The Clearview Public School Division has extended its support to Red Deer College (RDC) in its attempt to transform into a Polytechnic University in a letter dated Dec. 22, 2015.
According to the Clearview Public Schools board, with RDC becoming a polytechnic university, students of Stettler and counties of Stettler and Paintearth will get greater opportunities to pursue careers that necessitates getting a university degree.
"Clearview has a great relationship with Red Deer College as it stands now and a Polytechnic University will only enhance and give more opportunities to our students for study and in receiving a degree," said board chair Cheri Neitz. "Therefore, we have sent a letter of support in their bid to become a Polytechnic University."
The board noted that a university in Red Deer would be more accessible and affordable for students who graduated from Clearview Public Schools to continue their education after high school.
"Once a Polytechnic University is up and running it will provide another choice for students who are looking to further their education," added Neitz. "With a university that close to home, (it) could help many students with some of the financial burden of living in another community while striving to attain a degree, as some of our students could live at home and attend university."
Clearview believes there is a need for Red Deer College to attain Polytechnic University status because of Central Alberta's strong population growth and economic development.