High Prairie School Division Awarded Grant to Advance Educational Equity Through Research Partnership
Posted on 03/18/2024
High Prairie School Division is thrilled to announce its selection as a recipient of a significant grant aimed at advancing educational equity. This grant will support the division's participation in the "Engaging Diverse Stakeholders to Advance Educational Equity" research project, in collaboration with Dr. Milne and other esteemed partners.
High Prairie School Division Superintendent Murray Marran stated, "High Prairie School Division is thrilled to be partnering with Dr. Emily Milne and Grant MacEwan University on this research project. Community engagement with a school is the hallmark of healthy learning environments. To research best engagement practices in rural and Indigenous communities will only serve to further High Prairie School Division's Board of Trustees goals and priorities. Finally, High Prairie School Division and the Board of Trustees would like to thank the Alberta Research Network (ARN) for the awarding of this grant and for research funding attached to this project."
The project represents a significant step forward in our continuous effort to honour the diverse culture and identity of our students and community through holistic learning environments. This initiative specifically seeks to foster stronger relationships between Indigenous communities and the schools within the High Prairie School Division, aiming to significantly improve the educational outcomes for Indigenous students.
The "Engaging Diverse Stakeholders to Advance Educational Equity" project, led by Dr. Emily Milne, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at MacEwan University, will focus on gathering and analyzing data to understand definitions of student success, identify barriers and strategies for achieving educational goals, and explore effective methods for collaboration with Indigenous parents, caregivers, and community members. The research team is committed to authentic engagement and respectful consultation with all stakeholders involved, ensuring a community-based approach to identifying and overcoming educational barriers.
MacEwan University has expressed its enthusiastic support for this initiative, highlighting Dr. Milne's extensive experience in leading community-engaged research projects. The university's commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement strongly aligns with the goals of this project. By prioritizing collaborative models of scholarship and the co-creation of knowledge, MacEwan University aims to contribute to the development of solutions that address social issues, particularly in improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students. This project is a key part of MacEwan's strategic vision, emphasizing the importance of community-engaged scholarship in enhancing the lives of those within and beyond the university's community.
This grant marks the beginning of a significant collaboration between High Prairie School Division, MacEwan University, Dr. Emily Milne, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders. Together, we are dedicated to building a future where educational equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Through this partnership, we aim to create a lasting impact on the educational landscape, ensuring that all students, especially those from Indigenous communities, have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.