Social Innovation

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.

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Social Innovation

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.

Our Projects

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Things left of center

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Right of Field

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Fostering Community and Developing Networks: Intercultural Service Learning

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

How does this project help?

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.

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Fostering Community

Vicarious Trauma in the Classroom

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.

How does this project help?

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.

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Vicarious Trauma

Where I Belong: Public Spaces and Everyday Acts of Inclusion

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.

How does this project help?

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.

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Where I Belong