The Municipal Coal Transition Funding Committee awarded Southeast College a grant of up to $200,000 toward its first-year start-up costs in Estevan to establish Southeast College's Centre of Sustainable Innovation. The Centre will be home to diverse interests including applied research, sustainability, innovation, just-in-time learning and entrepreneurship. A major driver of business growth across industries in the province and across the nation is sustainable innovation.
Jeff Ward, Sheena Onrait, Tania Hlohovsky Andrist, Dr. Vicky Roy (All representing the Southeast College) and Ashley Galloway, Mayor Roy Ludwig, James Trobert (All representing the Municipal Coal Transition Funding Committee)
"Southeast College is thrilled to receive this grant. The establishment of this Center will assist in attracting investment and advancing the development and diversification of the Southeast region's economy", states Dr. Vicky Roy, CEO & President of Southeast College. Dr. Roy added, "We are fortunate to have a strong team at Southeast College, and Tania Hlohovsky Andrist and Darcy Nolte from our Strategic Development division have been instrumental in obtaining this grant and moving this new Centre forward."
In October of 2022, Southeast College and the University of Regina announced a Memorandum of Understanding with the intent to join forces to provide academic programming, career training, continuing education, applied research and international student support services to help meet education, economic and labour market needs. The partnership is an important step forward in expanding alternative and sustainable energy education in rural communities in Southeast Saskatchewan.
"On behalf of the Municipal Coal Transition Funding Committee, we are proud to have been able to support this application and we are confident that the money allocated will be used to the greatest benefit," says Mayor Roy Ludwig. "We are excited to be a part of this initiative with Southeast College and, having had the privilege to work with this extraordinary group, knowing this funding will assist the areas in reaching its greatest potential."
The Municipal Coal Transition Funding Committee members include:
- Ken Bonokoski - Town of Bienfait
- Richard Tessier - Reeve, RM of Coalfields
- James Trobert - Councillor, RM of Estevan
- Ashley Galloway - City of Estevan Economic Development
- Tony Sernick - Councillor, City of Estevan
- Roy Ludwig - Mayor of Estevan
As a leading provider of innovative courses, programs, and applied research services, Southeast College is perfectly positioned to continue to improve the lives of communities and businesses. We deliver flexible programming and competency-based training to educate and reskill workers in our region through partnerships with municipalities, educational institutions, and indigenous communities.
Southeast College is proud to offer innovative and flexible programming that encourages students to learn where they live.