Lethbridge College will soon become Alberta’s newest polytechnic institution ‘Lethbridge Polytechnic,’ enriching educational opportunities in southern Alberta. The official new name for the institution will take effect Sept. 3.
Redesignation as a polytechnic institution will provide more hands-on, industry-responsive higher education for the Lethbridge region. As a polytechnic institution, Lethbridge College will provide career-focused post-secondary education, meeting the needs of students at every stage of life.
In Alberta, polytechnic status gives institutions more opportunities to create a wide spectrum of programming to meet local needs, including degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship education.
Since 1957, Lethbridge College has been providing quality education to southern Albertans. ‘Lethbridge Polytechnic’ will continue to proudly offer degrees, diplomas, apprenticeship education, certificates and an environment for applied research, aligning with high demand industries within our province.
“Being a polytechnic acknowledges the work we’ve done to provide a range of career-ready apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas and degrees and to grow our applied research. The designation signifies a deepening of our mission to deliver practical, hands-on learning experiences and opens the door to creating even more pathways for students at every step of their educational and career journeys,” says Michael Marcotte, Lethbridge College board chair.
“While our official designation is changing from a college to a polytechnic, our commitment to the community remains the same – to provide programming that meets the needs of students and industry, and to engage in research that supports economic development,” adds President and CEO Brad Donaldson.
With the establishment of a polytechnic institution, southern Alberta will soon have a university, a college, a First Nation college and a polytechnic institution, each offering distinct programming to meet the diverse needs of the communities in the region. This will enable students to choose from various forms of post-secondary education, eliminating the need to travel long distances for post-secondary education.
“This move is far more than a name change. It truly signifies the continual adaptation, growth and grand vision for one of our city’s beloved post-secondary institutions. At the City of Lethbridge, we are proud to employ many Lethbridge College alumni. We are also appreciative of our ongoing relationship and commitment to work-integrated learning projects in development with Lethbridge College,” notes Mayor Blaine Hyggen.