St. Paul Education is proud to be a key partner in a major new research initiative led by Dr. Emily Milne, Associate Professor of Sociology at MacEwan University.

The partnership was announced at the Board of Trustees meeting last week, following news that Dr. Milne has been awarded a seven-year, $2.5 million Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grant for her project “Advancing Educational Equity in Alberta Classrooms, Schools, and Structures.” With additional partner contributions, the total funding reaches $4.7 million.

This project will bring together post-secondary researchers, educators, government, and community partners to study systemic barriers in education and develop solutions that improve equity and student outcomes across Alberta.

As Dr. Milne explained in the MacEwan University announcement:

“We know there are certain practices in the education system that disproportionately limit student access to post-secondary education, namely for Indigenous students, and students from low-income families, and rural and racialized communities. This work addresses fundamental structural issues associated with educational inequities that significantly impact student outcomes.”

“St. Paul Education is proud to partner with MacEwan University on this SSHRC-funded initiative,” says Dr. Peter Barron, Superintendent of St. Paul Education. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing equity, strengthening rural education, and ensuring that every student—regardless of geography or background—has access to meaningful learning opportunities. We look forward to the transformative impact this research will have in our schools and communities.”

St. Paul Education extends our sincere thanks to Dr. Emily Milne for her vision, leadership, and for including our Division as a partner in this important initiative.