Date:
Expiry Date:
Current Status:
Sponsors:
District:
Year:
Convention:
Category:
Status:
Vote Results:
Preamble:
WHEREAS participation in post-secondary education is critical to the long-term viability and prosperity of Alberta’s rural communities, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to economic development, community leadership, and innovation; and
WHEREAS rural Albertans face unique and significant barriers to accessing post-secondary education, including but not limited to financial constraints, geographic isolation, cultural and social challenges, limited access to advanced academic preparation, and inadequate technological infrastructure; and
WHEREAS students from rural communities are an equity-deserving group requiring targeted strategies and tailored support to overcome systemic inequities in education access, including resources for financial aid, academic counselling, mentorship, and reliable high-speed internet; and
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta has identified education and workforce development as critical priorities for sustaining economic growth and diversifying rural economies; and
WHEREAS existing post-secondary pathways insufficiently address the unique needs of rural students, contributing to underrepresentation in advanced education and perpetuating inequities that hinder their full participation in Alberta’s prosperity.
Operative Clause:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advocate to the Government of Alberta to provide dedicated funding and commit to the development and ongoing evaluation of a comprehensive Rural Pathway to Post-Secondary Education Strategy that will:
Member Background:
Rural Albertans face systemic barriers that hinder equitable access to post-secondary education. Financial constraints, such as the high cost of tuition, relocation expenses, and limited part-time employment opportunities, disproportionately affect rural families. Geographic isolation necessitates relocation, further increasing costs and contributing to emotional and cultural challenges.
Additionally, rural schools often lack resources for academic preparation, including advanced courses, standardized test preparation, and guidance counselling. Limited access to reliable high-speed internet further restricts rural students from fully engaging with online learning and digital application platforms.
These barriers contribute to the underrepresentation of rural students in Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, limiting their ability to contribute to economic and social growth. Addressing these inequities requires a dedicated rural pathway strategy that recognizes rural students as an equity-deserving community and provides the resources and supports necessary for their success.
Developing this strategy will empower rural Albertans to pursue advanced education, fostering stronger, more resilient communities and ensuring their meaningful participation in Alberta’s long-term prosperity.
RMA Background:
RMA has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.
Development:
Provincial Ministries:
Provincial Boards and Organizations:
Internal Notes:
