CUP News

News

CUP 2025 Annual Celebration Event set for Oct. 16

Join us Oct. 16 at Edmonton City Hall from 11:30am-1pm for lunch and a keynote speech from Dr. Jared Wesley.

September 23, 2025

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CUP releases 2023-2024 Annual Report

In this report, CUP researchers, staff, and Steering Committee member share key "turning points" in their work over the past several years.

October 21, 2024

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CUP 2024 Annual Celebration Event set for Oct. 17

The event will feature a keynote speech from social innovation and systems-change leader James Stauch.

September 5, 2024

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Dr. Rebecca Gokiert wins Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching

Dr. Gokiert, associate director of CUP and director of the Evaluation Capacity Network, is among the recipients of the 2024 Awards for Teaching Excellence awarded by the University Teaching Awards Committee.

May 13, 2024

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CUP researchers publish in the Journal of Rural and Community Development

The article "Identifying and Responding to the Challenges of Sustaining a Tuition Support Program in a Rural Setting" by Alexa Ferdinands, Matt Ormandy, and Maria Mayan presents results from CUP's community-engaged participatory study focused on the Town of Drayton Valley's Zero-Fee Tuition program.

March 21, 2024

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CUP/ECN researcher Kirsty Choquette receives Mitacs Award

Kirsty earned the prestigious award for her work developing an inclusive evaluation framework to ensure Indigenous youth in the province's care feel represented as they leave the system.

November 23, 2023

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CUP releases 2022-2023 Annual Report

This year's report focuses on the theme of "ripple effects." The stories within show how CUP teams are navigating challenges in systems-level partnerships, adapting projects based on community engagement, developing and sharing innovative research and evaluation methods, and experiencing personal and academic growth.

October 23, 2023

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Upcoming webinar from the New Canadians Health Centre: "Inclusive & Innovative Models for Refugee Health Equity"

The New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC) is delivering a presentation on November 16 for Community-Based Research Canada's "Moving the Dial" series. Executive director Astrid Velasquez and research coordinator Madeleine Kruth will be discussing NCHC's principles-based model and the ongoing community-based evaluation of NCHC.

October 10, 2023

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CUP 2023 Annual Celebration Event details

CUP is hosting two complementary events, a keynote speech from Dr. David Phipps on October 19 and a panel discussion on October 20.

September 14, 2023

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CUP research associate Mackenzie Martin authors "The Case for Assessing and Reporting on Facilitator Fidelity"

This new commentary paper encourages organizations to use “implementation fidelity monitoring” to assess and report on the extent to which parenting programs are implemented as intended. The paper lays out a preliminary guideline called the Fidelity of Implementation in Parenting Programs Guideline (or “FIPP”), which researchers and practitioners can use to assess and report on fidelity.

September 12, 2023

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Dr. Rebecca Gokiert and ECN affiliates contributed to a scoping review on culturally responsive evaluation practices

The review explores how evaluators understand culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) and identify promising practices. Researchers found that evaluators doing CRE prioritize community involvement and are aware and attentive to power differentials, but gaps exist in how culture and evaluation are defined and interpreted, which can lead to inconsistent practices in CRE.

August 21, 2023

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ECN releases recording of Part 2 of "Learning through Stories: A Conversation about Indigenous Evaluation"

On June 15, the Evaluation Capacity Network (ECN) held a second session featuring Métis evaluators Larry Bremner and Melissa Tremblay. The conversation is a continuation of the May 18 session and focuses on questions that were posed to facilitators.

June 21, 2023

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Women & Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) releases 2022-2023 Annual Report

The report highlights researcher Cristian Neves, whose work, which involves helping Afghan women access health-care services, is supported by CUP and the Evaluation Capacity Network (ECN).

June 19, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award: Final Celebration Event

On the morning of May 18, CUP held a celebratory event for the ten recipients of our first-ever Graduate Student Equity Award. This event was also attended by members of CUP’s Steering Committee, CUP staff, and several of our friends and colleagues from across the university.

June 19, 2023

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Second edition of Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry is now available

Routledge has published a second edition of CUP associate director Dr. Maria Mayan’s textbook, which is written for anyone interested in applied research, regardless of their discipline. The new edition includes greater emphasis on theoretical orientations, new sections on research methods, advice on self-care for researchers, and more.

June 13, 2023

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CUP releases IMPACTS 2023

The latest issue of CUP's annual IMPACTS newsletter focuses on a partnership between CUP researchers and the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA), who have been developing a recommendation for a wage grid and compensation framework for early childhood educators (ECEs) in Alberta.

June 5, 2023

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ECN releases recording of "Learning through Stories: A Conversation about Indigenous Evaluation"

On May 18, the Evaluation Capacity Network (ECN) held a Lunch & Learn session featuring the wisdom of Métis evaluators Larry Bremner and Melissa Tremblay.

May 24, 2023

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ECELC raises questions about the province's Cost Control Framework and For-Profit Expansion Plan for early learning and child care

Jeff Bisanz, a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology and a member of CUP's Steering Committee, authored a report on six critical questions that must be addressed as Alberta attempts to build an effective system of early learning and child care. The province's Cost Control Framework and For-Profit Expansion Plan is intended as an important step in implementing Alberta's version of a Canada-wide system of early learning and child care.

May 23, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Jah-Amaka Enwedo

May 8, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Tessa McDougall

April 24, 2023

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Two CUP Graduate Equity Award recipients receive Tri-Council funding

Audrey Medwayosh has received a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships Masters Award to continue her work on urban Indigenous experiences with grief and bereavement under supervisor Dr. Zohreh BayatRizi. Luc Sauze, a member of the EMERGE Research Lab under Dr. Roman Pabayo, has received a CIHR-Canada Graduate Scholarships Masters Award.

April 18, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Hanji Baek

April 11, 2023

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All in for Youth year 6 report released

CUP researchers have working to evaluate and document the impacts of the All in for Youth (AIFY) program for students, teachers, and families. The year 6 evaluation report is now available.

March 28, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Luc Sauze

March 27, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Michael Barrett

March 13, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Megan MacNeil

February 28, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Mary Etem Mbiatem

February 13, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Audrey Medwayosh

January 30, 2023

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CUP Graduate Student Equity Award Profile: Bryna Gibbons

January 24, 2023

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CUP and partners release Journeys Project report

Launched in January 2021, the Journeys Project aimed to gather rich firsthand accounts of the experiences of ethnocultural parents with young children (birth to 5 years old) in early learning and childcare (ELCC) in Edmonton.

January 23, 2023

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Two recipients of CUP's Graduate Student Equity Award share their stories

Jah-Amaka Enwedo, a doctoral student from Nigeria, is studying ways to improve education for the deaf. Jessie Conrad, from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, is looking to improve health care among northern communities.

November 8, 2022

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Dr. Christina Rinaldi on how parents can help their kids recover routines lost to COVID-19

"My biggest message for parents: be present for your kids and provide a warm, responsive home. Communication and connection are the most important things," Dr. Rinaldi told Folio.

November 7, 2022

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Introducing CUP Graduate Student Equity Award recipients

This award supports PhD and master’s students whose research focuses on community engagement and the wellbeing of children, youth, families, and communities.

October 26, 2022

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Dr. Rebecca Gokiert receives Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring

The award recognizes academic staff who demonstrate outstanding performance in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research.

October 24, 2022

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CUP releases 2021-2022 Annual Report

CUP is thrilled to announce the release of our 2021-2022 Annual Report, which focuses on the theme of relationships within community-based participatory research.

October 20, 2022

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Communities United shares impacts and lessons learned

Communities United (CU), a valued CUP partner, has released a suite of online materials to recap six years of community development in northeast Edmonton.

October 3, 2022

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CUP administrator Marilyn Hawirko wins Support Staff Research Enhancement Award for 2022

September 28, 2022

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Annual Celebration Event set for Oct. 20

CUP's 2022 Annual Celebration Event is set for October 20 from 11:30am to 1:00pm at Edmonton City Hall. The topic of this year's event is "How Non-profits Will Solve Government's Priciest Problems." The keynote, delivered by Winnipeg-based social entrepreneur Shaun Loney, will be followed by a panel discussion among CUP and EndPovertyEdmonton colleagues.

September 19, 2022

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CUP releases IMPACTS 2022

The latest issue in the IMPACTS series tells the story of the Evaluation Capacity Network (ECN) and highlights its growth since it was founded in 2014. It also explains the ECN's impact on partners, communities, and students and contains stories of successful collaborations.

August 15, 2022

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CUP researchers investigate child care coverage and sector wages

Dr. Rob Buschmann’s latest brief analyzes recent trends and discrepancies in child care coverage rates in Alberta in light of the new Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Meanwhile, CUP research assistant Miranda Brown delivered a webinar to discuss childhood educator wages in Alberta, the relationship between wages and labour retention, the province’s retention philosophy, and more.

June 28, 2022

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Alexa Ferdinands receives WCHRI postdoctoral fellowship

CUP congratulates Alexa Ferdinands, recipient of a 2022 postdoctoral fellowship through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI). Ferdinands will examine health outcomes of the zero-fee post-secondary education (ZFPE) project in Drayton Valley.

June 20, 2022

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Michael Phair receives honorary doctor of laws degree

Michael Phair, renowned community leader and member of the CUP Steering Committee, received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Alberta on June 8, 2022.

June 13, 2022

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Community-University Partnership Graduate Student Equity Award

With the support of the Suncor Energy Foundation, CUP is offering a Graduate Student Equity Award and mentorship opportunities available for equity-deserving students in any discipline pursuing community-engaged studies focused on children, families, and community well-being. No C.V. or letters of support required.

May 26, 2022

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Community-Driven Evaluation and Capacity Building

Join the Evaluation Capacity Network on Thursday, May 26 from 12 -1 pm MDT as it showcases community-based evaluation and capacity building projects. Interactive sessions with the project teams will discuss challenges, tips, and tools for increasing capacity and taking a community-driven approach to evaluation.

May 2, 2022

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Practicing Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation

The Evaluation Capacity Network is inviting you to an online panel discussion on Monday, May 16 from 12 - 1pm MDT. The panelists include international, national, and local scholars and leaders in the evaluation field. Join them as they share their knowledge and experience with culturally responsive evaluation and how to take an equity, diversity, inclusion, and indigeneity lens in evaluation practice when collaborating with communities.

May 2, 2022

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All in for Youth year 5 report released

CUP researchers have been evaluating and documenting the impacts of the All in for Youth program for students, teachers, and families. To learn more about the initiative and its impacts, the year 5 report is now available.

March 14, 2022

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The New Canadians Health Centre: a community, government and university collaboration

The New Canadians Health Centre provides health services for refugee and new comer families using a collaborative and participatory approach. It is supported by a large partnership network, which includes CUP researchers, partners and Steering Committee members.

March 9, 2022

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Dr. Bethan Kingsley joins WCHRI

Bethan Kingsley, former CUP researcher, joins the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) as a Research Associate.

February 15, 2022

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AECEA's COVID-19 final report released

The final report from the COVID-19 Survey that the Association of Early Childhood Educators (AECEA) conducted, which was analysed by CUP Researcher Rob Buschmann, is now available.

December 9, 2021

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The working poor: untapped opportunity for economic growth

In this blog series, CUP research assistant and EndPovertyEdmonton collaborator Alfredo Conde discusses who the working poor are and the importance of policies and systems change to support this group out of poverty.

November 2, 2021

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Video: Social Procurement facilitates vibrant communities

EndPovertyEdmonton presented a workshop titled "Building vibrant and resilient communities through social procurement.

October 27, 2021

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School boards have an important role in supporting early learning and care

In this facebook live, CUP researcher Dr. Robert Buschmann with Julie Kusiek and Rakhi Pancholi (MLA) discuss the issues and opportunities ahead of the October 2021 municipal election.

October 14, 2021

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There's a role for you to play in ending poverty

Dr. Maria Mayan discusses inclusive economies and an upcoming presentation about social innovation and reducing poverty in Edmonton.

October 12, 2021

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Measuring child care affordability: podcast episode

In this podcast episode Dr. Robert Buschmann, CUP researcher, discusses what child care affordability means, how it can be measured and its impacts in society and the labour force.

October 12, 2021

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CUP releases Annual Report 2020-2021

This year CUP's Annual Report theme focuses on "Transformation". It is inspired by the unprecedented opportunity to create systems change that the COVID-19 pandemic offered. Stories of transformation are written through the lens of CUP research projects and their impacts.

October 12, 2021

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Child care named a priority in the municipal election

Child care was a ballot-box issue for the recent federal election and should be an issue for Edmonton's municipal election on October 18. In this op-ed, the benefits of municipal level policy involvement are discussed.

October 12, 2021

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Webinar: Who is responsible for early learning and care?

In this webinar, CUP researcher Jennifer Fischer-Summers, discusses with panelists from the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care, the role government, school boards and other sectors have in supporting a system of early learning and care in Edmonton.

September 8, 2021

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CUP releases IMPACTS 2021

This issue of IMPACTS focuses on creating an inclusive economic recovery for all families though research, collaboration and systems change.

July 8, 2021

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All in for Youth year 4 report released

CUP researchers have been documenting the impacts of the All in for Youth initiative for students, teachers, and families for five years. To learn more about the initiative and its impacts, the year 4 report is now available.

April 14, 2021

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Studying a zero fee education model to build a resilient, inclusive economy in a rural Alberta community

April 7, 2021

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How the pandemic is impacting the development of Alberta children

CUP Post-doctoral fellow, Pieter de Vos, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected child development in this WCHRI article.

March 8, 2021

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CUP releases 20th Annual Report

This report is a celebration of CUP's 20th anniversary and walks through 20 years of partnerships, projects, and impacts. In its development, we asked past and present research teams to discuss the evolution of research partnerships, lessons learned, and principles that informed decision making and action.

December 3, 2020

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Changes to Alberta's child care subsidies, what does it mean for Albertans?

CUP Research Associate Rob Buschmann and Research Assistant Jennifer Fischer-Summers recently co-authored a 1-page brief with researchers at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy on the subsidy changes. The brief summarizes the results of a longer paper Rob and Jennifer did on behalf of the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care. Danielle Smith recently interviewed Rob about this paper on her radio show.

December 1, 2020

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Edmonton Social Planning Council releases "Tracking the Trends"

"Tracking the Trends" is an annual report released by the Edmonton Social Planning Council. The report provides a comprehensive overview of Edmonton's social well-being.

November 20, 2020

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Congratulations to Dr. Elaine Hyshka for receiving a CIHR Trailblazer award!

Dr. Hyshka received the Early Career Researcher award for her work advancing public health approaches to substance use in Canada. Congratulations Dr. Hyshka!

October 29, 2020

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Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care launches its website!

The Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care (ECELC) is pleased to announce the launch of its new website! This website houses ECELC publications (briefs and reports) about early learning and care in Edmonton, information about Council members and links to other resources. The ECELC came together to design, promote, and build an integrated system of early learning and care that is high quality, affordable and accessible.

October 27, 2020

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CUP launches the Policy Library

CUP is excited to launch its very own Policy Library. The Policy Library is for anyone interested in policy-related thinking, development, and action, and provides carefully selected resources from a variety of disciplines to help users work through their needs and next steps.

October 15, 2020

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Communities United successfully hosted a virtual summer camp for local youth

Communities United developed "The Youth Employment Initiative" and redesigned it to be virtual in response to the pandemic.

September 25, 2020

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Government support announced for Alberta's child sector

Licensed child care programs will receive $87 million in new funding as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan and the federal Safe Restart agreement.

September 23, 2020

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Affordable and accessible childcare is crucial for an equitable economic recovery in Alberta

The Calgary Herald recently published an article about accessible and affordable childcare being critical to a shared economic recovery in Alberta, where no one is left behind.

August 24, 2020

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A lesson from COVID-19 about Early Learning and Care

The Edmonton Social Planning Council releases a "fACTivist" article, written by Jeff Bisanz, about the importance of Early Learning and Care services for economic recovery in Alberta.

July 27, 2020

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CUP joins the School of Public Health

CUP is a world-class research centre and its expertise in using research and evaluation to improve the lives of children, youth and families across the province will complement the activities already underway in the School of Public Health.

July 7, 2020

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IMPACTS 2020 focuses on Wraparound Supports and All in for Youth

CUP has released the latest IMPACTS report focusing on wraparound supports in Alberta schools and the impacts of All in for Youth (AIFY).

July 6, 2020

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Edmonton Council of Early Learning and Care release two briefs

The early learning and care sector has been hit hard by the requirement to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Edmonton Council of Early Learning and Care (ECELC) has released two briefs highlighting the current situation and offering solutions.

June 11, 2020

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All in for Youth year 3 report release

CUP researchers have been documenting the impacts of the All in for Youth initiative to students, teachers, and families for four years. To understand the initiative and its impacts, the year 3 report is now available.

May 19, 2020

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Video game time needs balance with family interactions and non-screen time

Video games can be used to socialize and cope with anxiety, but family interactions and non-screen time are important for child development.

May 13, 2020

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Accessible and affordable child care is critical to re-open Alberta

EndPovertyEdmonton calls for support of child care centres as Alberta prepares to Re-Open.

May 13, 2020

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Grocery Run receives a Community Connections Award

Congratulations to the Grocery Run and Leftovers collaboration for receiving the 2020 Community Connections Award as the UAlberta Advocate recipient.

May 8, 2020

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Killam Laureates

CUP congratulates Killam Laureates 2019, Alexa Ferdinands, Chelsea Durber and Heather Morris. These three students (out of 14 student winners) are also former WCHRI-CUP PaCET program participants. We are proud of their success and we look forward to their future achievements.

October 29, 2019

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All in for Youth

CUP researchers Jason Daniels and Teresa Mejia are involved in the All in for Youth program, which delivers a variety of support services to help youth succeed. Click to view a recent story about the initiative.

October 24, 2019

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Celebrating excellence: Extension's interim dean awarded prestigious Killam Professorship

Professor Maria Mayan recognized for the impact of her scholarship, teaching and service to the community.

October 16, 2019

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Rebecca Gokiert awarded McCalla Professorship

Last week, Rebecca Gokiert was among 93 of the U of A's outstanding faculty, staff and students who were formally recognized at the university's annual Celebrate! event for their major accomplishments over the past year. She was awarded the McCalla Professorship, which is awarded to academics for their outstanding contributions to the integration of teaching and research, and educational leadership.

October 10, 2019

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Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store Launch

CUP is proud to be a partner in the launch of the Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store, which aims to make food more accessible and affordable for communities. Click on the link for more information.

October 8, 2019

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Early Childhood Coalitions of Alberta

Janice Kraemer from the Early Childhood Coalitions of Alberta, initially formed under the Early Child Development Mapping project led by CUP and funded by Alberta Education, reflects on how the coalitions have evolved in a recent podcast episode of Pause.

October 1, 2019

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You're Invited to Our Annual Celebration Event

Join CUP as we discuss the complex journey to policy by presenting two distinct events. Click for more information.

September 23, 2019

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Ask the expert: The impact of technology on children

Jason Daniels recently talked with Global News about some tips for parents and teachers to help students manage cellphone use.

September 16, 2019

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Initial Impacts of the Successful Families Program

Dr. Rebecca Gokiert led a research project exploring the impacts of the Successful Families Program, which was designed as a supportive housing program for teen families. Homeward Trust recently published an article about the project.

August 1, 2019

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Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store aiming to serve Edmonton communities in need

Dr. Maria Mayan and Morgan Allen were recently on Global News to talk about the Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery Store, an exciting initiative in the fight against food insecurity.

July 29, 2019

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Community-university network receives $2.5M to support the wellbeing of children and families across Canada

Dr. Rebecca Gokiert leading major collaborative to develop evidence-based approaches to improve early childhood practice, programs and policy.

July 17, 2019

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Learning to Love Community

Reflections on the challenges of finding community when living in apartment buildings.

July 17, 2019

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Working as a System to Tackle Food Insecurity

Dr. Maria Mayan presented her research related to food insecurity at a Faculty of Extension Research Seminar.

June 13, 2019

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Building Evaluation Capacity

The Evaluation Capacity Network promotes critical learning and reflection about evaluation with capacity-building initiatives.

June 6, 2019

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Grocery Run Program Partners with Leftovers Calgary

Operating as Leftover Edmonton, they are now in talks with the City to create a Mobile Market on Wheels.

May 8, 2019

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Congratulations to Martin Garber-Conrad!

CUP Steering Committee Co-Chair to Receive Honorary Degree

April 25, 2019

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UEval: Evaluation in the Community Context. Registration now open!

During a week-long intensive course (June 3-7), undergraduate and graduate students will work together with community stakeholders to develop evaluative responses to community-informed issues. At the end of the course, learners will submit a completed evaluation framework or plan.

April 4, 2019

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Rebecca Gokiert Awarded McCalla Professorship

We are incredibly proud of Rebecca and her work in creating a mutually beneficial co-learning space for students and community.

April 4, 2019

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ABSI Connect learns more about CUP collaborations

Learning through Failure: Reflections from the Community-University Partnership

March 28, 2019

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Evaluating Complex Community-Based Initiatives: Emerging Practices

Save the Date: June 3, 2019 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

March 26, 2019

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Single mother households more often experience poverty

November 22, 2018

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2017-18 Annual Report

Learning Through Failure our 2017-18 Annual Report

October 31, 2018

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Join us at our Annual Celebration Event for the release of our 2017 Annual Report

The Beauty of Failure - October 17th

September 18, 2018

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What is the right age to start school?

It depends on the child and what works for the family.

September 4, 2018

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Early Learning and Care Steering Committee studying the state of child care in Edmonton

About one-third of children in Edmonton live in a "child-care desert," according to a recent report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

August 22, 2018

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CUP Supports Grocery Run Program

Working to alleviate food insecurity issues in the African community.

July 13, 2018

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Photovoice Exhibit

What is it like to be a teen parent living and raising children in Edmonton? Join us at our second annual photovoice exhibit on June 25th to learn about the parent's experiences in this program through photography and narration!

June 14, 2018

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RAISED Between Cultures Model

A conceptual model that illustrates important elements of intercultural practice when working with children and families of immigrant and/or refugee background.

March 7, 2018

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