A new opportunity to expand your computer skills is coming soon to the Jasper Adult Learning Council, after a financial contribution from the provincial government.

The Jasper Adult Learning Council was presented with $13,301 to match funds under the Community Initiative Program (CIP) to purchase a mobile Mac computer lab. The money comes from the province’s lottery fund, and was presented to the council on Sept. 16 by MLA Robin Campbell. 

Ginette Marcoux-Frigon, executive director of the Jasper Adult Learning Council, said the Mac lab will be used to develop programming on a Mac platform. Each computer will be equipped with Adobe InDesign, and the hope is that graphic design courses can commence in the winter. 

“We’re thrilled that we’re getting it,” Marcoux-Frigon said. The funding was originally applied for a year-and-a-half ago. “We’re happy to be moving into the Mac world.”

Community members have been calling to ask about possible Mac programming at the learning council, which encouraged Marcoux-Frigon to get the ball rolling and try to get funding for the project. 

Marcoux-Frigon is looking for instructors to help develop the courses, and is hoping to have beginner courses on everything from the basics of how to run a Mac right up to doing graphic design. 

Rumours of the new lab have already spread like wildfire through the region, and Marcoux-Frigon said she has had the adult learning councils from Hinton and Edson contact her already to ask about the mobile lab.

“I guess the biggest benefit will be the expanded programming that we will now be able to offer in our community,” she said. “The lab can travel. We can teach literally onsite anywhere in the region.”

Marcoux-Frigon has already been in talks with NorQuest College to hopefully set up some sort of video-conferencing programs. 

The lab should be up and running by October, and Marcoux-Frigon is hoping to tap into the many talented graphic designers in the area to help teach. 

“Our hope is that we’ll be able to link with some of these people in our community,” she said. 

Campbell said the money will be well spent to help people in Jasper and the region upgrade their skills. 

“It’s a chance for us to take the lottery funds and give it back throughout the province,” Campbell said. “It’s great what we’re doing down here.”