SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 4

Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

At Thompson Rivers University, student success is our priority. We empower our students to reach their goals with flexible learning options, individualized student services, hands-on learning opportunities, and a diverse, inclusive environment. From traditional academics to trades, from certificates to graduate degrees, TRU offers over 140 on-campus programs and 60-plus Open Learning programs.

Learn more about SDG 4

Discover how TRU advanced this Sustainable Development Goal in 2024/25

Learning at TRU

At TRU you’ll find many paths to learning—on-campus and online, in and out of the classroom, across programs, even around the globe—leading to careers in trades, healthcare, hospitality or technology. Explore TRU’s Faculties and Schools.

Study Online with Open Learning

TRU supports students wherever they are and Open Learning provides flexible online and distance learning for everyone.

TRU Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs provide an opportunity for advanced specialization after completion of a bachelor's degree.

Department of University and Employment Preparation

TRU offers diverse courses and programs to help students upgrade their education, earn high school equivalency, meet TRU requirements or gain employable skills.

Education and Skills Training Program

Education and Skills Training provides knowledge about future employment opportunities and training in a specific area for people who experience barriers to employment.

Explore TRU Student Success Courses

TRU offers three-credit elective student success courses that provide a strong foundation for university and beyond achievement.

Co-operative Education

At TRU, students can blend on-campus learning with career-related work experience.

Campus Operations

Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching supports TRU faculty through professional development, educational leadership and teaching consultations that promote effective teaching practices, student success, learner retention and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

TRU’s Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Every baccalaureate student at TRU will fulfill the Lifelong Learning institutional learning outcome, demonstrating the ability to reflect on their educational journey and set meaningful goals for continued learning beyond university.

TRU Library

TRU Library provides free public access to library spaces, collections and reference services. Alumni and community members can register for a free library card to borrow materials, while community users also have access to a range of online resources.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

EUReKA!

EUReKA! is a non-profit, student-run organization based out of TRU that strives to increase elementary students' interest in and excitement towards science and engineering and to help teachers bring science into the regular classroom.

SD 73 and TRU continue partnership to enhance lifelong learning for students

TRU and School District 73 (SD 73) have renewed their commitment to work together to enhance learning opportunities for students of all ages.

Williams Lake First Nation Partnership Agreement

TRU’s partnership agreement with Williams Lake First Nation reflects a shared commitment to developing innovative programs for the St̓éxelcemc people, rooted in their ways of knowing, values, and philosophy. The agreement supports collaborative growth in trades, training, and academic pathways, with a focus on increasing Indigenous student success and expanding culturally relevant services such as mental-health support, language revitalization, and financial awards.

Knucwetwécw Agreement

The Knucwetwécw Agreement establishes a formal partnership between Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and TRU, creating an ongoing framework for collaboration on education, research, language revitalization and community priorities. The agreement includes joint monitoring, regular leadership meetings and shared commitments to Indigenous-led priorities and culturally safe practices.

Community Education and Workforce Development

TRU delivers flexible trades and technical training programs tailored to industry, employers and communities. Training can be customized and delivered on-site, online or at TRU, supporting workforce development, skills upgrading and industry needs across the region.

Professional Development and Leadership

TRU offers flexible professional development courses in areas such as bookkeeping, management and proposal writing, supporting lifelong learning, career advancement and workforce development for learners across the region.

Women in Engineering

An annual Women in Engineering event engages girls in Grades 8-12 through hands-on engineering workshops and activities, providing opportunities to connect with faculty, explore engineering facilities and learn about pathways into engineering education and careers.

Girls Exploring Trades and Technology

Through Girls Exploring Trades and Technology, TRU provides female secondary school students with hands-on experiences in a variety of trades led by Red Seal instructors, helping build confidence and encouraging participation in trades education and careers.

TRU Welding Camp

TRU instructors and Welding Foundation graduates delivered a welding camp in Williams Lake, introducing participants to welding skills and skilled trades education pathways through hands-on learning experiences.

Forging Forward; Lighting the Fire of Inclusivity

TRU welding instructor Jim McCarthy partnered with Insight Support Services to deliver Forging Forward: Lighting the Fire of Inclusivity, an initiative that introduced students with autism to welding through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Gathering Our Voices

At Gathering Our Voices, a four-day gathering that provides Indigenous youth with educational opportunities and cultural programming, the TRU School of Trades and Technology delivered a hands-on workshop introducing participants to welding, plumbing and skilled trades careers.

Research and Innovation

Utamaduni Bora

Utamaduni Bora is an award-winning Open Educational Resource created by TRU student Leticia Kanywuiro that preserves Kikuyu stories, language and cultural knowledge through digital storytelling and educational resources.

UNSDG Open Pedagogy Faculty Fellowship

TRU is a partner institution in the UNSDG Open Pedagogy Faculty Fellowship, an international program that fosters cross-institutional collaboration to advance the UN SDGs through education. Faculty teams co-create renewable assignments that empower students to drive social change, exchange knowledge globally and contribute to SDG best practices.

TRU Open Press

TRU Open Press supports the creation of open educational resources by faculty and students, making educational materials freely available for use, adaptation and sharing by learners, educators and organizations.