Capilano University and Sea to Sky School District sign memorandum of understanding to enrich learning opportunities and formalize collaborations

Release date: January 24, 2024

Tag(s): News & Announcements

News release: CapU and SD48 sign Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)

Squamish, B.C. January 24, 2024— Capilano University (CapU) and Sea to Sky School District (SD48) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalizes their shared commitment to advance opportunities for learners in the Sea to Sky corridor. 

“The agreement outlines our commitment to collaborate on actions that will offer exceptional learning experiences for students,” says Laureen Styles, vice president, academic & provost at Capilano University. 

CapU’s new Squamish campus will open in Fall 2024, and the MoU will help establish pathways for high school graduates and other learners to access post-secondary education closer to their home communities. 

The agreement also outlines a number of additional opportunities for collaboration, including exploring human resource and labour market needs, Indigenous education and reconciliation actions, equity and inclusion initiatives, and professional development and research activities. 

“This MOU underscores the school district's commitment to collaborating with community partners. We look forward to working together to enhance educational opportunities for students right here in Sea to Sky country,” says Chris Nicholson, superintendent of Sea to Sky School District. 

The MoU with School District marks an important milestone in a series of CapU agreements designed to meet the needs of learners in the Sea to Sky communities. The University is also working closely with the District of Squamish and the Whistler Institute to facilitate local educational opportunities for students through experiential learning, as well as contribute to topics of interest among employers and communities through applied research and project work. Additionally, CapU is in active conversations with Indigenous communities to discuss programming options specific for Indigenous learners. 

In December, the University announced that applications are open for the Fall 2024 term at the Squamish campus. Courses will be offered for the following programs:

• Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate of Arts Degree (curated courses, focusing on the environment and sustainability)
• Tourism Management Co-operative Education Diploma
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education Degree
• Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma
• Adult Basic Education - General Upgrading

“Our vision: Inspired by Imagination is rooted in co-creating experiences for learners and the community,” Styles says. “Our gratitude to Superintendent Nicholson, School District No.48, and other community leaders who are helping us translate imagination into action.”

About Sea to Sky School District

The Sea to Sky School District is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw and St’at’y’emc Nation. From Furry Creek in the south to the First Nation communities of Líl'wat, N'Quatqua, Samahquam, and Q’Alatkú7em in the north, the District is proud to serve the communities that span the Sea to Sky corridor. These include the main centres of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. The District is surrounded by natural beauty and rich with an abundance of active learning opportunities. With a K-12 student population of almost 5200 students, a robust international student program, and over 800 dedicated staff, the District strives to create safe, purposeful, and powerful learning environments in order that all students can think critically, create, collaborate, contribute, and learn.

For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact: 

Jenn Morris 
Communications Officer
Sea to Sky School District
t: 604 892 5228
e: jmorris@sd48.bc.ca 
www.sd48seatosky.org 

Submitted by: Communications