Applied Research in Social Innovation at Bow Valley College is all about finding creative solutions to strengthen our society and address the changes we face. We work closely with community partners to develop policies and practices that enhance social wellbeing.
At Bow Valley College, that means using tech and creativity—like games and VR—plus research and community partnerships to solve real social problems. That could involve designing tools to help newcomers feel welcome, making mental health resources easier to access, or using games to teach job skills or financial literacy.
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Timeframe:
April 2022
to
March 2024
This project created service learning placements for newcomers learning English—volunteer roles with community organizations where they could build local connections, and develop workplace skills that build Canadian job experience
This research project worked directly with newcomer language learners and community groups to co-create and pilot the Intercultural Service Learning course—taught at Bow Valley College—to help learners build connections and workplace skills.
Timeframe:
May 2023
to
December 2023
The Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) and Startup Court offer training for English-speaking Black immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta. They identified a lack of information about the challenges this group faces when starting or growing a business. Understanding these barriers will help both organizations improve their marketing and strategic planning to better support these entrepreneurs.
A Bow Valley College student intern, supervised by faculty, led an ethically reviewed research project to fill this information gap. The study gathered insights from 50 English-speaking Black immigrant entrepreneurs in Calgary and Edmonton, helping BBVA and Startup Court better understand their audience.
Participants completed surveys exploring their views on barriers to entrepreneurship. The study compared Alberta’s immigrant Black entrepreneurs to Canadian entrepreneurs overall, as well as to Canadian Black and immigrant entrepreneurs, to identify shared challenges and unique differences. Starting with Alberta, it also examined how each provincial innovation ecosystem creates barriers and opportunities for this demographic.
Mitacs, a valued partner of Bow Valley College, is a national nonprofit that connects academia, industry, and government to support research and training. Through Mitacs, student interns get 50% of their wages matched by industry partners—gaining experience, connections, and career-ready skills.
This partnership enhances student learning and fosters meaningful connections and practical skills that help kick-start careers.
Through Mitacs, our students have interned with companies like:
Timeframe:
June 2020
to
May 2023
Bow Valley College’s School of Global Access led this three-year project, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Language instructors and newcomers worked together to create, test, and improve strategies that help teachers handle vicarious trauma—the emotional strain from working with students who have experienced trauma.
By working together, we created an Instructor Toolkit that helps service providers offer better, more coordinated support for newcomers. This improved language learning and integration for newcomers, while also boosting instructors’ well-being.
The project was featured by Pathways to Prosperity as a Promising Practice.
Timeframe:
April 2021
to
June 2024
This project explored how public spaces can help racialized newcomer youth feel like they belong. It explored, tested and evaluated everyday actions—beyond typical inclusion methods—that promote real connection and acceptance.
A team of youth co-created an art installation for the Calgary Public Library’s teen section. The project also produced a research-backed toolkit to support inclusive public spaces.
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
Hours of Operation:
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Saturday
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Closed Sunday
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