CBE launches digital pathways program, with internships and post-secondary courses

Article content

As many as 150 public high school students will be able to register for a unique information technology program in fall 2024, with access to internships and post-secondary courses well before they graduate.

The Calgary Board of Education is working with the province to inject up to $6.2 million into the new Digital Futures Pathway program, offering a variety of online and in-person courses in animation, robotics, computer programming and other digital technology fields.

Thanks to partnerships with the tech industry and SAIT, students who begin the collegiate program in Grade 10 and choose a specialty by Grade 11 will be able to register for post-secondary courses by Grade 12. They will also be able to enter the workplace through internships while also completing their other graduation requirements.

“This is something we are really proud of, it’s really exciting for the students involved, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Joanne Pitman, CBE superintendent of school improvement, adding the CBE still needs another year to get industry internships completely in place.

“It’s a great example of how we are being responsive to where we are seeing post-secondary and industry going. We are working to build those strong connections for the future, and ensure we get quality outcomes for students.

“Depending on which specialty they choose, students could do internships in animation, basic programming or control systems testing. And there are opportunities within the robotics industry, micro programming, as well as web development and other areas.”

Students can choose one of three pathways — business fundamentals, communications technology and innovation technology.

But students who also just want to try one course without entering the collegiate specialty pathway will also have access to online registration.

Pitman said the CBE is looking to offer more unique courses like these to offer students greater choice and a wider breadth of programming.

More funding from province for specialty programs

The UCP government has increased its investments in programs of choice, including more funding for charter schools. Earlier this spring, Alberta Education invested $118 million to purchase and renovate the SMART Technologies building near the University of Calgary to open a Charter Hub.

As compared to the 150 spots offered in the CBE Digital Pathways program, the Charter Hub will ultimately provide 2,000 seats for high school students through multiple programs, including the STEM Innovation Academy charter school, which also focuses on science and technology.

But Pitman says the CBE’s new digital technologies program is not trying to compete with charter schools for students or provincial funding.

“We’ve been so appreciative of the ministry’s support around this program. They’ve been really flexible and responsive. This investment will set up our students well . . . the drive for choice relates more to the future, it’s not about competing for students.”

The CBE is still working with the province to secure the $6.2 million in funding, but the program has been approved, Pitman said.

As the program develops, Pitman added that the offerings will continue to evolve in line with the ongoing changes of the technology industry, to ensure students are ready for the real world.

“We are already looking to work closely with industry to define their priorities. We’re setting up a really robust review and refinement of the program, so we can always be on the cutting edge.”

While as many as 150 high school students will be able to register in 2024-25, but officials say as the program is built out over time, the goal is to make it available to 350 to 400 students.

eferguson@postmedia.com