About the TAB Program
Achieve your academic goals here at home.
A first of its kind in North America, the Tuition Assistance Bursary (TAB for short) is an intermunicipal program designed to break down financial barriers and bring urban-level post-secondary education opportunities directly to our community.
A Strategic Investment in Our Communities
Great communities aren't just built on industry and infrastructure; they’re built on the passion, talent, and dedication of their people. The made-in-Drayton Valley TAB program is a unique, locally-driven initiative that embraces this notion, and that facilitates and funds post-secondary opportunities in our local communities.
Far beyond a simple feel-good project, TAB stands as a smart social investment. It is a long-term commitment that pays dividends back to every local resident, family, and business, transforming how we live, work, and thrive together.
Anchoring Local Talent to Regional Prosperity
For too long, rural communities have watched their brightest prospects migrate to urban centers. By creating robust local pathways for career development, advanced mentorship, and high-value employment, we're giving our youth and skilled professionals a meaningful reason to stay.
Keeping talent local means preserving our social fabric while cementing our status as a region of choice. We're fostering an environment where young families can confidently build a future, workers can access high-paying careers, and we can all take pride in a legacy of sustained community vitality.
" The TAB program helps remove barriers when it comes to tuition for post-secondary education. What's more, local learners can stay here in the community while they pursue a degree from urban-based institutions."
Nancy DoddsMayor, Town of Drayton Valley" It makes sense for Pembina to partner with the town on the TAB program. It allows our youth to stay right here within the community to get the training that they need. I know if I had had that sort of opportunity, it would've been valuable for me."
Mike KarachSupervisor, Drayton Valley Area, Pembina Pipeline Corporation" The industry advantage of the TAB program is that they have a skilled local labour pool to draw upon. This means they don’t have to look elsewhere to bring good people on board. We're relying on the folks we have here and the skills they bring to the table."
Colin ClarkeCouncillor, Town of Drayton Valley" A TAB candidate could be a single mom, or maybe a dad with a job who’s also taking care of his family. Our program helps alleviate financial hardship for these prospective post-secondary students. They can improve their skillsets to achieve their dream career."
Amilla GammanaCouncillor, Town of Drayton Valley" We've hired a number of healthcare aides thanks to the TAB program. Seven or eight of our healthcare aides have gone through the program and become certified, and we currently have more in the program right now. It really speaks to the success of the program because it's making our team stronger and allowing us to provide the best care."
Emily NicholsHealth and Wellness Manager, Seasons Retirement Community"I was a stay-at-home mom for 27 years and ended up having to go back to work. Without the TAB program, I wouldn't be where I am right now. There was a point where I was going to have to move out of Drayton Valley. I couldn't afford to be where I was. When I found out about this program, my whole world changed."
Tobi SiwiskiHealth Care Aide, Seasons Retirement Community"There's a variety of different training opportunities and educational opportunities that the TAB program could cultivate locally. Everything from trades to technologies to business administration. Having seen some growth within the program, it makes sense now that this is our opportunity to get on board"
Mike KarachSupervisor, Drayton Valley Area, Pembina Pipeline Corporation"We want to see this program grow and to support our local students in achieving their post-secondary goals. Offering these opportunities in Drayton Valley will support our entire community and local industry."
Nancy DoddsMayor, Town of Drayton Valley
What TAB Represents to Our Region
- A Thriving, Vibrant Community
Retaining youth and professionals keeps our schools, cultural spaces and communities active, well-supported, and energized.
- Job Creation and Stability
By supporting incumbent industries and new businesses alike, we ensure stable, long-term employment opportunities across diverse and emerging sectors.
- A Culture of Local Opportunity
We are building a region where the next generation doesn't have to pack up and move away to achieve their professional dreams.
Respected institutions. More than a hundred sought-after programs.
A big financial boost!
