After the first year of a five year commitment, Compass Minerals’ Goderich sites have already donated $11,500 to help open a Fanshawe College satellite campus in Goderich.

The money donated has been used to establish a computer room on the campus. The additional funds will be distributed through scholarships to help with the costs of attending the school.

Goderich has a population of roughly 8,000 people, and according to the 2006 Canadian Census, nearly 53 percent of the population do not go on to receive any form of post-secondary education.

“Because post-secondary education is limited in Goderich, many residents are unable to further their education without relocating or commuting about an hour each way,” said Gerry Rogers, vice president of operations at the Goderich Mine.

Dan Loebach, plant manager at the Goderich evaporation plant said he believes bringing a Fanshawe satellite campus to the area will make furthering residents’ education more attainable. “Whether it’s a kid who just wants to take classes part time or a person well-established in his or her career trying to upgrade skills, the Fanshawe program sets people up for success right in their own backyard.”