martensville messenger - JANUARY 26 , 2017 - Page 9

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is pleased to be part of the Essential Skills Social Finance ( ESSF ) project , dedicated to improving the skills of unemployed Canadians . Thanks to our Saskatchewan investor , Conexus Credit Union for helping start the first social finance project of this kind in Canada .

Canada has achieved an important milestone in its commitment to social financing for public good . The Government of Canada , private investors , and colleges and institutes are pushing

the boundaries of social innovation and impact investing by implementing the first social finance project of its kind in Canada .

As the key project intermediary Colleges and Institutes Canada ( CICan ) is leveraging the principles of social finance through social impact bonds ( SIB ) to raise upfront capital from private investors who are looking to support societal good while a financial return . With capital raised from three investors – Conexus Credit Union , the Catherine Donnelly Foundation , and Dave and Pamela Richardson and Family , the Essential Skills Social Finance ( ESSF ) project is now moving forward with the delivery of essential-skills training to improve the skills levels of unemployed adult Canadians .

Essential skills are needed for work and learning and help people evolve with their jobs and adapt to changes in the workplace . Improvements in literacy , numeracy and computer use for Canadians with low essential skills can create

to do all of that on my own .”

“ We want to ensure that sharing Indigenous success stories is the norm at Sask Polytech , not the exception ,”

ASAP is an institutionwide strategy to provide Indigenous students with a variety of services that enhance the student experience and remove barriers to success . Enrolment for Indigenous students at Sask Polytech has increased 31 per cent since the 2011-12 academic year . Currently representing 18 per cent of the total student population , Indigenous students are a valued part of the Sask Polytech community .

“ We want to ensure that sharing Indigenous success stories is the norm at Sask Polytech , not the better employment outcomes , accelerate inclusive growth , and diminish social and economic disparities .

If participants in the ESSF project achieve a demonstrated skills gain , the initial investments will be reimbursed , and investors may receive up to an additional 15 % as a return on investment .

Through this pilot project , the Government of Canada is testing whether a pay-for-performance model utilizing social

150 + programs that have been developed with your future in mind .

Programs in :

• Business

• Construction

• Health Sciences

• Hospitality and Tourism

• Human Services and Community Safety

• Information and Communications Technology

• Mining , Energy and Manufacturing

• Natural Resources and Built Environment

• Nursing

• Transportation

Learn more at saskpolytech . ca

Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic

The annual Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan ( ASAP ) Calendar features student , alumni and employee success stories .

While some calendars feature cute animals or silly jokes , the ASAP calendar seeks to inspire individuals by sharing some of the stories of Indigenous students and employees who have found success with both personal and educational goals at Saskatchewan Polytechnic .

“ There are so many success stories we could share , it ’ s often hard to pick only 12 ,” says Jason Seright , director of Aboriginal Strategy . “ This calendar is just one way to show people across the province , and across the country , that Sask Polytech puts a lot of effort into ensuring all of our students have an equal opportunity to succeed .”

According to Seright , celebrating Indigenous success is about recognizing the importance of Indigenous peoples throughout Sask Polytech , within our home communities and to Saskatchewan ’ s economy .

Each of the 12 stories are unique and describe how programs , such as ASAP and student services , helped the individual overcome challenges to achieve success . Erik Mayes , who is featured for the month of February , shares his story about travelling all the way from Whitehorse , Yukon , to attend the Computer Engineering Technology program in Moose Jaw , Saskatchewan .

exception ,” says Seright . “ This calendar is just one way we reach that goal and we ’ re very proud of it .

impact bonds is an effective way to increase the essential-skills levels of unemployed or displaced Canadians currently seeking work , or additional education or training .

For more information on ASAP programs and services or to check out the online version of the

Read more on the Colleges and Institutes Canada website . http :// www . colleg esinstitutes . ca

calendar , visit saskpolytech . ca / asap .

saskpolytech

Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic