In partnership with esteemed institutions like Campus Alberta Central, the Health Care Aide Academy, Northern Lakes College, the University of Calgary, and the University of Alberta Online & Continuing Education, the Zero Fee Tuition Program creates opportunities for local students and mature learners to follow new career paths, upgrade skill sets to advance in their current jobs, or re-skill to adapt to economic shifts.
The Town of Drayton Valley invests in local education because of the multitude of dividends it pays. As our program continues to evolve in tandem with industry and academic partnership, its value will resonate in kind across families, existing and prospective businesses, and valued industry leaders alike.
Each prospective program will come with its own set of requirements for enrolment. Do your research to ensure you've got the grades, credits or credentials needed for acceptance into your field of study.
Before you become a bona fide member of the Zero Fee Tuition Program, you must first be accepted into one of the authorized certificate, diploma or degree programs offered by our partner institutions. Think of it as two different layers:
Learn more about the programs offered by our partner institutions:
The Zero Fee Tuition Program is designed to help local students and adult learners remain in the community while acquiring post-secondary accreditation. If your primary residence is here in Drayton Valley, this program applies to you!
To be eligible for tuition funding consideration, applicants must prove their residence at an address located in the Town of Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada. This proof of residency requirement will be confirmed through Driver’s License or other valid government issued ID, such as a passport. Other proof of residency documentation could include a current lease agreement or utility bill.
When you apply, provide a copy of one of the following documents:
While funding priority will be given to residents, applicants residing outside of the Town of Drayton Valley may be eligible for funding for post-secondary programs/ courses that include an in-person component at the CETC or other training facility within the Town of Drayton Valley.
When you finish your studies, you have 60 days to submit a copy of your transcript, certificate, or letter from your post-secondary institution. Otherwise, you may need to reimburse the Town of Drayton Valley.
The Zero Fee Tuition Program can cover up to $5,000 in your tuition costs, but it can also claw some or all of it back if you don't complete the course being funded. The Town of Drayton Valley may demand reimbursement if your enrolment is revoked due to misconduct, or if you voluntarily withdraw from the program. Review the Town's Policy A-01-21 for the official requirements and responsibilities of the Zero Fee Tuition Program.
Download and review the following PDF documents:
"The instructors and the class materials were great. I particularly enjoyed interacting with a diverse group of individuals from so many work industries."
"I gained experience as a student leader, helping to build my confidence in conflict resolution, seeing the bigger picture and finding innovative solutions, important aspects of my nursing practice."
"The greatest benefit for me was the confidence I gained in starting a successful business out of nothing. I now know how to approach potential customers."
"The other students and I were really interactive, responding to posts and collaborating on projects online."
"The instructors and the class materials were great. I particularly enjoyed interacting with a diverse group of individuals from so many work industries."
"I really enjoyed the flexibility to work and study at the same time. The evening classes helped a lot."
By partnering with local industry stakeholders, we seek to ease reliance on taxpayer dollars and ensure the long-term viability of the Zero Fee Tuition 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 Drayton Valley while reaping the direct benefits of talent retention, labour pool development, corporate goodwill, tax advantages and more.