Credit: Town of Drayton Valley, Facebook.

By Erika Chorostil

Two-year funding commitment for helping students

Drayton Valley Rotary Club commits $25,000 to town’s Zero-Fee Tuition program

Mar 17, 2021 | 12:49 PM

The Town of Drayton Valley’s Zero-Fee Tuition program is receiving funding from the Drayton Valley Rotary Club.

The club has committed $25,000 in funding for the program over two years, which will go towards offsetting tuition costs for eligible programs for local students.

Members of Drayton Valley Town Council accepted a cheque from the Rotary Club on Tuesday.

“The Rotary Club of Drayton Valley is proud to support the Zero Fee Tuition initiative; education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community, and world, better than you found it”, commented Drayton Valley Rotary President, Mardi Dancey.

“Drayton Valley offering our citizens the opportunity to get the education they desire is such a fantastic project. This year, above all else, when the economy and finances are tight, offering zero tuition to our local students just makes sense. Rotary thanks everyone for helping raise funds to support ongoing projects in our town.”

residential mill rate to hold steady

Penhold town council approves final tax rate increases

7h ago

tips to prevent fires

Sylvan Lake urges extra caution as dry conditions push fire risk higher

8h ago

Guest speaker Chad Reyes

Premier Danielle Smith addresses Red Deerians at Christian Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

13h ago

The Zero-Fee Tuition program encourages local students to remain in Drayton Valley as they pursue a post-secondary education and also attracts students from the surrounding regions.

The concept is a first of its kind in Canada and aims to remove barriers for those looking to further their education and develop their skills in existing or new careers.

The opportunity will serve to retain and attract new community members who will contribute to the skilled workforce and growth of the community by supporting local restaurants, shops, and retail stores

Over the last year, town council has been forming partnerships with various post-secondary institutions including Northern Lakes College and with the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension to increase post-secondary opportunities in Drayton Valley as well as the surrounding region.

Area students have been surveyed to determine what programming is in demand with the goal of working with these institutions to bring needed training to the region.

The town says the “exciting initiative” is creating a sense of hope in the community, fostering growth in the local economy, and building an optimistic future filled with opportunity.

“The money received from our local Rotary Club will go a long way in helping students gain the skills they need to compete in today’s competitive job market”, said Mayor Michael Doerksen.

“We want our children to have the best resources available to them and what better way than to ensure that those resources are right on their doorstep. This is an investment in our children, our families, and the future of our community. I want to sincerely thank the Rotary Club of Drayton Valley for once again demonstrating what community leadership and pulling together means.”