Portage College has joined the global celebration of GivingTuesday, offering residents the ability to change the world around them by supporting initiatives that make a difference in their community.
The GivingTuesday campaign began in the United States in 2012, asking people in communities around the world to mark December 2 as a day to focus on the spirit of giving. Over the years, the GivingTuesday campaign has seen more than $36 billion donated towards organizations, charities and community initiatives in more than 100 countries.
As December 2 approaches, we’re inviting our supporters to make a difference by donating to Portage College and four key areas that shape the heart of the learning journey for our students and the communities we serve.
Donations can be made to Portage College student scholarships, our Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art and Artifacts, Portage College Athletics, or our general Portage College fund to help on case-by-case instances.
Every act of generosity—big or small—creates ripples of impact. Together, we can empower students, preserve culture, and strengthen the Portage community for generations to come.
Like millions of people around the world who are growing the GivingTuesday message, you can make a difference.
Donate to Scholarships
She is a 28-year-old married mom who is likely a first-generation post-secondary student. There is also a strong probability she has some Indigenous heritage. Our statistics tell us that is what the average Portage College student looks like. But what the numbers don’t show – can’t show – are the struggles of juggling a new educational journey, family life and the financial realities of it all. They don’t show the shiftwork between classes, the stresses of finding childcare, the balancing act of household duties, work, school … and perhaps even a little time enjoying the community where they learn.
What the numbers do show, however, is the $460,000 in scholarship funding available to students like this each year through the generous donations of community residents, local business, organizations and industry. The funding support is a crucial lifeline for many of the 1,000 Portage College students welcomed to classrooms, labs, worksites and communities across northeastern Alberta each year.
“We know that our scholarships can create immediate and very real stress relief for any student on the journey to make a better life for themselves,” says Rick Flumian, Manger, Community Relations. “We truly appreciate the local support. We talk about collaborations and partnerships, and for someone to sponsor or donate to Portage College for the betterment of students living, learning, working and volunteering in their communities – well, that’s the ultimate partnership.”
While the statistics may show you the average numbers, your contributions can produce numbers that are anything but average for many of the students in the community.
Donate to the Museum
Let us paint a picture for you – A community-supported school where artists from near and far can expand their learning, draw inspiration from the world around them, craft paths forward from a shared knowledge of the past, and showcase their talents for the world to enjoy.
Portage College is that place. It’s a place that draws global attention for its continuing commitment to Indigenous art, creativity and forward-thinking inspiration. The one-of-a-kind Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Artifacts and Art is also housed within the walls Having such a remarkable resource in the community not only attracts attention to the College, but also the community.
With a dab of historical colour, strokes of inspiration and a wealth of experienced instruction that burns hotter than the largest kiln, Portage College continues to create a unique learning environment.
Portage College offers a full palette of experiences for aspiring artisans and craftspeople. And we can do so much more with your support.
Our one-of-a-kind Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Artifacts and Art draws interest to our college and to our community, boasting an unparalleled inventory of Indigenous art.
Donate to Athletics
It’s about passion. A passion to learn, a passion to play, and a passion to represent their college and their community.
When our student-athletes choose Portage College they aren’t just selecting a team, they are selecting a community. They practice and train to carry the spirit of the College and the communities it serves They represent our region and its residents. As they compete in the sporting arena, study and train to better themselves, we cheer them on.
As they play, work and learn, our student-athletes carry a full load of courses while balancing the challenges of daily life. Our community-driven scholarships help to relieve some of the burdens faced by student-athletes, allowing them to succeed in their educational path, in their pursuit of sports excellence, and in the region we all call home.
Whether they come from around the world or down the street, they are building our community with their dedication and passion. We all play a role in that journey. We are grateful to our residents who support them.
Make a General Donation
We’d all like to be able to do it on our own. But every so often, a little assistance can go a long way. Thanks to the charitable support of residents, organizations, local businesses and industry, Portage College continues to empower our learners to make a difference in the communities we serve.
Each year, Portage College welcomes more than 1,000 students to its classrooms, labs, field placements and communities across northeastern Alberta. Many of those students – more than 70 per cent – stay to work in our region, contributing directly to the communities we all call home. Many wouldn’t be here without the generosity of those who provide scholarships and sponsorships. They truly appreciate the community support that allows them to learn, live and work in the region.
Donations to Portage College can help in many aspects of the learning journey. Funds donated for general support at Portage College, for example, can go towards student supplies, team building, field trips, transportation costs and learning incentives. No matter where the funds are directed, every dollar adds to the betterment of the overall student experience at Portage College.
Student Testimonials
“I had so much support from all of the staff. My student advisor at the college gave me access to thousands of dollars worth of bursaries and scholarships and that money helped me and my children …”
~ Morgana Houle-White / College Prep and Community Social Work
“I knew it was a big step going back to school after being a stay at home mother of four kids … The instructors at Portage College made me feel valuable and important … By my second week of classes, I knew I could do it.”
~ Samantha Walker-Dean / Accounting Diploma and Business Administration Diploma
“I did my second-year practicum with Hope Haven (in Lac La Biche) and was able to work part-time with them right after graduating. After a few months I was able to work as a full-time employee with Hope Haven.”
~ Shantae Levoir / Community Social Work
“I was able to manage being a wife, mother, courses, and two part time jobs. The college made completing my first years of my Bachelor degree manageable with their flexibility. Having a college in my home town allowed me to be at home with my family. The staff knew me personally and were flexible with my busy schedule. Now I am a 4th Grade teacher with a promising future who is able to support her family through these tough economic times. Choosing Portage College changed my family’s lives for the better.”
~ Tara Severin / University Transfer