RADF Investment: $1,500,000

Other Investment: $943,000

Total Investment: $2,443,000

Project Period: April 2008–April 2011

T: 403.892.8693

Project Description

Based in Cardston, the Westwind Rodeo Academy combines education, horsemanship, and rodeo to give Grade 10-12 students the opportunity to focus on their passion while completing high school. The funding support from the Rural Alberta Development Fund will allow for a secondary riding program to be offered to K-12 students, special needs children, and seniors. A core goal of the academy is to achieve accreditation with Alberta Education. It also plans to program liaise with post-secondary institutions such as the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:

• Create new career and educational development opportunities that will result in the increased retention of young people in the community
• Increase and stabilize Cardston High School enrolment
• Create a self-sustaining rodeo school program
• Increase economic activity in Cardston and surrounding area
• Increase quality of life in Cardston and area