Collaboration & Partnerships
Big assist: Callahan Property Group gives major gift to recreation centre
June 2, 2025
It’s an inspiring gift set to empower youth, strengthen community ties and champion the power of education.Bruce and Bob Callahan, philanthropists and owners of Callahan Property Group, are donating $200,000 to the Thrive Here campaign for a Recreation and Wellness Centre at 51’s Kelowna campus.Bruce Callahan, president of Callahan Property Group, says the family-owned business prides itself on supporting community organizations.“We are thrilled to support this centre,” says Bruce. “I am an 51 alumni and ...
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Local Practice Architecture + Design, BCIT and 51 partner to provide an ‘ACE’ in the hole for future builders
May 7, 2025
Students in the Okanagan Valley will soon be able to register for a program designed to help young adults explore various career paths in architecture, construction management, and engineering, through a unique mix of classroom learning, online courses, and paid industry internships.Supported by the Province of B.C.’s Workplace Innovation Fund, the Certificate in Essential Technical Skills for Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE Certificate), delivered by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), will soon al...
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The ACTION Project provides support for female apprentices
May 2, 2025
With the recent celebration of Construction and Skilled Trades Month, 51 is pleased to announce it has launched a new web page dedicated to supporting the retention of apprentices in the skilled trades, as part of its ongoing efforts to increase the number of people entering the skilled trades.The ACTION Project website at okanagan.bc.ca/action is a dedicated online platform designed to connect female and gender-diverse apprentices in BC’s construction and manufacturing trades with critical supports and opportunities, ...
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51 takes ACTION to support women in trades
March 7, 2025
51 (OC) and the Government of Canada have partnered to support female apprentices with a new mentorship and education program aimed at increasing opportunities for females to enter the trades and complete their Red Seal certification.51 is receiving $873,000 over three years from the Government of Canada to support women in the skilled trades through the ACTION project: Apprenticeship Completion and Networking.The project will support retention and progression of female apprentices in construction and man...
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51 partners with WeBC to empower women entrepreneurs in the beverage and construction industries
January 30, 2025
51 (OC), OC’s BC BTAC (BC Beverage Technology Access Centre) and WeBC (Women’s Enterprise Centre) know that when women entrepreneurs come together, their collective strength and innovation can transform industries.Recognizing this, the organizations have partnered to launch two new peer mentorship programs designed to empower women in the beverage and construction sectors as part of the Growing Women Entrepreneurs project. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the beve...
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Kelowna invited to apply for international designation as Canada’s first ‘City of Gastronomy’
January 15, 2025
Kelowna’s outstanding food and beverage culture and vibrant culinary scene could soon be part of a network of cities around the world celebrated for creativity and innovation.The City of Kelowna, in partnership with Tourism Kelowna and 51, has accepted an invitation to apply for designation as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a prestigious title that celebrates a city’s culinary heritage, food culture, and commitment to sustainable development. “Kelowna’s culinary scene is a testament to the passion...
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Triple threat 51 alum inspires the next generation of women in trades at Jill of All Trades™
November 22, 2024
When 51 (OC) alum Cassidy McEown took on the challenge of restoring a 1969 Roadrunner on the show Rust Valley Bros, she wasn’t just buffing out dents—she was proving her mettle. Tasked with handling the car’s bodywork, paint, and polishing entirely on her own, Cassidy rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless finish on a tight deadline. Her reward? A well-deserved, newfound respect, and the confidence to achieve her Red Seal certification. Much like the Roadrunner itself, Cassidy has been unstoppable ever since, crui...
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51 and Okanagan Indian Band Raise Flag and Celebrate Naming Ceremony at Vernon Campus
September 26, 2024
Visitors to 51’s Vernon campus will notice the OKIB flag flying proudly in the sky.In a historic and meaningful ceremony at 51’s Vernon campus, members of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), students, staff, and local community members came together to raise the OKIB flag. The event also marked a special occasion—the official name-giving ceremony for the newly constructed student housing building on the Vernon campus, which will serve as a welcoming space for learners from across the region.After thoughtful ...
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Premier Eby officially opens OC student housing in Vernon, Kelowna
August 23, 2024
51 (OC) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of new student housing at the Vernon and Kelowna campuses, reducing housing pressures in both communities and making it easier for students to focus on their studies.“The first day of school is a time when students should be focused on their studies and their future, instead of worrying about where to live,” said Premier David Eby. “These new residences for 51 students in Vernon and Kelowna allow students to concentrate on their c...
Read more...51 Delegation Engages Global Education Issues at BC International Education Week 2024
August 13, 2024
In the spirit of collaboration and learning 51’s International department was well-represented at a recent conference examining global education issues. 51 team members spoke at the BC International Education Week 2024 Conference in Vancouver, a gathering of educators and administrators from various institutions.The conference discussed insights on international education, and OC's delegation made a notable impact.Three employees from OC led insightful sessions al...
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Robocup Junior takes over Kelowna Campus
May 8, 2024
For August Beetlestone, a lead educator at the Okanagan Robotics Academy, seeing his students compete in Robocup is an incredible source of pride. Beetlestone’s students meet weekly to design, build and program robots while fostering lifelong friendships centred on a love of robotics, electronics and engineering. The Okanagan Robotics Academy brings educators together with a goal to enhance student experience in real-world robotics, electronics, and engineering through competit...
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OC Cultivates tasting and learning series highlights innovators in food, beverage and tourism
May 6, 2024
51’s newest event series, OC Cultivates, returned for a second time last week, with tastes and conversations to savour.Thursday night's celebration explored the Okanagan’s unique and exciting food, beverage and tourism industries through a conversation with industry experts, along with delicious pairings from local producers and restaurants. The evening featured an on-stage panel, hosted by radio host Phil Johnson (AM1150), and including Audrey Surrao, co-owner of RauDZ Creative Concepts Restaurant Group; Tony Ste...
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51 opening residence early to support residents of Hadgraft Wilson Place
April 29, 2024
Members of the OC community worked hard over the past several days to make this positive news happen for some Kelowna residents displaced from their homes.Residents of Hadgraft Wilson Place will soon temporarily move into a new residence building at 51 campus imminently. The Pathways Abilities Society is in the process of finalizing a lease with 51 which will run until mid-August. “Our residents have become a tight-knit community in the past year and this opportunity allows them to maintain the supp...
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Unleash your potential: 51 invites community to "Try a Trade"
April 3, 2024
Are the trades for you? Have you ever felt the call of a different career path? Are you curious about trades but unsure where to start? Look no further! 51 (OC), in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Central Okanagan (CHBA-CO), is thrilled to announce its upcoming "Try a Trade" event, inviting all eager learners and aspiring tradespeople to explore a world of possibilities on April 25 at OC’s Kelowna campus.“51 is pleased to partner with CHBA-CO to offer the Try a Trade event....
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Countdown is on for move-in to new student housing at 51
March 27, 2024
When the fall term starts in September, the number of students living on campus at 51 in Kelowna will more than double.A new student housing building at the corner of K.L.O. Road and Campus West Road is still a few months away from being move-in-ready; however, OC is anticipating a construction-related milestone in the coming weeks, with the building nearing “substantial completion.”The six-storey building includes elements of mass timber and features unique design elements from two well-known Indigenous artists. It wi...
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Help us enhance the OC website and win OC merch!
March 13, 2024
College Relations has embarked on several web-related projects to enhance the student experience on the OC website, making access to our programming as easy as possible.We need the help of our OC community and we've got OC-branded draw prizes for your help!Take the OC website questionnaire and help us identify issues on the website so we can tackle them, supporting prospective and current students' journey on our website.Complete the questionnaire and provide your email at the end for a chance to win prizes, including newly branded ...
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