Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is excited to introduce Campus EIPS, a new school offering senior high students an opportunity to gain a competitive edge as they prepare for life after graduation. The school combines collegiate programming and off-campus education, all under one umbrella, opening pathways for students as they look to achieve their post-high school aspirations.

“I hadn’t even touched a car before Grade 10, now I’m in love with working on them and don’t plan on ever looking back,” says Liam Evans, a Grade 12 student at Campus EIPS, who’s apprenticing through the school at Park Mazda, in Sherwood Park. “If I didn’t have this program, I wouldn’t know what I want to do after school.”

Programming is open to all senior high students divisionwide and includes dual-credit, apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) programs. The programs allow students to gain both senior high and post-secondary credits that can count toward a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. Course areas include welding, cybersecurity, information technology, health care aide, cooking, hairstyling and more—offered online and in person at locations across EIPS and partner sites.

With post-secondary education and industry training becoming increasingly competitive and expensive to access, Campus EIPS strives to provide students with opportunities that give them a head start in the field they want to explore. “Equity drives us here, so it’s not about competing with another senior high and enrolling more students,” says Kristin Sawchuk, the Assistant Principal at Campus EIPS. “It’s about giving kids opportunities to explore the paths they envision for themselves after they finish school.”

Campus EIPS’ programs are designed not only to benefit students but also to align with the needs of local industry organizations—ensuring graduates develop the skills that are most sought out by employers. “Our skills centre is completely industry driven,” says Jessica Smith, the Principal of Campus EIPS. “We listened to what the industries in our communities needed and created learning opportunities for students based on that feedback.”

The goal: To give students more ways to find early pathways into competitive fields of work and an opportunity to learn skilled trades. Not every student will find their passion in a classroom; for some, their calling will find them in a shop or behind a salon chair. “Campus EIPS is a good way to give yourself the chance to try a career out, without having to commit to it,” says Liam Evans. “It’s fun to get an education without having to sit in a classroom all day.”

For more information, visit Campus EIPS.

EIPS is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn. To learn more visit eips.ca.

–30–

For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902