than one Area of Focus, so the list of applied research projects is not an unduplicated count.

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Area of Focus: Energy Innovation Red Deer Polytechnic is building energy innovation programming and applied research capacity to support Alberta’s energy sector develop, scale and integrate innovative technology, and produce the emissions reduction and productivity gains needed for its global competitiveness.

Leveraging its Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) and Alternative Energy Lab, RDP is installing capacity such as rooftop solar photovoltaic panels and combined heat and power units across our campus to advance its goal of achieving net zero energy status by 2031. As important, this capacity provides an innovation ecosystem for teaching and learning and industry focused applied research.

2023-24 STATS

14 companies/organizations engaged

4 active applied research projects*

$1.1M in investments and revenue

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dedicated applied research staff including professional engineers, scientists, technicians and skilled tradespeople

RDP ENERGY INNOVATION CENTRE (EIC) LEADS DATA SHARING ALLIANCE The Data Sharing Alliance (DSA) is a collaborative initiative hosted at RDP that leverages weather and power data gathered from partner sites around the province. The information is then used to develop best practices for modeling and installing solar photovoltaic systems optimized for Alberta’s unique conditions.

In November 2023, Lacombe County signed on as the newest partner in the DSA.

288 solar modules installed in 2021 in Lacombe County offsets 17 per cent of its electricity use while reducing its carbon footprint

4,200 solar panels at RDP generate 60 per cent of its power

10 partner sites part of the Data Sharing Alliance

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS CICAN LIVING LAB PROJECT Under the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Living Lab project, RDP’s Alternative Energy Lab is piloting a demandbased HVAC control strategy to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Currently, the HVAC system runs continuously, consuming 80 per cent of the building’s total energy, estimated at 658 GJ annually. Proposed changes are projected to reduce electricity use by 40 per cent, natural gas consumption by 25 per cent and GHG emissions by 10.5 metric tons of CO2e per year.

The project has successfully engaged more than 50 students, 12 faculty members, 15 industry representatives and 7 community partners.

STUDENT RESEARCH’S IMPACT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE GRID A student intern in RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre led a study examining the potential impact of increased electric vehicle adoption on Red Deer’s electrical grid. This research provides valuable insights for the region’s energy planning and infrastructure development.

2023 Green Gown Awards Awarded for our efforts in energy innovation and emission reduction

2023 Blue Skies Award For taking exemplary measures to improve the air quality in the region

2023 Excellence in Sustainable Development Silver Award Awarded by Colleges and Institutes Canada

*Multi-layered partnerships mean projects may support more than one Area of Focus, so the list of applied research projects is not an unduplicated count.

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Area of Focus: Social Innovation Red Deer Polytechnic fosters social innovation by collaborating with partners to support individuals, organizations and communities while providing students, faculty and staff opportunities to contribute to community well-being.

RDP enhances Alberta’s social capacity through dedicated research spaces, creative arts facilities, arts and education programming and a strategic partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) within the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence.

2023-24 STATS

90 companies/organizations engaged

9 active applied research projects*

$2.1M in investments and revenue

4 new programs launched

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RDP AND CENTRAL ALBERTA CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE (CACAC) PARTNERSHIP GROWS Red Deer Polytechnic hired a new Director of Resiliency & Child Advocacy Research. The new position is growing RDP’s applied research program in resiliency and child advocacy that focuses on integrated practice and harnessing the power of data analytics to advance new best practices that will shape the future of child advocacy.

Together, RDP and CACAC partnered with HelpSeeker Technologies to release the 2024 State of Child Wellbeing in Central Alberta Report, which examines child welfare in central Alberta and includes national and provincial trends, and hosted the second annual Transforming Practices Conference in May 2024.

400+ front-line practitioners and 20+ speakers attended second annual Transforming Practices Conference: Breaking Silence, Building Safety Conference hosted by RDP and CACAC

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH INITIATIVE RDP has worked closely with Indigenous-led organizations and communities to develop culturally relevant programs and services. One notable initiative was a co-designed project aimed at supporting Indigenous youth in accessing education and wellness resources, ensuring a community-driven approach to research.

12 RDP students participated in work-integrated learning opportunities at the CACAC

MUNICIPAL COLLABORATION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING RDP is part of an innovative initiative engaging municipalities and nonprofits to explore sustainable housing models, reflecting RDP’s dedication to addressing urgent societal challenges.

70 RDP students presented their research projects at the Donald School of Business, Science and Computing Student Science Conference

FOUR NEW PROGRAMS LAUNCHED • Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies • Bachelor of Business Administration

• Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate • Machine Learning Analyst Diploma

40 RDP humanities, social work and justice studies students presented their research projects at the annual RDP Agora Conference

*Multi-layered partnerships mean projects may support more than one Area of Focus, so the list of applied research projects is not an unduplicated count.

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4 CCFR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Athletics KINGS AND QUEENS ATHLETICS PROGRAM RANKED #3 IN CANADA Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Athletics has been recognized as the third most successful program in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) during the past 50 years.

In 2023-24, the Kings and Queens had more than 190 student athletes compete in nine sports on 17 Teams.

The Kings and Queens earned 21 Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC) medals, including seven gold, nine silver and five bronze, and four Canadian Collegiate Finals Rodeo (CCFR) championships.

Ten RDP student-athletes were named CCAA Academic All-Canadians, achieving academic honours and elite athletic recognition such as an All-Conference selection.

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including: Steer Wrestling, Tie Down, High Point Cowboy and Team Roping Reserve champions

7 ACAC GOLD MEDALS in men’s curling, men’s hockey, women’s indoor track overall, women’s 4x400m relay, women’s 4x200m relay, women’s 300m and women’s 1500m

9 ACAC SILVER MEDALS in mixed curling, men’s cross-country running, women’s cross-country running, women’s indoor track: 60m, 600m and 1000m, men’s indoor track: 600m, 1000m and 4x400m relay

5 ACAC BRONZE MEDALS in women’s indoor track 3000m, men’s indoor track overall, 1000m and 3000m and men’s volleyball

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment that is accessible to all who study and work on our campuses.

CONTINUING OUR EDI JOURNEY As an educational leader, RDP plays a pivotal role in shaping the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) landscape in central Alberta.

RDP partnered with several groups this year to celebrate cultural diversity and promote inclusion through various events. These events foster learning, build community relationships and demonstrate RDP’s commitment to its EDI journey.

In partnership with the Students’ Association and PRIDE on Campus Student Group, RDP installed a new Pride mural, titled Kaleidoscope, on our main campus. Designed and painted

by Visual Art Diploma alum Kat Simmers, the mural was unveiled during Central Alberta Pride Week in August at a celebratory event attended by more than 100 students, employees and community members.

Several events were organized by students and staff to recognize social awareness initiatives such as Pride Month, Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, National AccessAbility Week and Bell Let’s Talk Day, to name a few.

1,170 international students from 41 different countries, enrolled in 42 different programs

52

per cent

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RDP’s Journey Towards Truth & Reconciliation Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to building a culture of inclusion and respect, recognizing the Indigenous Peoples whose history is rooted in the land where its campuses are located. With over 450 Indigenous learners, RDP continues its journey toward Truth and Reconciliation through efforts such as Indigenizing the curriculum, hosting educational events and promoting cultural awareness initiatives.

RDP LAUNCHES RECONCILI-ACTION PLAN In November 2023, RDP released its Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028. The plan represents an important step in RDP’s commitment to the recognition of Treaties, advancement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, allegiance to Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol and our responsibility to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The plan, developed with input from faculty, staff, Indigenous students and local Indigenous communities, focuses on building meaningful, reciprocal relationships between RDP and Indigenous Peoples. It includes actions across four key themes, guided by open hearts, doors, eyes and voices.

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2023 Indigenous Education Excellence Gold Award awarded by Colleges and Institutes Canada

2023 Indigenous Education Silver Award awarded by the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics

$250,000 donated from ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s social impact initiative, for land-based learning and reconciliation initiatives

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robot pow wows hosted at RDP with IndigSTEAM

Culture Camp held at RDP in collaboration with regional partners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders

• Red Deer Polytechnic hosted a series of educational events to promote understanding of Indigenous cultures: ° Truth & Reconciliation Week (September): The week featured First Nations artist George Littlechild, who donated his artwork, 4 Star Art Warrior, to RDP’s permanent collection as a symbol of reconciliation. ° Métis Week (November): RDP celebrated the Métis Nation’s history, culture and contributions to Canadian society. ° Red Dress Day (May): RDP raised awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S+), with a talk by Violet Soosay, activities and the creation of red dress pins in support of the movement. ° National Indigenous History Month (June): RDP students, staff and community members participated in honouring Indigenous histories and cultures.

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RDP is a proud community member Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to be located in Red Deer, Alberta.

The vibrant central Alberta region provides RDP with incredible opportunities for community engagement.

CAMPUS EVENT 2023-24 STATS

More than

445,000 individuals attended events hosted on RDP main campus

389

events held at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre

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500

139

Over community events held on our campus, including 174 conferences and workshops

external organizations used our campus facilities

68

Over youth attended RDP’s summer camps,

events held in the Arts Centre

750

143

and adults participated in our annual Series Summer Art Workshop

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS 2024 marked Red Deer Polytechnic’s 60th anniversary.

Celebrations kicked off with a sold-out Perspectives: Canada in the World speaker series event featuring Canadian icon and former astronaut Chris Hadfield.

Celebrations continued at RDP’s 60th Convocation in June 2024, where RDP celebrated its largest graduating class of 1,853 graduates. Sheldon Kennedy, Co-owner of Respect Group Inc. and former professional hockey player, and Dr. George Littlechild, celebrated Indigenous Artist, were both awarded Honorary Degrees.

The 60th Anniversary events wrapped up with RDP hosting a free community Pancake Breakfast during Westerner Days that had over 1,000 people enjoy pancakes and festivities, and the return of the RDP Golf Tournament in August that raised $60,000 for student-athlete scholarships

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY Red Deer Polytechnic employees enjoy giving back to the community. RDP employees raised more than $14,000 in support of the 2023 Holiday Giving Campaign that dispersed funds to United Way Central Alberta and the Students’ Association Food Bank. In addition, staff donated 2,683 pounds (1.34 tons) of food to the Students’ Association Food Bank.

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rdpolytech.ca 100 Donald Blvd.

Red Deer, Alberta