From left to right: Dimitra Fotopoulos; vice-dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension; Lorna Ludwig, TVP program administrator; Emily Pong, marketing vice-president, Commercial Banking CIBC; Evan Cortens, dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension; Brent Agerbak, vice-president and regional head, Alberta and NWT, CIBC; Tim Rahilly, PhD, president and vice-chancellor of MRU; Melanie Rogers, vice-president, University Advancement, MRU.
On Oct. 4, representatives from CIBC presented Mount Royal University's Transitional Vocational Program (TVP) a donation of $500,000, the largest of its kind in program history. The transformative funding will be used over five years to support students in the program through bursaries that will help with tuition and other costs. The donation will also be used to enhance current programming and technology, develop new courses based on student need and interest, incorporate adaptive learning equipment into classrooms and ensure students have access to supports such as ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters.
In recognition of this donation, the main computer lab will be renamed the CIBC TVP Computer Lab.
"At CIBC, we're creating a culture of inclusion and accessibility that plays a large role in this. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their ambitions, which is why removing barriers that get in the way of progress is so important. We're proud to support MRU's Transitional Vocational Program, which will help the next generation of changemakers and leaders achieve their academic dreams and career goals," said Ronan Ryan, executive director of the CIBC Foundation.
Established in 1980, Mount Royal's TVP offers both full-time and part-time programming on campus for adults with developmental disabilities. It provides a variety of creative, innovative and collaborative post-secondary experiences that foster personal, professional and academic growth and emphasize empowerment, teamwork, professionalism, accountability and respect.
TVP is made up of three parts. The Employment Preparation Certificate Program (EPCP) is one full year and prepares students for competitive employment and community living with a combination of on-campus instruction and community-based work practicums. TVP's part-time studies provides courses such as functional literacy and math, learner's licence test preparation, life skills, introduction to computer coding, basic living skills and more. The Employment Assistance program is open to graduates of the EPCP. Students receive job placements and support services as well as strategies for self-directed job searches for a 12-month period.
"Education is the true meaning to allow students to learn and achieve their dreams," said Luke, an EPCP certificate graduate who is currently enrolled in the Employment Assistance program and attending part-time classes through the TVP.
"We are extremely appreciative of CIBC's commitment to the growth and development of the Transitional Vocational Program that will be enabled by this generous donation. Their commitment will directly impact persons with developmental disabilities accessing post-secondary education. These initiatives and bursaries will have a lasting impact on current and future students' learning and employment opportunities, for the next five years and beyond," said Lorna Ludwig, TVP program administrator.
One of the main reasons the program has been successful for more than four decades is the unwavering support of the University and the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension. MRU's TVP is one of only four programs in the province, where there used to be nine. There is never any lack of demand for the TVP, however institutional support is critical.
"The Transitional Vocational Program at Mount Royal University is one of the many ways that we live our institution's commitment to an accessible and inclusive post-secondary education. We are sincerely grateful to CIBC for their belief in our students and for the enormous possibilities that this gift enables. The new student bursaries that we will create will help reduce the financial barriers to participation in this vital program and the supports for the program will help us ensure that it is serving the needs of all students, today and into the future," said Evan Cortens, dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension.
Learn more about Mount Royal's Transitional Vocational Program.
