CALGARY, ALBERTA. September, 28, 2022 – Prospect Human Services, an Alberta-based not-for-profit employment services provider, is pleased to announce it has been named by Premier Kenney as the recipient of the Alberta 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COF Award) presented by Minister of Advanced Education, Demetrios Nicolaides.

The annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award honours an Alberta-based education or training provider for their work helping adults gain and build on the literacy and foundational learning skills they need to enrich their lives.

“Literacy helps lift people out of poverty,” said Kevin McNichol, CEO Prospect. “This award celebrates the work of our gifted literacy facilitators, career and employment specialists. Every day they support Albertans to advance their literacy skills and enhance their job-readiness. We are very honoured to receive this award.”

Created in 2004 by Canada’s premiers, the Award celebrates exceptional achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. The awards also recognize the importance of literacy in enabling Canadians to participate as full and active citizens in all areas of society. Each year, the award is given in recognition of the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy, including family, Indigenous, health, workplace, and community literacy. The Award is presented to learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations, and businesses in all 13 provinces and territories.

“Prospect Human Services has a long history of innovative programs and services that further literacy for all Albertans,” said the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education. “Their Digital Literacy Volunteer Program delivers vital training that supports Albertans in acquiring essential digital literacy so that they can learn the skills they need to be successful and further their careers.”

Prospect delivers its literacy program across a full spectrum of programs that incorporate traditional and experiential learning opportunities. Along with classroom learning, the programs use the arts, outdoor pursuits and peer supports to ensure Albertans are able to acquire essential literacy skills in a way that fits their learning style.

“I am decades behind the masses when it comes to my knowledge of computers, and how to effectively use them,” says Kim, a Prospect Digital Literacy Volunteer Program (DLVP) participant. “This knowledge gap has been a source of embarrassment and shame for me. Amanda (DLVP volunteer tutor) has been able to meet me right where I am.”

“We can’t do this work on our own,” says McNichol. “It is made possible because of the commitment and dedication of our staff and the support of our government partners as well as community partners such as Calgary Learns and CIBC. It is a team achievement, and we are grateful to be part of such a vibrant community of educators, trainers, and Albertans.”

About Prospect

Prospect is an innovative Alberta not-for-profit helping Albertans get jobs and employers, recruit and retain good people, often from overlooked demographics. Using a variety of learning methods, including art and outdoor pursuits, Prospect helps people break through barriers so that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can reach their employment potential in inclusive workforces employing a diverse workforce.

Media Contact:

Prospect Human Services
Louise Gallagher
Director, Communications
Louise.gallagher@prospectnow.ca
Dir: 403.387.6084

Alberta Advanced Education
Sam Blackett
Press Secretary
Minister of Advanced Education
587-589-6048