Lethbridge College exploring return to Taber

By Dave Mabell
Alta Newspaper Group – Lethbridge

As part of its regional mandate, Lethbridge College offers programs in Pincher Creek, Vulcan and Claresholm.

It could soon welcome students to a Taber campus as well, depending on public response to an online survey.

“Part of Lethbridge College’s mandate is to support educational opportunities throughout southern Alberta,” says Sandra Dufresne, the college’s director of external relations and community engagement. “This survey is an opportunity for us to hear directly from those who would most likely use our services so that we can determine relevant programming and opportunities for the residents of Taber and its surrounding area.”

Discussions began last summer, when town officials expressed interest in seeing the college offer classes in Taber — as it did years ago. Next, a community advisory council was established, aiming at determining the educational needs of Taber and the surrounding area.

Residents of Taber and its nearby communities — with the incentive of a $100 prize — are being invited to provide feedback on those educational needs and future programming. The Community Survey of Educational Needs is available online and will help gauge how Lethbridge College can serve the region.

The 19-question survey, open to all Taber-area residents age 18 and up, takes from five to 10 minutes. It covers such topics as areas of educational interest, concerns about accessing postsecondary education and educational delivery formats.

And everyone who completes the survey has the opportunity to enter into a draw for a $100 Visa gift card. It’s found at lethbridgecollege.ca/tabersurvey. The survey will close March 8. Members of the advisory council — awaiting results of the survey — include the Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association; the Taber Regional Joint Economic Development Committee; the Horizon School Division No. 67; the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce, and Taber Family and Community Support Services, in addition to town officials.