Learning & Â黨´«Ă˝
Unwrap a winter of fun with Camp OC-inspired After School Â黨´«Ă˝ at Okanagan College
October 31, 2024
Local parent Angie Kunz enrolled her daughter in Camp Â黨´«Ă˝for the first time this past summer and was impressed by the diverse course offerings and incredible staff.Now, Angie and families in Kelowna and Penticton have the opportunity to introduce their kids to education-focused programs with the expansion of Camp Â黨´«Ă˝from summer camps to include After School Â黨´«Ă˝ beginning in January 2025."I chose Camp Â黨´«Ă˝for my daughter because there were several programs that fit her interests,” shares Angie. “She had such a great experience at...
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Â黨´«Ă˝professor Corinna Chong nominated for prestigious Giller Prize
September 6, 2024
The title of her latest book may be Bad Land, but there’s nothing bad about Okanagan College professor Corinna Chong’s latest achievement. Her novel has been longlisted for the Giller Prize, the prestigious Canadian literary award that celebrates the best in Canadian fiction across long formats and short stories. Chong, who teaches English, Creative Writing, and Fine Arts in the College’s Writing and Publishing Diploma Program, is no stranger to national literary acclaim. In 2021, she won the CBC Short Story Prize for her piec...
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Celebrating Gordon Shuster’s Legacy and Welcoming New Leadership in International Education
August 13, 2024
After 35 years of dedicated service, Gordon Shuster is retiring from Â黨´«Ă˝ Gordon’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including witnessing the institution's transformation from Okanagan College to Okanagan University College and back again, all while seeing the college grow and evolve. Over the past 25 years, Gordon has been a cornerstone of the International Education department, playing a crucial role in its expansion from 300 to over 2,000 international students. His impact extends beyond the campus, i...
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Okanagan College School of Business Earns Prestigious 10-Year Re-accreditation
August 13, 2024
Okanagan College’s School of Business (OCSB) has achieved a major milestone, earning a 10-year re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Â黨´«Ă˝ (ACBSP). The prestigious recognition was awarded to Â黨´«Ă˝on June 29, 2024, in Miami, Florida and represents the school’s dedication to excellence in business education and its commitment to continuous improvement.Since first receiving accreditation in 2014, the OCSB has worked tirelessly to enhance its curriculum and programs, ensuring students recei...
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Okanagan College Welcomes New Dean of Health and Social Development
July 31, 2024
Okanagan College is pleased to announce that Patrena Mackie has joined Â黨´«Ă˝as the new Dean of Health and Social Development. With over 17 years of experience in teaching and health care, Patrena brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our community. She holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Nursing.Mackie comes to Okanagan College from Bow Valley College where she was the Associate Dean of the School of Health and Wellness, Nursing portfolio. During her career she has maintained a focus on integrating technology into c...
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Okanagan College introduces InspirED with new, career-focused programs
July 3, 2024
When Mike Grewe looked to further his education, he was unsure whether the pursuit of traditional post-secondary education was truly for him. With a deep passion for music, Mike was looking for a program that would support his musical interests and position him for career opportunities in the industry. What he found was the Audio Engineering and Music Production Certificate at Okanagan College (OC). The Audio Engineering and Music Production program is one of dozens of Â黨´«Ă˝courses and programs under the new InspirED banner, anno...
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Construction underway for new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism
June 24, 2024
Construction will begin this summer on the new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism on Okanagan College's Kelowna campus, which will support B.C.͛s tourism sector and help train people for in-demand jobs"B.C. is expecting 91,000 new job openings in tourism- and hospitality-related industries over the next decade, and the majority of these jobs will require some form post-secondary education or skills training." said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. ͞This centre will equip students with the knowledge a...
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Diploma Battles: Is Computer Information Systems Worth It?
June 17, 2024
Does it feel like you're hosting your very own Hunger Games yet?Once you start exploring education and career paths, all your potential options seem to get into a battle royale for your future. Luckily, in this arena, you get to decide the winner.If you're great at problem-solving and you love computers, Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems (CIS) Diploma could be a strong contender for your future.In this two-year program, you explore a wide variety of engaging c...
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Student finds a home in Computer Sciences at OC
June 10, 2024
When Okanagan College student Kristina Cormier was searching for post-secondary schools to attend, she had some criteria she was looking for.She researched the benefits of different industries she was interested in and the programs that were available. She heard good things about Â黨´«Ă˝alumni and the work they were doing. She loved the location in the Okanagan Valley and the small class sizes Â黨´«Ă˝is known for.But it was OC’s Computer Science Department that really caught her eye. She was soon enrolled in the Bachelor of Compu...
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Set yourself apart in the tourism industry: benefits of our program
April 24, 2024
Choosing the right career path can be difficult, especially in today’s turbulent job market. With so many options, you may find it challenging to decide what you want to do and how to cultivate the necessary skills. The hospitality and tourism industry is one field that continues to grow, offering promising opportunities to dedicated individuals.If you're committed to making your mark in the tourism industry, building a solid foundation and learning unique skills are crucia...
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Students to explore theme of progress at showcase event
March 11, 2024
For Nikita Worm, attending Adult Upgrading classes at Okanagan College changed her outlook and gave her life new meaning. Learning new skills through one of OC’s foundational programs, was just the tonic to help support her in her outlook on life. "The College and the courses here have helped me to be so positive about my life and my future. I feel like I’m worth something now," said Worm. Worm will be one of many students presenting their work at an upcoming student showcase, scheduled to take ...
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Okanagan College announces new chair, vice chair
December 19, 2023
Okanagan College (OC) is pleased to announce Dale Safinuk as the new chair of the Board of Governors, following an election at the Board’s December meeting. Safinuk, a retired financial services executive with TD Bank, was appointed by the province to the Â黨´«Ă˝Board in 2019 and replaces outgoing chair Juliette Cunningham, a business owner and former Vernon city councillor, who was first elected chair in 2021. “OC’s commitment to students and to this region is unparalleled,” said Safinuk. “My heart is truly aligned to the College an...
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New Dean to join Okanagan College’s School of Business
December 8, 2023
Okanagan College is pleased to announce that Joe Baker, a passionate academic leader and entrepreneur within Canada’s education, tourism and hospitality sectors, has been named the new Dean of the Â黨´«Ă˝School of Business. Baker spent nearly 15 years in academic leadership roles at George Brown College and Centennial College. Over the last several years he has led his own consulting business, providing leadership and support to several workforce development initiatives, with a focus on the public sector. “I was born and raised in Van...
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Horticulture pilot project providing new skills to Okanagan farm workers
November 27, 2023
Semi-retired and looking for a new challenge, South Okanagan resident Bob Atkinson turned to farming five years ago and now counts hundreds of nectarine, peach and cherry trees on his orchard at Debeck Farms. Atkinson was among close to 20 Okanagan farm workers and owners that were the first to complete the Horticulture Upskill Program at Okanagan College, a pilot program designed to provide expanded skills and tangible learning to agricultural workers employed by the tree fruit and wine grape industries. “There was a wealth...
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Â黨´«Ă˝Cultivates event fosters local food, wine and tourism businesses
November 21, 2023
New event series kick-off hosts panel of local experts, facilitated by CBC’s Sarah Penton.You’ve heard of the iconic Okanagan Champagne powder or our four-season playgrounds, but did you know the Okanagan is also leading the way in innovation in food and beverage and tourism?A new Okanagan College event series, Â黨´«Ă˝Cultivates, aims to celebrate and explore Okanagan’s unique and exciting food, beverage and tourism industries with a kick-off event featuring local experts and a panel discussion hosted by CBC Radio West host, Sarah Pento...
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New ECE offerings at Okanagan College responding to workforce demands
November 8, 2023
Working as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) assistant for the past 20 years has provided Penticton’s Karen Block with a rewarding career helping children learn, grow and play. Block took the opportunity to enhance her career and learn additional skills through the new ECE Certificate program at Â黨´«Ă˝ The program offers students flexibility to attend classes and upskill, while continuing to work in their field. “Because my classes are offered in a hybrid format, it has been possible for me to continue working du...
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