Province makes $21.5M available for collegiate schools startup, expansion costs

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 21, 2024.

Funding is now available to support the startup and expansion costs for collegiate schools that offer specialized programming in a particular subject or field, the province announced Wednesday.

The funding of $21.5 million represents approximately one-third of Budget 2024’s commitment to support new collegiate schools over the next three years, and is now available for “school authorities in every corner of the province.”

The province introduced collegiate schools in 2021 and has supported the opening of 12 schools that partner with post-secondary institutions as well as industry partners to provide students a clear pathway into higher education and careers in their chosen field.

Using these partnerships, students receive apprenticeship programs, off-campus education opportunities and the opportunity to earn dual credits for both high school and post-secondary programs.

“Alberta’s economy is moving full speed ahead, with jobs ready to be filled in growing and emerging industries such as the skilled trades, aviation, engineering and much more,” states the release.

In total the UCP has set aside $64.3 million to fund startup costs or expansions for new charter schools that can be public, separate, francophone, public charter or accredited faded independent private schools.

“The demand students have for hands-on, experiential career education programming is growing,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of education. “Our commitment to expand collegiate programming across the province will connect more students to rewarding career pathways while giving them the skills and abilities they need to be successful after graduation.”

The province says recent improvements to the application process will “ensure that students can transition from the classroom to the workforce more easily and more competitively.”

“Alongside our excellent post-secondary institutions and apprenticeship programs, collegiate schools play an important role in preparing Alberta students for the economy of today and tomorrow,” said Rajan Sawhney, minister of advanced education.

Applications for new collegiate schools looking to open in the 2025-26 school can be submitted up to Jan. 31, 2025.