[. To help meet this demand and better prepare students for the future, Alberta’s government is expanding collegiate schools across the province. Budget 2025 invests $27.5 million to support this expansion, which includes $6 million for operational costs and $21.5 million for school improvements.
Collegiate schools connect classroom learning with real-world careers by offering students hands-on experience and direct pathways to post-secondary education and employment. These specialized schools equip students with practical skills, industry experience and a strong foundation for future careers, helping young Albertans succeed and thrive in a fast-paced and evolving job market.
“Collegiate schools help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers. By expanding this model, we are ensuring young Albertans can access specialized training, explore in-demand careers and graduate with a clear path to further education and meaningful employment.”
Expanding access to collegiate schools is a key part of the province’s goal to improve career pathways in schools and help students transition into post-secondary education or careers after graduation.
“Fusion turned my passion for aviation into a real path. They helped me explore my options and confidently choose a career direction. From ground school to career connections, they’ve supported me every step of the way. Thanks to this grant, more students will see the cockpit not just as a dream – but as their future. Fusion is an incredible transition from high school to what comes next.”
New collegiate schools
In the 2025/26 school year, 16 new collegiate schools will offer specialized programming in science, aviation, technology, engineering, agriculture, business, information communications and the trades. These collegiate programs are designed with industry and post-secondary institutions to help students gain hands-on experience, explore career pathways and prepare for future success.
The new collegiate schools include:
|
Collegiate school |
School authority/location |
|
Human Services Collegiate |
The Buffalo Trail School Division (Central East) |
|
St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate |
Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division (Edmonton) |
|
GHSD Collegiate of Digital Arts & Esports |
The Golden Hills School Division (Strathmore) |
|
Heartland Collegiate |
The Elk Island School Division (Fort Saskatchewan) |
|
HPSD Pathways School |
The High Prairie School Division (High Prairie) |
|
Monsignor McCoy First Responders |
The Medicine Hat Roman Catholic Separate School Division (Medicine Hat) |
|
Northeastern Alberta Collegiate Institute (NACI) |
The Northern Lights School Division (Northeast Alberta) |
|
Northland Collegiate School |
The Northland School Division (Northwest Alberta) |
|
Prairie Land Collegiate |
The Prairie Land School Division (Hanna, Cessford, Altario, Youngstown, Virtual) |
|
Prairie Sky Collegiate |
The Medicine Hat School Division |
|
PSD Collegiate |
The Parkland School Division (Stony Plain) |
|
Skilled Trades and Technology Collegiate |
The Edmonton School Division (Edmonton) |
|
St. Albert Collegiate Pathways |
The St. Albert School Division (St. Albert) |
|
STAR Catholic Collegiate |
The St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Separate School Division (Drayton Valley, Ponoka, Leduc) |
|
Sturgeon Collegiate |
The Sturgeon School Division (Sturgeon County) |
|
The Canadian Rockies Collegiate Institute |
The Canadian Rockies School Division (Banff) |
“Fusion Collegiate is proud to help lead this innovative approach to collegiate high school programming. With the support of this grant, Fusion is launching a new Aviation Program in partnership with SAIT and AVmax. This investment enables hands-on, career-focused learning that meets student interest and industry demand. We thank the Ministry of Education and Childcare for its vision in supporting programs that equip students with real-world skills and clear pathways into high-opportunity careers.”
Expanding collegiate schools
In addition to the 16 new collegiate schools, four existing collegiate schools will receive funding to improve and expand their facilities. Funding will support the development of specialized learning spaces, such as film and media studios, skilled trades labs and more.
The four collegiate schools receiving enhancement funding include Calgary Trades & Technologies Collegiate, Fusion Collegiate Aviation, South Alberta School of Agriculture and The Central Alberta Collegiate Institute.
“As the aviation industry continues to grow in Alberta, SAIT is ready to train the talent needed to fulfill workforce demands. Through continued support from the Government of Alberta and by expanding our relationship with collegiate partners, we’re connecting with young people as they begin to explore options for the future and open their eyes to the potential of a career in aviation.”
Quick facts
- Currently, there are 12 collegiate schools in operation across Alberta:
- Five opened in the 2023/24 school year.
- Seven opened in the 2024/25 school year.
- Each collegiate school is eligible for:
- up to $150,000 in base funding and $500 per student in their first year for administrative support and operational start-up costs
- up to $100,000 per lab or learning space and $2,500 per student for furniture and equipment and space modifications
Related information
- Collegiate schools
Related news
- More money for hands-on learning (March 28, 2025)
Multimedia
- Watch the news conference