PEAKS Campus grand opening on Sept 28, 2022. Nick Allen photo.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
May 3, 2023
“PEAKS Collegiate Campus embodies our Division Mission to inspire excellence through meaningful relationships, innovation, and collaboration."
On April 27, 2023, the Livingstone Range School Division announced that Alberta Education has granted collegiate school status to PEAKS Campus, for specialized programming in environmental science. The status approval comes with a grant of $5.77 million.
“PEAKS Collegiate Campus is set to become a world-class education destination for high school students preparing for careers in environmental science,” said Chad Kuzyk, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum & Innovation, and the lead on the collegiate application, “We will offer hands-on and virtual programming for Grade 7-12 students to explore interests and pursue high school [and] post-secondary dual credit pathways.”
According to the school division, the environmental sciences specialization at PEAKS Collegiate Campus will leverage innovative partnerships between Livingstone Range School Division, Lethbridge College and industry partners. Programming will include high school and college credit courses, practicum-style learning experiences with industry professionals, and career connections to help students have a competitive advantage in the workplace.
“This accreditation as a collegiate school and the accompanying funding is an acknowledgment of the incredible place-based opportunities we already offer students,” said Lacey Poytress, Board of Trustees Chair, “It also speaks to the unlimited potential awaiting students in the environmental sciences field right here in southern Alberta.”
The rigorous collegiate application process required the school division to conduct extensive business case documentation including sector analysis and marketing plans; proof of partnership support; detailed financial plans and programming documentation. Plans for the approved funding include specialized equipment and collegiate-specific facility enhancement. It is anticipated that programming will be open to students beginning in the 2023-2024 school year and will grow from there.
Superintendent Darryl Seguin sees PEAKS Collegiate Campus aligning with LRSD’s purpose.
“PEAKS Collegiate Campus embodies our Division Mission to inspire excellence through meaningful relationships, innovation, and collaboration,” said Seguin.
He said it will be a key part of their ongoing efforts to offer a broad range of programs for students and the desire to meet the school division’s ‘Every student, every day’ aspiration.
“We are so grateful for the support of industry partners and Lethbridge College on this successful application,” added Kuzyk, “These collaborative relationships create these amazing innovative opportunities for students.”
Watch for more information and updates on www.lrsd.ca