(VICTORIA) December 16, 2009 BC Colleges is launching a new website that will be a central access point for information about BC’s 11 community colleges. The newly launched, BCColleges.ca is designed to provide current information about the activities of the 11 member institutions as well as initiatives undertaken by BC Colleges as a whole.  A key part of the site is a monthly newsletter that will be sent to subscribers informing them about “What’s New at BC Colleges”.  Click to view the first installment of “What’s New at BC Colleges”.

“With 11 colleges and close to 70 campuses throughout the province, BC’s community colleges play a vital role in the public post-secondary system in British Columbia, “ states Jim Hamilton, Chair of BC Colleges. “Our new website will provide us with a voice where we can share stories about how BC’s colleges are contributing to the social and economic health of the province.”

The site is designed to provide information on the role BC’s colleges play in preparing a highly skilled job-ready workforce by providing education and training opportunities that respond to the workforce needs of BC. Throughout the site visitors will find stories, testimonials, reports and recent articles about how BC’s colleges make a difference in the lives of British Columbians.

BC’s colleges and their past students contribute over $7.7 billion annually to the provincial economy and produce returns of $3.80 for every dollar of taxpayer financial support.  “There are lots of terrific things happening at our colleges, especially in these difficult economic times.  Communities, businesses and colleges are coming together to create new programs and get people re-trained and back to work,” says Jim Reed, President of BC Colleges.  “We want to make sure that people are aware of the opportunities colleges have to offer and the options available to them in all areas of the province.”  

The new site also includes a Media Centre for journalists looking for information about the public, post-secondary system in British Columbia. Additionally, the site provides general information for students about the diversity of programs colleges offer, as well as map that highlights the almost 70 campuses found throughout the province. Ultimately, Hamilton and Reed hope that the site will become the go-to place for media, stakeholders and the public when people want information about colleges in BC.

With 11 colleges and close to 70 campuses throughout British Columbia, BC Colleges offer access and choice to affordable, quality education close to home. BC Colleges help support and strengthen communities throughout BC by providing well-educated, highly skilled, job-ready graduates.