MHC, Grasslands partner on Sunrise Collegiate

By KELLEN TANIGUCHI on May 14, 2021.

ktaniguchi@medicinehatnews.com@@kellentaniguchi

Medicine Hat College is partnering with Grasslands Public Schools to create Sunrise Collegiate – a program for anyone looking to complete their high school education or upgrade courses to pursue a post-secondary education.

Starting next fall, Sunrise Collegiate – located on the Brooks campus – will deliver courses to those who want to pursue the program.

“The creation of Sunrise Collegiate is a positive step for Grasslands Public Schools and a great opportunity for students,” said superintendent Scott Brandt in a news release. ” â€¦ Sunrise Collegiate is an innovative approach for our distance education program and will use a combination of modular and online learning approaches, as well as in-person tutorials and support on the Brooks campus with MHC.”

MHC president Kevin Shufflebotham says the college launched a similar program in Medicine Hat last year and has seen positive results from enhanced collaboration with students, teachers and school systems.

“We’re creating clear pathways for students to pursue their goals, and the experience will help students feel comfortable on campus and confident in their pursuit of higher education as a result,” he said in a news release.

MHC has a similar partnership with Prairie Rose Public Schools and the Medicine Hat Public School Division called Coulee Collegiate, which was established in 2020.

Sunrise Collegiate was discussed by the Grasslands Public Schools board on May 10 and more information and details of the program will be shared in the coming weeks.

“We know we have details to manage before we welcome students next fall but we’re strong partners with the needs of students at heart,” said Brandt. “On campus in Brooks, students will have access to the same services and supports available to college students.”

Shufflebotham says MHC is committed to the needs of learners in Brooks and Newell County and this collaboration demonstrates that support.