3 career college branches in southern Alberta shut down, students now search for answers

Students enrolled at three southern Alberta Academy of Learning branches are no longer able to take classes and say they can’t get their money back.

Students enrolled at three southern Alberta Academy of Learning branches are no longer able to take classes and say they can’t get their money back.

Tessa Phillips, a single mom of three, was taking medical office assistant classes, specializing in veterinary care.

“It seemed awesome because I could do it on my own terms. I could work part-time I could still be with my girls and do school stuff,” said Phillips.

“It just seemed like it was a really good opportunity.”

She says the program was going to cost her over $18,000, of which she had so far paid $11,200 through student loans and grants.

She began in May and had completed five courses.

In September, Phillips needed confirmation from the branch’s owner and director Jennifer Avery that she was enrolled so she could receive an additional $14,000 in grants.