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Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has released its 2024 Impact Report, showcasing the progress made in the 2023-24 academic year toward achieving the institution’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. In 2023-24, RDP launched seven new credit programs, welcomed over 11,000 learners to their campuses (an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year), received a historic $20 million dollar gift from the Donald Family to create the Donald Family Institute for Healthtech Innovation, and was once again named to the Top 50 Research Colleges/Polytechnics in Canada. These are just a few of the positive highlights featured in RDP’s 2024 Impact Report. “Our 2024 Impact Report showcases RDP’s many successes and progress made to achieving our 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact. Launched in December 2023, our plan is bold and ambitious; it provides the blueprint for our polytechnic journey,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “By sharpening our focus on the issue of productivity, we are increasing and diversifying the talent base for Alberta’s economic growth and producing a community of innovators and entrepreneurs for our essential industries to compete and thrive. As we look forward to 2025, we will continue to work alongside our

RDP celebrated the completion of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on January 23, 2025, highlighting its cultural and community significance.

A powerful partnership that is helping to build Alberta’s future skilled trades workforce, the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), is providing practical learning that brings together K-12 and post-secondary learning with on-the-job opportunities to central Alberta middle and high school students. At a gathering at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) today, CACI partners provided an information session and update to a group of educational partners, industry representatives and government officials. The Central Alberta Collegiate Institute focuses on providing skilled trades dual credit learning opportunities for middle school and high school students. 190 high school students participated in programming in 2023/2024, with almost 350 learners engaged in programs, so far, this year. Programming currently includes skilled trades exploration and pre-employment training within Heavy Equipment Technician, Welding, Industrial Mechanic and Automotive Services Technician programs for central Alberta students enrolled in grades 8 through 12. “This new Collegiate is allowing RDP to build capacity with local K-12 school divisions, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and CAREERS to enhance dual credit programming in the region, creating pathways to post-secondary education and rewarding careers for central Alberta youth,” comments Stuart Cullum, President of RDP. “The CACI partners have a long history of working collaboratively together

The City of Red Deer has partnered with Red Deer County and Red Deer Polytechnic to gather Business Retention and Expansion and Workforce Development (BREWD) information from local businesses. The project, known as BREWD, is launching with the goal to support local business growth and address workforce challenges. This portion of the project is focused on collecting data that will be used to assess the needs of local businesses and develop a targeted action plan for economic prosperity. The City of Red Deer, Red Deer County and Red Deer Polytechnic have joined forces with partners across central Alberta to collect the data that will help them understand what is driving the local economy and what challenges local businesses face. “The data collected will help decision-makers better understand what is needed to drive local businesses forward so they can grow and succeed,” said Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston. “This will help to create a thriving business environment that supports existing businesses and attracts new investment.” “Regional collaboration is essential to fostering a robust business community that drives economic development, said Jim Wood, Mayor, Red Deer County. “By uniting our strengths and resources, we ensure that our region remains competitive, resilient, and

Through a new partnership between RDP and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, aspiring LFES candidates can now complete their Firefighter Applicant Physical Test closer to home.

RDP is proud to be part of a network of 38 post-secondary institutions who are receiving more than $24 million in Lab to Market funding from the Government of Canada.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to provide innovative education, training and applied research opportunities that address industrial and societal needs across Alberta. In collaboration with Stardust Solar, an award-winning, registered provider of The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners ® (NABCEP®), RDP offers a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation Masterclass. This micro-credential helps individuals acquire and enhance their knowledge and skills in the solar installation industry. “ The Solar Photovoltaic Installation Masterclass offers flexible, online training to prepare individuals for solar installation as a career or for personal interest,” says Martin Thomsen, Interim Dean, Continuing Education and Corporate Training. “At RDP, we align our programming to help fulfill labour market demand and contribute to the priorities of the province.” The 20-hour online component of this program consists of three modules: Solar PV Technology, Grid-Tied Solar PV System Design and Off-Grid Solar PV System Design. Throughout these modules, students will advance their competencies in a range of areas, including solar electric code, system assessments, shading analysis and wiring. This engaging online program culminates in six hours of hands-on training at Red Deer Polytechnic. Students enrolled in the Solar PV Installation Masterclass will design, wire and test a small micro-inverter based rooftop

As a new year approaches, we reflect on the fun we have had celebrating our 60th anniversary with you all. It has been a pleasure reminiscing throughout 2024 with our 60th anniversary events and social media timelines posts. To help cap off the celebrations, we’ve condensed RDP’s history into a fascinating timeline. We hope you enjoy! In 60 years, Red Deer Polytechnic has proudly grown from 119 students with only 5 staff members and 10 instructors to be one of Alberta's sought-after destinations for post-secondary education, attracting students from across the province, the country and around the world. The vision of RDP (formerly Red Deer College) has always been bold. With humble beginnings that started in the hallways of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and turned into the beautiful campus on the busy corridor of the Queen Elizabeth Highway. Now with 80+ industry-ready program areas 60% of programs including Work-Integrated Learning 4200 solar panels on campus 770 International students in 2023 from 35 countries 3553 Indigenous students in 2023 192 ACAC provincial team and individual titles within Athletics But before all that, what was then Red Deer Junior College was established by the Order-in-Council in 1963, where we became the

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has been recognized for its high-quality culinary education, ranking 17th among the best culinary schools in Canada by University Magazine. “We are proud to be acknowledged across the nation for our dynamic culinary programming,” says Garnett Schoettler, Chair of Culinary Programs and Instructor at RDP. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we offer enhanced education and training opportunities in collaboration with industry partners that help fulfill labour market demand.” Red Deer Polytechnic offers both a three-year, part-time Cook Apprenticeship and a two-year, full-time Culinary Arts Diploma program to address the needs of students. In both programs, aspiring cooks will learn from experienced chefs, advancing their knowledge and skills in a range of areas, including food preparation, nutrition and budgeting. During the Cook Apprenticeship, students attend the Polytechnic one day per week for 40 weeks annually, providing opportunities to apply their culinary knowledge in the workplace. RDP’s Cook apprentices dedicate 1,560 hours each year and a total of 4,680 hours honing their skills in paid industrial settings. Upon successfully completing RDP’s Cook Apprenticeship program, graduates receive both an education credential and journeyperson certificate. In the final year, students are eligible to earn a Red Seal Endorsement on their journeyperson

On behalf of Red Deer Polytechnic, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of long-time RDP friend and supporter, Bill Welikoklad. Bill’s connection to RDP began in 1966 when he worked as a general foreman on the construction team that built Red Deer Junior College. A generous, community-minded leader, Bill and wife Irma have been instrumental in supporting higher education in Central Alberta. Together, Bill and Irma have elevated the RDP student experience through generously supporting student awards that relieve the financial burden of students attending post-secondary. They have also supported the creation of exciting new learning spaces on our campus, such as the Welikoklad Simulation Lab, a high-tech learning environment where RDP Health Sciences students can experience simulations of real-world patient care scenarios. Bill and Irma were also instrumental in helping us achieve our downtown campus expansion. Bill and Irma have built a true legacy of developing new opportunities for the betterment of Red Deerians, and Red Deer Polytechnic. Bill’s legacy will continue to positively impact our students and region for decades to come.

Exro Technologies Inc. ( TSX: EXRO, OTCQB: EXROF) (the “ Company” or “ Exro”), a leading clean-technology company that provides new-generation power control electronics that expand the capabilities of electric motors and batteries, announced today the successful installation of its first in-field Cell Driver™ Battery Energy Storage System (“ Cell Driver™”) at Red Deer Polytechnic (“ RDP”). The installation was led by Cellex Energy Inc, Exro’s subsidiary dedicated to Cell Driver™ development and commercialization, and was completed earlier this month. This achievement will be celebrated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony this morning with members of RDP, Exro, and local officials. The RDP installation integrates Exro’s Cell Driver™ system with a 1.6-megawatt rooftop solar system (nearly 4,200 solar panels) and a one-megawatt Combined Heat and Power Unit installed in partnership with Inferno Solar, at RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre. The project is intended to demonstrate how clean energy technologies can be incorporated into existing commercial buildings —potentially a significant market opportunity for the deployment of Cell Driver™. The installation of the Cell Driver™ system at RDP is a use-case for educational facilities and municipalities committed to meeting net-zero standards and is expected to enhance the institution’s efforts in advancing alternative energy

In a significant show of support for Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and its students, NOVA Chemicals has generously donated $20,000 to RDP’s Student Emergency Bursary Fund. This donation aims to help students who are experiencing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, family crises, or other critical situations that could impact their ability to continue their education. This generous gift raises NOVA Chemicals' total lifetime contributions to RDP to over $3.7 million. On Friday, December 6, a group of NOVA Chemicals employees gathered at RDP to present the donation, along with additional food items to support the RDP Students' Association Food Bank. These NOVA employees are former RDP students and were excited to give back on behalf of NOVA. NOVA is one of the region’s largest employers, and as such, employs many RDP alumni, including graduates from Engineering, Nursing, Business, Continuing Education, and Trades programs. “NOVA Chemicals recognizes the importance of supporting Red Deer Polytechnic and its students to help us build a strong, thriving community in Central Alberta,” states Rob Thompson, Vice President, Manufacturing West, NOVA Chemicals. “Sometimes students can encounter unforeseen barriers that can get in the way of their studies. We are hopeful this