The Alberta advantage and historic levels of investment are driving the province's economy forward, creating jobs to be filled in industries such as aviation, the skilled trades, technology and more. To provide Alberta's youth with clear pathways to pursue good-paying jobs and higher education in the province's growing industries, Alberta's government is continuing to enhance career education opportunities for students across the province.
Through the Alberta government's support to enhance career education opportunities for students, seven new collegiate school programs will begin operating during the 2024-25 school year.
"Career education is fundamental for supporting Alberta's students as they transition into adulthood. Our commitment to expand collegiate programming across the province will help students build the skills and abilities they need to be successful after graduation and throughout post-secondary studies."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
The seven new collegiates will offer students programming in science, aviation, technology, engineering, agriculture, business, information communications and the trades. This expansion of collegiate programming will enable school authorities to help their students be successful throughout their education by connecting them to their interests and supporting them in discovering their passions.
"The Calgary Board of Education is thrilled to be offering the new Digital Futures Pathway, delivered in person at local high schools and online. In fact, more than 190 students are registered in this first year. This blended learning environment will connect students with technology and communication career interests with potential pathways into post-secondary credentialing and workplace opportunities."
Patricia Bolger, board chair, Calgary Board of Education
"The Calgary Catholic School District looks forward to opening the Our Lady of the Rockies Collegiate School this school year. This unique, hands-on program will allow our students to explore career pathways outside of a traditional classroom. We thank the Alberta government for its support in helping us empower our students to explore their passions, gain valuable skills and prepare for a bright future in Alberta's growing economy."
Dr. Bryan Szumlas, chief superintendent, Calgary Catholic School District
"As a new Public Charter Collegiate, we are excited to facilitate 22 programs to students, ranging from auto-service technician to business and entrepreneurship, developed with distinct post-secondary and industry partners."
Christine Meaden, superintendent, Fusion Collegiate
Collegiate schools are operated by school authorities in partnership with the province's post-secondary institutions. Through these partnerships, students are connected to enhanced career education and apprenticeship programming, experience off campus education opportunities at post-secondary institutions and gain post-secondary credits while in high school.
Three collegiate programs opening during the 2024-25 school year are in Calgary and will be operated in partnership with Olds College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Bow Valley College and the University of Calgary. The remaining four collegiates are located in Calmar, Peace River/Grimshaw, Coleman and Dunmore.
"Investing in collegiate programs is a strategic step in ensuring Alberta's students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's job market. By partnering with post-secondary institutions, we are creating pathways for students to explore and pursue careers in high-demand fields."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
"SAIT is pleased to partner with CBE, CCSD and the Government of Alberta to create pathways that encourage more students to consider careers in the trades. These programs are a valuable element in building a skilled workforce that will support the future prosperity of Alberta and Canada."
Janet Welch, vice president Academic, SAIT
Quick facts
- Budget 2024 provides $64.3 million over three years to support new collegiate schools.
- Since collegiate schools were introduced in 2021, Alberta's government has supported the opening of 12 collegiate schools.
- Students can also explore career pathways in non-collegiate schools through optional programs, such as Career and Technology Foundations, Career and Technology Studies and Dual Credit. In the 2023-24 school year, five new collegiate schools opened in rural and urban communities across Alberta:
- Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), in partnership with Olds College & Red Deer Polytechnic
- Building Futures Collegiate School, in partnership with Northern Lakes College and Olds College
- Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute (SACI), in partnership with Lethbridge College
- STAND (ST&), in partnership with Bow Valley College
- STEM Collegiate, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
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