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.
Fostering Meaningful Local Post-Secondary Pursuits
This made-in-Drayton Valley initiative is more than just altruism; it's a smart social investment that pays dividends for the whole community.
Keeping our talent local means solidifying our region’s status as a community of choice. We're building new revenue streams, diversifying our economy, and securing a skilled workforce for heavy-hitting incumbent industries while attracting new businesses to our region.
A Masterclass in Cultivating Skilled Communities
TAB (then known as the Zero Fee Tuition Program) launched in 2019 with a seed investment of roughly $80,000 from the Town of Drayton Valley.
Now in its sixth year, the program's impact is undeniable. Students thrive in local in-person and remote classes at the Community Education & Training Centre, and local businesses and healthcare centers benefit from a steady stream of skilled, community-embedded staff.
Just three
simple eligibility requirements
to participating in the program
- Live in Drayton Valley/Brazeau County*
- Enrol in one of the partner institutions
- Successfully complete your program
* While funding priority is given to residents, applicants outside Brazeau County may also be eligible for funding.
" 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
Get your BScN from the University of Calgary
Considering a career in healthcare? You can now study to become a registered nurse right here in Brazeau County! The University of Calgary and AHS have expanded their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree to our community via the Rural Community Route program.
Visit the University of Calgary's nursing section for more details on this exceptional post-secondary opportunity.
Respected institutions. More than a hundred sought-after programs.
A big financial boost!
Sponsorship Opportunities
By partnering with local industry stakeholders, we seek to ease reliance on taxpayer dollars and ensure the long-term viability of the TAB Program. Such financial partnerships are critical, and they also help us tailor educational programming to the evolving needs and priorities of the business community.
Through their ongoing support of this unique community catalyst, our industry partners demonstrate their commitment to building a robust and resilient region while reaping the direct benefits of talent retention, labour pool development, corporate goodwill, tax advantages and more.
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 Clarke
The TAB program facilitates local post-secondary learning opportunities for residents of the Town of Drayton Valley and the Brazeau County region. Administrators reserve the right to periodically review and update the program and its funding criteria. Operation of the TAB program is subject to the availability of funding.