Westwind School Division was pleased to take part in the grand opening of the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute (SACI) on February 6, marking an important milestone in expanding career-focused learning opportunities for students across southern Alberta.
As part of the opening celebrations, SACI hosted a Parent and Teacher Feature Hour, welcoming families and educators to tour the facility, learn about available programming, and explore how SACI supports student pathways beyond the traditional classroom.
Westwind Superintendent Darren Mazutinec addressed attendees alongside SACI First Chairs and Minister Myles McDougall, highlighting the value of strong regional partnerships and innovative approaches to education. Speakers emphasized the importance of hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that help students explore interests, develop skills, and prepare for future careers.
The Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute is located on the Lethbridge Polytechnic campus in Lethbridge, Alberta, and serves students in Grades 7 through 12 from school divisions across southwestern Alberta. For Grades 7-9, SACI delivers the E3 (Explore, Engage, Experience) program, which introduces junior high students to a wide range of career pathways through project-based learning and hands-on workshops designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills.
For Grades 10-12, SACI offers advanced programming, including career exploration, work-integrated learning, and dual-credit opportunities. These programs allow students to earn high school credits while gaining practical experience and, in some cases, post-secondary or industry-recognized credentials in areas such as Trades, Agriculture, and Healthcare.
During the feature hour, parents and educators had the opportunity to learn more about these programs, tour the purpose-built learning spaces, and see firsthand how SACI is designed to support real-world, skill-based education.
SACI represents a collaborative effort among school divisions, post-secondary institutions, industry partners, and government to strengthen student transitions from junior high through high school and into post-secondary education, apprenticeships, or employment. Westwind School Division values these partnerships and the expanded learning opportunities they create for students across the region.
To learn more about the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute and its programming, visit
https://www.southernalbertacollegiateinstitute.ca/
