Settlement, Integration and Language Projects grants

Alberta Registered Nurses Assessment Program Preparation (ARNAP Prep)

Awarded to: Bredin Centre for Learning

Assist 60 Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 who are required to challenge the Alberta Registered Nurses Assessment Program (ARNAP) through the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA). Project includes training on a Mock Multiple-choice exam replicating the structure and format of the ARNAP exam. Part-time instructor-led classes delivered on a rotating schedule will include 16 modules of content to support 4 Mock OSCEs (objective structured clinical examinations) that replicate the experience and process of the real examination.

Best Practices for Adult ESL and LINC Programming in Alberta

Awarded to: Association of Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL)

Review and update the Best Practice Guidelines for Adult ESL/LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) Programming in Alberta. Originally developed in 1994 by ATESL, updates are required in the areas of program implementation, learner support, curriculum, and instruction, among others and include topics of LGBTQ2S+, indigenization of ESL classrooms, learners with disabilities, learning issues related to trauma and learners in non-traditional classrooms such as those living and working in rural Alberta.

Building System Integration

Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society (AWES)

A collaboration between AWES and NorQuest's Institute for Inclusive Leadership, this innovative project explores the integration of Essential Skills and Intercultural Competence frameworks and aims to create one comprehensive, integrated package of resources to support successful integration of newcomers into the Canadian workplace. Existing successful resources from both partners will be supplemented with new materials and combined into one easily accessible resource package. The project will also explore the benefits of breaking down the disciplinary silos and sharing resources and networks.

Conflict Resolution Across Culture

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

Develop a 'short course' micro-credential on intercultural conflict resolution and pilot it with 18 newcomers in rural (Banff/Canmore/High River) and 22 newcomers in urban (Calgary) settings. It will be offered as a part-time, 50 hour, blended course offered over 3 months. Course development will be informed by employers in rural Alberta. The micro-credential will be a shareable endorsement of an achieved skill having labour market value thus supporting newcomer labour market integration.

Diversity: An Employer Advantage

Awarded to: Being Human Services

Develop and deliver diversity and inclusion training to 50 employers in Medicine Hat and area at roundtable sessions. Monthly follow-up will include 1 to 1 support at work sites; develop and continuously update a registry of resources that will be distributed to employers and available online.

ESL First Aid Foundational Knowledge

Awarded to: Brooks Community Adult Learning Council (BCALC)

Develop a preparation course pre-teaching First Aid content and vocabulary to prepare ESL clients with minimum CLB 3 to take the 2-day Standard First Aid course and, working with First Aid trainers, revise the First Aid course presentation to utilize augmented visual aids, hands-on first aid props, improved practical exercises, adjusted power-point information and a verbal examination protocol for ESL Learners. Once lessons and the program are developed, a pilot group of 6 to 8 ESL learners will complete the program to determine its suitability for ESL clients.

Facilitating Pathways to Health Care Aide for Newcomers in Rural Alberta

Awarded to: NorQuest College

Increase access to the Health Care Aide Workplace (HCAW) program for newcomers with CLB 6 by updating the preparatory program to meet the new HCA curriculum requirements and pilot with a minimum of 20 participants across rural Alberta. Includes training for taking online courses and assessment.

Key Workplace Essential Skills Training (KWEST)

Awarded to: Solomon College

Develop and deliver a 12-week, full-time, training program to 8 cohorts of 10 newcomers with minimum CLB 4 who are multi-barriered and face educational, English communication, and workplace skills deficits to develop skills for the warehousing industry. Learners will complete 8 weeks of in-class training focusing on workplace essential skills with a strong focus on digital literacy, occupation-specific language, workplace safety certificates (WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), Forklift operation, and First Aid), and employment readiness. The remaining 4 weeks will be spent supporting learners to find employment in Edmonton within the warehouse sector.

Making Anything Possible with Perseverance and Drive (MAPPeD)

Awarded to: Centre d'Accueil pour Nouveaux Arrivants Francophones (CANAF)

Provide a full-time and part-time employment support program for up to 256 Francophone young adults between the ages of 18 to 34 with CLB 4+. Five 4-month full-time semesters and 3 8-month part-time semesters will be delivered. Programming will include ESL, employment and life skills training and support participants to make short-term employment goals to accomplish during the program as well as set long-term career and academic goals.

Ready to Launch: Language and Entrepreneurship Training for Newcomers

Awarded to: Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning

Develop curriculum and offer a language and entrepreneurship training for newcomers with CLB 5 and above. Part-time, in-class training, including mentorship opportunities will provide participants with knowledge and skills to help them get ready to launch their businesses. Two cohorts, targeting between 15 to 20 newcomers will be delivered.

Settling into Success

Awarded to: Learning Centre Literacy Association, The

Part-time in-class programming and one-to-one services over 10 weeks to assist 3 cohorts of 10 newcomers in greater-Edmonton succeed in their employment journey. With ESL training embedded, the program will develop participants' knowledge of Canadian work culture and provide tools for successful employment integration. Social and volunteer opportunities will provide participants opportunity to build their personal and professional networks.

Supports to Employment

Awarded to: Catholic Social Services – Red Deer

Develop and deliver in-person part-time training (4 hours per day) over a 10-week period at for 5 cohorts of 8 to 10 newcomers with CLB 3. Participants will be provided with a detailed career assessment; individualized career and education plan; essential skills, Canadian workplace culture, and intercultural communication training; tools and strategies to manage emotions through the job search experience; and ongoing individual and group-based job search support for up to 6 months after the completion of the 10-week sessions.

Taber Capacity and Receptivity Improvement

Awarded to: Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association

Improving the capacity of service providers and the receptivity of the community through education and cultivating understanding. Five activities include: a comprehensive settlement needs survey, 5 community information sessions, one Multicultural Education Evening for providers, “Culture Corners,” and Life Story Exhibits.

The Second Home Project

Awarded to: Bow Valley Learning Council

Building on and connecting to existing 2019 to 2023 Bow Valley Integration Strategy activities, the project provides for a Learning Navigator position to work with newcomers and employers in the hospitality sector and to facilitate relationships with service providers to better meet the learning needs of newcomer employees. A part-time (6 hours per week) 12-week Language classes will also be piloted and delivered 3 times per year in Banff and in Lake Louise. Curriculum will be based in part on the Alberta Workforce Essential Skills’ Work Faster, Work Safer program, but will be tailored to meet the needs of learners in the Bow Valley.

Welcoming Claresholm

Awarded to: CCIS – Foothills Community Immigrant Services

Specialized training to approximately 15 employers, 10 service providers/schools and 20 volunteers so that stakeholders in the region build their long-term capacity to welcome and serve newcomers and that the entire community is invested and engaged in the settlement and integration process. A Welcoming Claresholm Advisory Committee will facilitate a collaborative, coordinated and holistic approach to supporting newcomer settlement and retention in the Claresholm area.

Workplace ESL for Low Literacy Newcomers

Awarded to: Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE)

Develop and deliver part-time ESL workplace training for 3 cohorts of 10 newcomers, CLB 2 to 4, with literacy gaps. Trauma-informed literacy-focused language training will cover a range of topics related to the Canadian workforce while referencing the 9 Essential Skills as specified by the Canadian Government. Each 268-hour program will include classroom instruction, one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and real-world application tasks.

Alberta Newcomers: How-To & Smart Tips Video Series

Awarded to: Immigrant Services Calgary

Development of a series of multi-lingual, scenario-based videos as well as a new, interactive online platform that serves as a centralized base for coordinated dissemination of trustworthy settlement videos. The goal is to increase accessibility to settlement information. (Innovation)

Career Transitions Program for IMGs

Awarded to: Alberta International Medical Graduates Association

Part-time classroom training over 12 weeks consisting of 10 one-day workshops, a 100-hour work placement/mentorship, and up to 6 individual coaching sessions for 50 International Medical Graduates seeking an alternative career. Plus delivery of three workshops on bridging cultural diversity in the workplace for employers. The goal is to help participants transition from a position of underemployment to a position where their skills and knowledge are utilized.

Childcare Training for Low Literacy Immigrant Women

Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

Full-time classroom training for 36 weeks and mentored work experience for 8 weeks provided to two cohorts of 15 immigrant women in Calgary leading to their Child Development Assistant certification. Follow-up support in job placement and job retention is provided, if needed. The goal is for participants to be employed by the end of program.

Digitizing Workplace Resources

Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society

Consolidation and digitization of several AWES essential skills and workplace culture resources into interactive, self-directed, gamified training modules at CLB 3-5 that are accessible via a variety of digital devices (i.e. smartphone, tablet, computer). The goal is to increase accessibility to training that improves labour market attachment for newcomers. (Innovation)

Employability Skills Enhancement for Newcomers

Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

Full-time classroom training for 5 cohorts of 15 newcomers consisting of 6 weeks of general employability skills training, 2 weeks of sector-specific training (hospitality, manufacturing, health care or agriculture), and 2 weeks of a mentor-supported work exposure in Calgary and surrounding areas. The goal is for participants to be employed by the end of the program.

Enhancing Workplace Safety and Equity through Newcomer Youth-Employer Collaboration

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

Research, co-creation, piloting and evaluation of a set of scalable teaching methods and online learning resources relating to workplace safety and equity for young English language learner (ELL) employees, employers, and ELL instructors.  The goal is to increase access to training and resources that help improve labour market integration outcomes for newcomer youth, who are also ELLs. (Innovation)

Equipping and Advancing a Culturally Diverse Workforce

Awarded to: Anthony & Holmes Consulting Ltd

Research, design, development and piloting of a part-time blended leadership development program that includes coaching and a practicum with 3 cohorts of 15-20 newcomer staff as well as a parallel program for 3 cohorts of 15-20 current leaders to equip them to support newcomer advancement in the disability services sector. Plus updating and revision of a mandatory online course for the disability services sector with plain language and ESL learning strategies piloted with 75 learners. The goal is to identify barriers to and strategies that facilitate diversity and inclusion in succession planning and to make the online course more accessible to newcomers. (Innovation)

Family Wellness and Community Enhancement Project

Awarded to: Catholic Social Services

Provides holistic and client-centred supports for individuals and families in Edmonton and Red Deer who have recently reunited after a prolonged separation through the development of a Family Wellness Plan involving individual, family and group sessions. The goal is that participants achieve healthy family relationships.

First Steps to Integration: Language, Culture, and Employment Supports for Newcomers and their Workplaces

Awarded to: Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative Ltd.

Part-time classroom training consisting of 12 weeks of language instruction and industry-specific job skills offered on-site with hospitality industry partners for 4 cohorts of 10 newcomers with low language skills and complex barriers to work readiness.  Ongoing support from a Culture/Career Coach is provided. The goal is for participants to be employed at the end of the program and to articulate strategies to promote welcoming workplaces through relationship-based intercultural engagement. (Innovation)

Immigrant Access Counseling

Awarded to: The Immigrant Educational Society

Development, piloting and evaluation of a model for online delivery of settlement services (needs assessments; information and referrals; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Calgary and area. The goal is to identify promising practices for an online delivery strategy that will increase accessibility to settlement services. ​(Innovation)

LGBTQ+ Welcoming Centres Project

Awarded to: Centre for Newcomers

Part-time classroom-based professional development workshops, seminars and small group training to 60 service provider organizations across Alberta on how to effectively address LGBTQ+ newcomer issues and to use best practices to welcome LGBTQ+ people into their services.  The goal is for organizations to complete training, conduct a scan and develop an ongoing improvement plan to be certified as a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ newcomers.

Municipal Integration Project

Awarded to: Town of Banff

Adaptation of the municipality's service delivery model into a ‘single front door’ approach to services and programs; development of new plain language community orientation resources; establishment of outreach services through multilingual Community Champions; and promotion and evaluation. The goal is to transition the municipality into a more active and sustaining role in settlement and integration in the Banff region.

Newcomer Settlement and Integration Supports

Awarded to: Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers

Provides settlement services (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Grand Prairie and surrounding communities.

Professional Development for Alberta's Settlement and Integration Sector

Awarded to: Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies

Facilitation of stakeholder engagement to identify gaps, issues, and emerging trends in provincial settlement needs and promotion of collaborative responses.  Plus, delivery of part-time (1-2 day) classroom-based professional development courses and development of self-paced online versions for service providers across the province on 4 topics identified by membership. The goal is to advance service delivery for newcomers in Alberta.

Providing Pathways

Awarded to: Edson and District Community Learning Society

Provides settlement services (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Edson and surrounding communities.

Services d'établissement francophones pour les Canadiens naturalisés et les résidents temporaires

Awarded to: Accès Emploi Alberta

Provides settlement services in French (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and surrounding communities.

Supply Chain Preparation and Training for Newcomers

Awarded to: NorQuest College

(Partner: Supply Chain Management Association of Alberta) Full-time classroom training for 4 months plus 150-hour work placement that provides 30 newcomers at CLB 5/6 in Edmonton with intercultural, language, and technical skills aligned to the Supply Management Training national outcomes. The goal is for participants to be labour market ready and to establish a pathway for newcomers to a career in Supply Chain. (Innovation)

Supporting Emerging Entrepreneurial Decisions (SEED) for newcomer women

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

(Partners: Start-Up Calgary, CIWA, Chiu School of Business) Research, design, and development of a 40-hour part-time blended course employing experiential learning piloted with 20 newcomer women emerging entrepreneurs at CLB 6/7 in Calgary. The goal is to identify language and intercultural competencies required for emerging entrepreneurs, support entrepreneurial thinking and action, and empower newcomer women to bridge to existing supports and programs that will help them to create their own businesses. (Innovation)

Supports for Newcomer Integration

Awarded to: Lethbridge Family Services

Provides settlement services (needs assessments; orientations; information and referrals; translation and interpretation; supportive counseling) to newcomers who are not eligible for federally funded services in Lethbridge and surrounding communities.

The Language of Inclusion: Diversity and Inclusion Materials for the ESL Classroom

Awarded to: NorQuest College

Development of 4 integrated skills modules targeting low to intermediate English language learners on the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Addresses the need in Alberta for more ESL teaching and learning resources on this topic. Understanding Newcomer Experiences of Inclusion

Understanding Newcomer Experiences of Inclusion

Awarded to: Centre for Race and Culture

This research project uses mixed methods to examine the correlation of Personal Wellbeing and other aspects of individual lived experiences related to diversity and inclusion with a range of geographic as well as social, economic and other demographic variables. The goal is to contribute to better understandings of newcomers’ needs so that promising practices and initiatives can be identified, strengthened and promoted.

Workplace Integration for Newcomers

Awarded to: Being Human Services

Part-time classroom and one-on-one training over 16 weeks providing employment readiness training with a language focus for 50 newcomers at CLB 3-5 in Medicine Hat and area. The goal is to help newcomers to connect to workplaces and ultimately help them secure employment.

Working Faster, Working Safer: Language, Essential Skills and Intercultural Communication for CLB 1-2

Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society

This project provided orientation and training for language instructors by piloting the newly developed materials for low level Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) learners.

Post-TESL Professional Development

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

This project provided direct support for English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors in the form of specialized professional development to help increase the skills and abilities of ESL service providers across the province in supporting the successful settlement and integration of newcomers to Alberta.

Foundations in Agricultural-based industry – for Refugees and other Migrants (FARM) in Alberta

Awarded: Calgary Immigrant Educational Society

This program focused on preparing Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4–5 newcomers with an agriculture background for employment in agricultural-related commercial industries, such as horticulture and landscaping.

Workplace Online Retention Class (WORC)

Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Educational Society

This project provided a blended online course where participants could improve language proficiency (listening, speaking, reading and writing) while focusing on intercultural competency, workplace culture, job-specific language and essential skills.

Communicative Workplace English

Awarded to: Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning Society

This program focused on supporting newcomers who are either employed in the service industry and are seeking advancement or are unemployed and seeking employment in the service industry.

First Steps to Employment

Awarded to: Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative

This project provided immigrants and refugees with language and cultural supports and skills needed to access and retain a job in the hospitality industry.

Childcare Training for Low Literacy Immigrant Women

Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

This project focused on occupational skills training for immigrant and refugee women with limited education and language skills. Successful participants earned Childcare Development Assistant certification.

Workplace Communication for Rural Immigrants

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

This mentoring program assisted newcomers living in rural southern Alberta. Participants accessed online learning materials on workplace communication, soft skills, details and explanations on Canadian workplace norms, plus employer expectations.

Essential Skills Enhancement for Refugees Program

Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

This program provided refugee clients with skills, information and support to secure entry-level employment in health care, hospitality and manufacturing. The program also helps refugee clients gain financial stability and access to opportunities for long-term career growth.

Newcomer Workplace Integration in the Disability Services Sector

Awarded to: Anthony & Holmes Consulting Ltd.

Three online courses focused on intercultural competence and workplace communication developed in partnership with employers for newcomers and Canadian-born workers in the disability services sector.

Integrating the Essential Skills Tools into the Employment Counselling Process: Workshops and Material

Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills

This project provided training for front-line workers at immigrant serving agencies who provide employment counselling for immigrant job-seekers. Workshops helped counsellors provide workplace preparation services for newcomers by increasing knowledge and understanding about their needs and the labour market.

Fostering Positive Healthcare Workplaces for Newcomers in Rural Alberta

Awarded to: Stettler & District Community Adult Learning Council

In partnership with NorQuest College, a series of professional development workshops offered employees who work in health care to build intercultural awareness, improve skill levels and English language communication for those whose first language is not English.

Ongoing Support Services Red Deer

Awarded to: Catholic Social Services

This project provided clients with personalized needs assessments, information and orientation, supportive counselling, referral services and outreach activities such as presentations to community organizations.

Supports for Newcomer Integration

Awarded to: Edmonton Immigrant Services Association

This project provided translation services needed for foreign credential assessment as well as supportive counselling, mentoring and group support, information and orientation on community programs and services, immigration and legal issues, employment, housing, and other needs.

Newcomer Community Integration Project

Awarded to: Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers – Edmonton Immigrant Serving Association

This project supported naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants in Grande Prairie and nearby rural communities who are ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Francophone Newcomer Community Integration – Edmonton

Awarded to: Centre d'accueil et d'établissement du Nord de l'Alberta

This project provided settlement and integration services for naturalized Canadians, refugee claimants and their children who are ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The project also assisted Francophone LGTBQ newcomers who face barriers ranging from racism, homophobia, transphobia and isolation to logistical issues such as finding work, support services and safe housing.

Francophone Newcomer Community Integration - Fort McMurray

Awarded to: Centre d'accueil et d'établissement du Nord de l'Alberta

This project provided settlement and integration services into the Francophone and broader community in Fort McMurray for naturalized Canadians and refugee claimants and their children who are ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Enhanced Integration Services

Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

Support for naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants ineligible for funding by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and are facing significant barriers to their settlement and integration. Clients gained access to resources, skills, connections and support to overcome the barriers they face and achieve outcomes such as financial literacy, employability and social inclusion.

Brooks Enhanced Integration Services

Awarded to: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

Support for naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants ineligible for funding by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and are facing significant barriers to their settlement and integration. Clients gained access to resources, skills, connections and support to overcome the barriers they face and achieve outcomes such as financial literacy, employability and social inclusion.

Newcomer Integration Support: Integration, Pre-Employment and Cross-Cultural Parenting Services

Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

Support for naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimant women and their families ineligible for supports funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Individual counselling sessions in the client’s first language will provide a needs assessment, action planning, integration, pre-employment and supportive family counselling and will be ongoing as needed.

Newcomer's Navigator

Awarded to: Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association

This project supported newcomers who have chosen to settle in the Taber area. It provided a ‘Newcomer Navigator’ staff person in Taber to link clients to career and employment services, English language classes, volunteer opportunities, schools and other relevant local service providers.

Newcomer and Learner Support Centre

Awarded to: Two Hills Adult Learning Council

Language and cultural support to Low German Mennonite speakers through:

• language classes
• support centre open during evenings with access to public computers and internet
• foundational math training for entry into general educational development apprenticeship preparation course to increase employability of clients.

Alberta LGBTQ+ New Canadians Project

Awarded to: Centre for Newcomers

This project builds on piloted joint services dedicated to LGBTQ+ newcomers by serving clients ineligible for services funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in Calgary, mainly naturalized Canadian citizens and refugee claimants.

Connecting Chinese Newcomers to Mainstream Services

Awarded to: ASSIST Community Services Centre

Partnership between ASSIST, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, and Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton. Increased understanding of Chinese senior newcomers’ settlement needs to create integration pathways with the larger community.

Refugee Awareness Alberta

Awarded to: Centre for Race and Culture – Edmonton

This project educated Albertans about refugees, the causes of their displacement and the resettlement process. Approximately 20 workshops were provided for frontline service providers (from sectors including education, police, housing and health) and the general public.

Bridge to Better On-boarding

Awarded to: Alberta Workforce Essential Skills Society (AWES)

Design, develop and pilot a course providing language, essential skills and intercultural communication training that supports on-boarding and orientation of front line immigrant employees in food manufacturing.

Customer Care: Cultivating the Culture of Service

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

Design, develop and pilot a part-time blended course for learners at a CLB 4–6 who are working in hospitality and retail jobs.

Here to Help: Language Skills for Food Service Workers

Awarded to: Bow Valley College

Develop an e-handbook targeted for instructors, facilitators and learners who then develop and pilot a part-time face-to-face course using the e-handbook as the core curriculum.

Adult ESL Classroom Online

Awarded to: Calgary Immigrant Educational Society (CIES)

Design, develop and pilot a short, interactive blended-online language employment course for learners at a CLB 3–4.

Integration for Refugee Women

Awarded to: Edmonton Northlands

Develop and deliver a communication and job skills workplace training program that builds work readiness for refugee women, and leads to employment in banquet or concession services.

Integrated Language & Workforce Training

Awarded to: NorQuest College

Develop and deliver workplace-specific language and essential skills training program, including workplace experience, for CLB 3–5 learners who have minimal Canadian work experience and are interested in pursuing employment in the near future.

Using Trauma-Informed English as Second Language Instruction to Empower Refugees at CLB Levels 3–4

Awarded to: Red Deer College

A two-phased project that included a certificate course for language instructors on trauma-informed pedagogy and the subsequent trauma-informed certificate course for refugees at a CLB 3–4 that provides workplace language training for commercial kitchens, hospitality and customer service environments.