The B.C. government is chipping in money to make post-secondary education more accessible to the rapidly-growing communities of the West Shore.
The province pledged $250, 000 to Royal Roads University to create a report for potential post-secondary delivery options in Langford.
The City of Langford is one of the fastest-growing regions in the province.
“We want to make sure that the opportunity is there for our residents,” said Langford Mayor Stewart Young. “The people that are getting raised out here and going from K to grade 12, we need to make sure that they move on to post-secondary education in an easy, seamless fashion.”
The three existing post-secondary schools on southern Vancouver Island will be partnering in the planning process, along other community partners and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
"I'm excited that we're engaging with community partners to improve access to post-secondary education and training," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. "As the first person who ever graduated from high school in my family, and who went on to college and university, I know the power of education. I know how transformative it is and how impactful it can be on our communities."
Young says making post-secondary more accessible will not only make it easier on students and families, but could raise the rate of enrolment.
"If you build these facilities in your community, it’s a lot better, and more affordable than having to go out of your community,” said Young. “I think that you’ll see more kids go from grade 12 into post-secondary education.”
Young is hoping to have the report completed in the next four months.
