CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga investments will enhance student success in new academic year

Conestoga has made significant investments designed to enhance student learning experiences, expand campus facilities across all of its locations and add more student housing.

These initiatives are part of Conestoga's ongoing commitment to providing top-tier education and state-of-the-art facilities and labs for its students and will be supported through Conestoga's $78-million annual budget for student supports.

"By expanding our student housing options, enhancing our facilities and the student supports we offer, we are providing state-of-the-art learning environments and ensuring our students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern workforce," said Trish Weigel Green, vice-president, Students. "These substantial investments reflect our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community."

Conestoga has made significant investments in its student housing portfolio, securing eight properties to increase student accommodation capacity. In Kitchener, the college is converting a 12-storey vacant office building on Frederick Street into a mix of student residences and classroom space. Conestoga is also leasing space at 475 King St. N. to house students, and has acquired properties in Brantford, Waterloo and Milton for additional student housing.

As part of the college's effort to ensure students have comfortable living arrangements that support their academic success, a Guaranteed Housing program was launched in Brantford and Waterloo for first-year students this year, offering a variety of cost options with some as low as $500 per room. Applications for this program have been extended to August 31 and are now open to all current students as well.

The college also invested significantly in its CARE Team, a multi-disciplinary group focused on providing elevated support to help students reach their academic and personal goals.

The College's student union, Conestoga Students Inc., also offers resources to address housing and food insecurity, such as the Student Nutritional Access Program, which ensures access to nutritious food and meals, as well as an emergency food fund for students in need. Conestoga has also created a Food Security Collective, a group that collaborates with local food banks and community service providers to enhance education, communication and program delivery.

For those seeking employment opportunities, Conestoga's Talent Hub offers myriad resources for students, alumni and community members seeking full-time, part-time or seasonal work.

These resources and more will be shared during Fall Orientation, now underway at Conestoga campuses. Orientation is the crucial first step in setting students up for success as they embark on their academic journey. During this period, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of welcome activities tailored to Conestoga's diverse student body. These activities aim to help students acclimate to their new environment, connect with peers and faculty and become familiar with the campus resources.

In addition to strategic investments in student supports, Conestoga made significant enhancements to its academic facilities and programming. This includes over $100 million in upgrades to the Waterloo campus, enhancing student support services, creating a wellness centre, and adding over 150,000 square feet of learning space. In Cambridge, Conestoga has invested nearly $300 million in its Skilled Trades Campus, which will be the largest trades training facility in Canada, offering state-of-the-art workshops, classrooms and labs to support the development of highly skilled trades professionals.

Conestoga's commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing educational opportunities is further exemplified by its new initiatives in Milton. The college has opened two new campuses in the region, offering programs in high-demand fields such as computer science, engineering, technology, and health and life sciences. This expansion aligns with Conestoga's dedication to addressing workforce needs and providing cutting-edge educational resources. Substantial funds have also been allocated to upgrade the Kitchener - Doon campus to create an advanced healthcare and biotechnology centre that will double the number of students trained for jobs facing significant labour shortages.

"Upgrading our facilities and infrastructure is crucial for giving students the best learning experience possible," Weigel Green added. "These strategic investments will ensure Conestoga graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market, ready to make a meaningful impact in our communities."

Looking ahead, Conestoga has allocated $300-400 million in planned investments in building renovations, new projects and equipment upgrades. This includes $150 million in upgrades to the Macdonnell and Speedvale campuses in Guelph, as well as new student housing opportunities to accommodate the student population.

Conestoga's growth is tied to its mission of meeting workforce demands in key areas while optimizing the student experience. With a catchment area that includes more than 1.2 million people, Conestoga is in an enviable position to provide training, education and support to Ontario's diverse and expanding labour market. As such, the college has launched more than 10 programs this fall, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Sustainable Waste Management and Global Health Management.  

"Conestoga is committed to serving our community and its employers by introducing new programs in high-demand fields," Weigel Green said. "By aligning our program offerings with the needs of the job market, we are providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers, while making sure the communities we serve remain economically competitive."