I am sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable I’m leading, which falls under our commitment to globally relevant connections and the initiative for new models of collaboration.
There are 15 strategies that are identified for implementation in BCIT’s Internationalization Plan. I am delighted to share with you one of our achievements that is directly related to Strategy 14 – the expansion of BCIT’s unique competency-based education across international markets.
BCIT was recently awarded two international development projects at a total value of $2.5 million by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in the Young Africa Works projects. As a consortium institute, BCIT partners with College of the Rockies, Vancouver Island University, and North Island College to work on curriculum development and teachers training in trades and vocational programs. These projects are funded by the Mastercard Foundation to assist Kenyan institutions to improve and develop technical programs through curriculum development and capacity building within the Kenyan educational landscape.
We expect these projects would bring tremendous benefits for BCIT while implementing our Internationalization Plan. They will strengthen BCIT’s connections to the world and enhance BCIT’s applied education delivery. They will also provide opportunity for BCIT’s staff and faculty to work with multiple post-secondary institutions and industry organizations to develop, deliver, implement and train partners in methods associated with career guidance and mentorship services based on our current practices at BCIT.
Our Strategy 6 is to extend and enhance support for study abroad, offshore field schools, student ambassador programs, and other global mobility options for our students through scholarships and financial assistance.
BCIT has recently been awarded a grant of $480,000 from Global Affairs Canada in support of BCIT’s students going offshores for study and work. This tangible financial assistance will create life changing experiences for marginalized students and their families through engagement in international activities. It will also enhance our capacity to promote and support BCIT students undertaking outbound mobility projects.
Lastly, it is a great pleasure to announce that BCIT has also been able to secure a $276,000 contract from the Colleges and Institutes Canada for undertaking an International Agile Learning initiative. This contract will greatly strengthen our ability to implement Strategy 7 – to create and promote opportunities for BCIT students to pursue work-integrated learning abroad, to enhance their international employability and to build global entrepreneurial acumen.
As we begin this new academic year, I look forward to implementing these exciting initiatives to further develop our global partnerships and collaborative projects to benefit our students, faculty and staff in enriching their global knowledge and experience.
Thank you,
Lawrence Gu
Dean, International
Commitment: Globally relevant connections
Initiative: New models of collaboration
Deliverable: Internationalization Plan implementation
Deliverable lead: Lawrence Gu, Dean, International