Dr. Emily Milne, associate professor of sociology, was awarded a seven-year $2.5 million Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) partnership grant for a project titled “Advancing Educational Equity in Alberta Classrooms, Schools, and Structures.” 

She will lead a team of post-secondary researchers, educators, and members of government and community that will engage in collaborative research to identify educational inequities, and action those research findings to address knowledge gaps and improve education decision-making, practices and policies in Alberta school divisions.

“We know that there are certain practices in the education system that disproportionately limit student access to post-secondary education, namely for Indigenous students, and students from low-income families, and rural and racialized communities,” says Dr. Milne, who will collaborate with partners from 12 organizations for the project. “This work addresses fundamental structural issues associated with educational inequities that significantly impact student outcomes. This is important work – we aim to link research with education policy and practice to transform the education system and remove barriers that many students face.” 

Higher educational attainment is not only associated with a higher wage and more consistent employment, but also with better social, health and economic outcomes. 

“St. Paul Education is proud to partner with MacEwan University on this important SSHRC-funded initiative,” says Dr. Peter Barron, superintendent of St. Paul Education, a key partner in the project. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing equity, strengthening rural education and ensuring that every student – regardless of geography or background – has access to meaningful learning opportunities. We look forward to the transformative impact this research will have in our schools and communities.” 

The full grant equates to $4.7 million, thanks to contributions of more than $2.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions from partnering organizations. The groundbreaking and unprecedented partnership brings together 20 researchers and community-based collaborators with diverse disciplinary, methodological and sectoral expertise. 

The College of Alberta School Superintendents; Frog Lake First Nation; Rupertsland Institute; the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Division of Alberta Education; McMaster University and the University of Alberta are among the groups involved. 

This research-to-action project will focus on three things: establishing committed relationships, conducting research that makes sense of educational inequities in Alberta and addressing the issues that lead to inequities – especially creating solutions that aim to make real and lasting changes to education systems, schools and classroom practices.  

“MacEwan faculty continuously engage in incredibly meaningful and impactful research,” says Dr. Craig Kuziemsky, associate vice-president, Research. “Dr. Milne’s partnership grant – the first ever for our university – is groundbreaking. Using a research-to-action model, Dr. Milne will engage with school districts and Indigenous communities to study the important issue of educational equity in Alberta school systems. I am certain the outcomes of this research will make substantial impacts in our communities and, most importantly, on the futures of many young people.”

Dr. Milne says this project is the culmination of numerous other projects and years of research. 

“Grants are often given for very short periods of time and you can't do it all – build relationships, do the research and collect the data, and then move knowledge into action within schools,” says Dr. Milne. “When you work with partners and you're hearing issues – when someone shares their voice with you – it's very important and impactful. 

“I’ve always felt a deep sense of responsibility to do what I can to make meaningful, positive change. And now that I have a timeline that's much longer, and there's funding and ongoing support, we can actually do the work in the best way. That's what this grant reflects.”