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:
January 2025
to
June 2026
This innovative project aims to better understand how interactive educational techniques, such as the use of puppetry, may better engage seniors in much-needed cybersecurity awareness and learning. The Grey Guardians project is testing an interactive learning module at a seniors’ care center in Calgary.
Cryptocurrency scammers stole $22.5 million from Calgarians in 2023, pointing to the need for cybersecurity education, especially for seniors, whose digital skills may be more limited than the general population. Our goal is to support and empower vulnerable groups to be safe online.
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:
January 2025
to
June 2027
The project focused on Black African immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta. We conducted 46 interviews—evenly split between 23 males and 23 females—to explore the challenges they face, factors contributing to their success, and the role of the EET (Entrepreneurship Education and Training) program in supporting their entrepreneurial journey.
Our research examined how the EET program helps entrepreneurs, identifying areas where it is most effective and opportunities for improvement. The findings can benefit both entrepreneurs and the EET program, providing evidence-based insights that can inform program development and enhance support for future participants.
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
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