Students heading back to school this fall have more opportunities than ever to explore career pathways, develop in-demand skills and prepare for successful futures as Alberta's government expands collegiate learning across the province.
With four new collegiates and 14 expanded collegiate pathways opening this school year, Alberta is now home to 32 collegiate schools operating across 55 locations. More schools mean more students with access to hands-on learning, post-secondary partnerships and career pathways in high-demand fields.
"Alberta students deserve access to learning experiences that connect education with real-world opportunities. Collegiates are helping students explore rewarding career pathways and develop valuable skills, all while earning school credits."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
Collegiates are operated by school boards in partnership with post-secondary schools and industry partners. Through these partnerships, students can access enhanced career education programming, participate in workplace learning and off-campus education opportunities and earn post-secondary credits while completing high school. Collegiate schools help students develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed for careers in sectors that are driving Alberta's economy, including the skilled trades, STEM, health, agriculture, energy, aviation and advanced manufacturing.
"The South Alberta Flight Academy and the Yuill School of Agriculture are creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect their education to future careers right here in Southeast Alberta. By partnering with industry, post-secondary and government, we are helping students explore their passions, build practical skills and prepare for the opportunities ahead."
Patty Rooks, chair, Prairie Rose Public Schools
The continued growth of collegiate programming ensures more students can explore career pathways earlier, make informed decisions about their futures and graduate with skills and experience that prepare them for post-secondary studies, apprenticeships and employment.
"The Peace River School Division's expanded collegiate program gives students an early introduction to skilled trades careers, combining hands-on training with a direct pathway into well-paying jobs right after graduation. At its heart, this programming helps students make informed decisions by aligning their coursework with real career goals and building the skills they need for a successful transition into adulthood."
David Rushton, chair, Peace River School Division
Career education plays an important role in supporting student success from grades 7 to 12. Through collegiate schools and other career education opportunities, including dual credit programming, off-campus education, Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) and Career and Technology Studies (CTS), students can explore their interests, gain real-world experience and build skills that prepare them for further education, apprenticeship opportunities and employment.
Quick facts
- Budget 2026 provided $32.1 million in operating and capital funding for collegiate schools.
- Four new collegiate schools opened this school year:
- CTR Strathmore & District Practical Ranching School
- Calgary Skilled Trades & Technologies Collegiate
- Grande Prairie Regional Career Collegiate
- St. Joseph the Worker Collegiate (St. Albert/Morinville)
- Fourteen existing collegiate schools have also expanded programming to additional locations this year:
- Heartland Collegiate (Fort Saskatchewan)
- Monsignor McCoy First Responders (Medicine Hat)
- PSD Collegiate (Stony Plain/Fort Chipewyan)
- Prairie Land Collegiate (Hanna,Cessford/Altario/Youngstown)
- St. Albert Collegiate Pathways
- STAR Catholic Collegiate (Drayton Valley/Ponoka/Leduc)
- Sturgeon Collegiate
- The Canadian Rockies Collegiate Institute (Banff)
- St. Eligius Collegiate (Edmonton)
- HPSD Pathways School/Future Pathways (High Prairie)
- Fusion Collegiate (Calgary)
- South Alberta Flight Academy and Yuill School of Agriculture (Dunmore -Cypress County)
- North Peace Commercial Driving Academy (Peace River/Grimshaw)
- Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute (Lethbridge)
Related information
