Province Invests $4 Million to Increase Access to Experiential Learning Programs in High Schools
The Ontario government is investing $4 million to expand access to experiential learning opportunities designed to help high school students build leadership skills, gain practical experience and prepare for in-demand careers.
Announced by the Ministry of Education on June 2, the funding will support new partnerships with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada and The King’s Trust Canada during the 2026-27 school year. The initiative aims to provide students with opportunities outside the traditional classroom setting to strengthen employability skills, community engagement and personal development.
“Education must prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond school,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “When students have opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways, they leave school better prepared for whatever path they choose. This investment will help more students access those experiences and build a strong foundation for the future.”
The province said the investment aligns with broader efforts to equip students with transferable skills needed in a rapidly evolving labour market.
Programs Focus on Leadership, Adaptability and Real-World Experience
Under the new partnerships, Ontario students will have access to programs focused on communication, teamwork, critical thinking, networking, problem-solving and adaptability. The initiatives are intended to complement existing education pathways such as Specialist High Skills Major programs, Dual Credit opportunities and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
The government said participating students will be able to engage in activities tailored to their interests while developing practical life and employment skills. The programs will also encourage volunteer service and community involvement through environmental, charitable and social initiatives.
Students participating in the programs will have opportunities to:
- Build adaptability and workplace readiness skills
- Participate in experiential and outdoor education activities
- Develop confidence and leadership abilities
- Gain exposure to real-world learning environments
- Support their communities through volunteer service
School boards participating in the initiative beginning in fall 2026 are expected to provide additional details to students and parents in the coming months.
International Organizations Bring Established Youth Development Models
The King’s Trust Canada and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award are internationally recognized organizations with longstanding histories in youth development and leadership programming.
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1976, The King’s Trust launched operations in Canada in 2011 and has since become part of a global charitable network supporting young people in 25 countries. The organization is marking its 50th anniversary this year and says it has supported approximately 1.5 million young people worldwide.
Its Skills Academy program focuses on helping participants develop foundational workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability.
“The King’s Trust Canada is excited to collaborate with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award under the innovative direction of the Ministry of Education to expand access to world-class programs that help students build confidence, develop future-ready skills, contribute to their communities and create pathways to meaningful future opportunities – while bridging the gap between education and employment,” said Jeffrey Orridge, Chief Executive Officer of The King’s Trust Canada.
Meanwhile, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026. The program operates in more than 130 countries and has seen more than 500,000 Canadians participate since 1963.
The experiential learning framework encourages students to pursue personal growth through community service, physical recreation, skills development and outdoor activities. Several notable Canadians have completed the program, including the late journalist Beverly Thomson, Canadian Armed Forces veteran Sandra Perron and Olympic gold medallist Madison Mailey.
Education Sector Leaders Welcome Partnership
Education and program leaders said the initiative reflects a broader shift toward more personalized and experience-based learning approaches within Ontario’s education system.
“Ontario is creating meaningful pathways that empower educators to personalize learning, expand experiential education and bring classrooms to life, ensuring students are recognized for their individual achievements and supported in reaching their full potential. When educators are trusted, validated and equipped to lead, student success follows. At The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, we are proud to collaborate with the Ontario Ministry of Education and The King’s Trust Canada to support young people in building confidence, responsibility and deeper engagement in their learning,” said Mark Little, Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada.
Fouzia Younis, MBE and British Consul General in Toronto, also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the organizations’ broader Commonwealth legacy.
“Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not. This investment into young people delivers just that: opportunity. I congratulate Ontario on partnering with Award Canada (The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award) and The King’s Trust Canada to expand opportunities for students across schools in Ontario. These two brilliant organisations have a remarkable legacy across the Commonwealth, helping young people build the resilience, confidence and ambition that are key to success. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering every single child and ensuring they have the best start in life.”
Province Continues Record Education Spending
The announcement forms part of Ontario’s broader education funding strategy for 2026-27. The province said it is investing $30.6 billion in Core Education Funding this year, which it described as a historic level of education spending focused on student success.
According to provincial data, approximately 42 per cent of Ontario students currently graduate with exposure to at least one job skills program or cooperative education course before leaving high school.