Last updated on 2026-05-18
Program overview
The Social Innovation and Community Development program at Red River College Polytechnic is a two-year diploma designed for individuals who aspire to create positive change in various settings, including urban, rural, local, and global communities. This program offers a foundational first year, followed by a specialized second year where students can choose between two majors: Community Development or Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship. The curriculum emphasizes the social, political, cultural, and economic factors affecting Indigenous peoples and aims to equip graduates with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience necessary for employment in sectors focused on socio-economic development and environmental issues.
Program structure
The Social Innovation and Community Development program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a period of two years. Key features of the program include:
- September entry date for new students.
- General first year with a focus on foundational studies.
- Second year specialization in either Community Development or Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship.
- Completion of a total of 6 elective credit hours in the first year, term 2.
- Experiential and project-based learning principles.
- Capstone projects that integrate multiple dimensions of learning.
This program is offered at the Exchange District (downtown) Campus in Winnipeg, providing students with a vibrant urban learning environment.
Featured Experiences
The Social Innovation and Community Development program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:
- Collaborative courses and assignments that promote teamwork.
- Experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
- Project-based learning that encourages creativity and innovation.
- Capstone projects that prepare students for potential employment.
- Focus on community development and economic reconciliation through Indigenous perspectives.
Career Options
Graduates of the Social Innovation and Community Development program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:
- Community Development Officer: Work with communities to develop programs and initiatives that address social issues and improve quality of life.
- Social Enterprise Manager: Oversee the operations of a social enterprise, focusing on both social impact and financial sustainability.
- Indigenous Relations Coordinator: Facilitate partnerships and communication between Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies that affect social and economic development, particularly for marginalized communities.
- Program Evaluator: Assess the effectiveness of community programs and initiatives, providing recommendations for improvement.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
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