Kickstarting post-secondary for students

News release

November 28, 2025 Media inquiries

Alberta’s government is investing nearly $4.5 million to grow dual credit programs for Alberta students this school year.

Alberta’s government is helping students prepare for their future jobs by investing in dual credit programs across the province. These programs help students get a head start on their next steps after graduation by earning high school and post-secondary credits at the same time.

Carpentry, automotives, welding, hairstyling and education assistant training are just a few examples of programs Alberta students can look forward to as grant funding for dual credit programs rolls out for the 2025-26 school year. This funding will support schools across the province in delivering a wide range of high-quality dual credit courses for students in grades 10 to 12.

“Dual credit courses help high school students explore jobs and get a head start – whether it is in the trades, post-secondary or pursuing their passion. Our government is proud to support these pathways to rewarding careers and lifelong success.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

Through this latest round of funding, Alberta’s government has awarded $1.6 million to support school boards in creating 33 new dual credit programs, and $2.8 million to enhance 29 existing programs. Included in the funding is an investment of $475,000 from Alberta Assisted Living and Social Services to support new and enhanced health care aide programs.

“Health care aides are vital to supporting seniors and vulnerable Albertans. Our investment ensures more students can access high-quality training and step into these in-demand, rewarding careers.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

In addition, the province is currently accepting applications for collegiate school funding for the 2026-27 school year. $8 million in operating funding and $21.5 million in capital investment are available to support start-up and expansion costs for collegiate schools next school year.

“Collegiate and dual-credit funding supports us in delivering world-class pathway education, building strong partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions. These opportunities ensure students graduate with confidence, purpose and readiness for their futures, both in continued learning and in meaningful careers that meet Alberta’s growing workforce needs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the pride and belief students gain in themselves as they discover their pathways forward.”

Bradey Thompson, co-founder, Fusion Collegiate

Quick facts

Dual credit grants provide up to $50,000 to school boards to create new dual credit programs, or up to $100,000 to enhance existing programs by purchasing new equipment or upgrading facilities to meet industry standards.
- Grants are available to support programs in public, separate, francophone, First Nations, charter and independent schools, and boards can apply for one grant in each stream.
A total of 41 school authorities have received startup and/or enhancement grants this year.
Since 2013, more than 120,000 high school students have participated in at least one dual credit course.
Budget 2025 invests more than $100 million over three years to increase career education opportunities in in-demand fields.

Start-up grant recipients

Enhancement grant recipients

Charter Almadina School Society STEM Innovation Academy Society Fusion Education Association Federal First Nations Alexis Band G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council Sunchild First Nation Band Independent Calgary French and International School Society Chiniki Community College Public The Aspen View School Division The Buffalo Trail School Division The Calgary School Division The Canadian Rockies School Division The Chinook’s Edge School Division The Edmonton School Division The Fort Vermilion School Division The Grasslands School Division The Medicine Hat School Division The Northern Lights School Division The Palliser School Division The Prairie Rose School Division The Red Deer School Division The Rocky View School Division The St. Albert School Division The Sturgeon School Division Separate The Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division The Grande Prairie Roman Catholic Separate School Division The Greater St. Albert Roman Catholic Separate School Division Health care aide The Greater North Central Francophone Education Region Hillcrest Christian School Society The Clearview School Division The Wetaskiwin School Division The Wolf Creek School Division The Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division

Federal First Nations Alexis Band Independent Alberta Conference of 7th Day Adventist Church Chiniki Community College Public The Buffalo Trail School Division The Calgary School Division The Canadian Rockies School Division The Chinook’s Edge School Division The Clearview School Division The Elk Island School Division The Foothills School Division The Fort Vermilion School Division The Grande Yellowhead School Division The Grasslands School Division The Medicine Hat School Division The Palliser School Division The Prairie Rose School Division The Red Deer School Division The St. Albert School Division The Sturgeon School Division The Westwind School Division The Wild Rose School Division Wolf Creek School Division Separate The Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division The Grande Prairie Roman Catholic Separate School Division The Greater St. Albert Roman Catholic Separate School Division The Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate School Division The Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division Health care aide The Edmonton School Division The Northland School Division

Related information

Related news

More money for hands-on learning (March 28, 2025)
Career education sets up students for success (Oct. 29, 2024)

Media inquiries

Garrett Koehler

780-427-5010
Senior Press Secretary, Education