RDP Welcomes Pride Community to Learn About STEM

Earlier today, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) community gathered to celebrate the spirit of inclusion and Pride with a new art installation on main campus. The colourful mural titled Kaleidoscope, designed and painted by RDP Visual Art alum Kat Simmers, adorns the exterior of the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic (SARDP) building space near the institution’s main entrance. “This mural affirms SARDP’s commitment to supporting all students in an environment where they feel welcome and can succeed,” says Devyn Shannon, President, Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic. “Pride is a core intersectional component that supports equity and relates to the importance of respecting others regardless of their sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, gender and race.” The artwork is a joint initiative between the Students’ Association of RDP, Pride on Campus Student Group and Red Deer Polytechnic. “Red Deer Polytechnic aims to be a welcoming and safe community for all students and employees, and this new artwork conveys that message of belonging,” says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. “We are proud to support this student-led initiative and commend RDP alum, Kat Simmers, who has brought to life this symbol of solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.” Since graduating from RDP, Simmers

Earlier today, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) raised a Progressive Pride Flag, joining citizens around the world in recognizing June as Pride Month in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “The Progressive Pride Flag Raising is one of several events throughout the year when Red Deer Polytechnic demonstrates our community’s commitment to providing an inclusive learning and working environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to succeed,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “Diversity strengthens communities and enriches the experiences of RDP students, faculty and staff.” The Students’ Association of RDP ( SARDP) partnered with the Polytechnic to host the Progressive Pride Flag Raising event. Throughout the year, the SARDP supports its diverse student population in several ways, which includes various student groups. These groups include Pride on Campus. “We raise the Progressive Pride Flag at Red Deer Polytechnic to embody sentiments of equality, belonging and empathy,” says Devyn Shannon, President, SARDP. “Today’s event demonstrates that Red Deer Polytechnic is an ally and home for everyone. Pride is an irreplaceable ideal – it is kindness compassion and respect.” During the past few years, RDP and the SARDP have increased their collaboration with the Central Alberta Pride Society on

Alberta’s government is expanding student capacity and creating a modern learning environment at Red Deer Polytechnic that will help graduates succeed in the economy of tomorrow. To support emerging opportunities for students, Alberta’s government will invest $12.9 million to expand the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). CIM-TAC is an applied research and innovation centre that gives companies access to state-of-the-art prototyping and manufacturing equipment, along with a multi-disciplinary team with the expertise to turn brilliant ideas into market-ready products. As Alberta’s economy grows and diversifies, job creators will increasingly seek employees with the skills required to work in advanced manufacturing. Construction will begin in early 2025 and will increase the centre’s applied research, education and training capacity. The expanded CIM-TAC will grow to provide work-integrated learning opportunities for an estimated 450 post-secondary students and training through workshops and events to an additional 2,000 students annually by 2030. Additionally, more than 500 junior and senior high school students will take part in dual credit programs at the CIM-TAC. “Investing in this expansion of CIM-TAC will give students at RDP access to cutting-edge technology and skills to succeed in the economy of tomorrow