Budget 2022: Investing in students today for tomorrow

Budget 2022 moves Alberta forward by providing more support for teachers, funding enrolment growth and strengthening parental choice in education.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students

More than $700 million in new funding over the next three years will give students the resources and supports needed to build their knowledge and skills for a successful future.

Budget 2022 also provides targeted funding of $30 million in 2022-23 and $40 million in each of the following two years to support students experiencing academic challenges, such as learning delays due to the pandemic. This funding will also help create school environments supporting student well-being and positive mental health.

The three-year Capital Plan provides funding of $1.5 billion for school projects, including 15 projects for the construction of new schools, modernizations and design work to support school building priorities.

To ensure the successful implementation of kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) curriculum, $191 million over the next three years will support all aspects of implementation, including resources and supporting teacher training.

“Moving forward, Alberta’s education system will continue to be well-funded and provide an amazing education for all students in all corners of the province. Moreover, implementation of the draft K-6 curriculum will be supported by a significant investment in resources and teacher training. The new curriculum will better prepare our youth for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Post-secondary education

Budget 2022 makes a historic $171-million investment into post-secondary education over the next three years to ensure students and families can find post-secondary spots right here at home in high-demand fields. As part of the Alberta at Work program, more spaces will be added to areas where we need more graduates like tech, health care, aviation and finance.

To ensure the next generation is able to graduate with the skills they need to succeed, Budget 2022 provides $6 million over three years to create more than 1,200 work-integrated learning placements.

Budget 2022 also makes the cost of post-secondary education more affordable for all by providing an additional $12 million over three years for existing scholarships and $15 million over three years for new bursaries for low-income students.

Alberta’s government is also taking proactive steps to stay ahead of the rapid pace of technological change and associated labour disruption due to automation and digitization by providing $8 million over three years to develop cutting-edge micro-credential programs. These short-term programs will help more Albertans reskill and upskill to stay ahead of the changing nature of work.

These efforts link the Alberta at Work initiative with Alberta 2030: Alberta’s 10-year strategic plan for post-secondary education. At its core, Alberta 2030 strives to ensure every student completes their post-secondary education with the skills, knowledge and competencies they need to succeed.

“Budget 2022 reduces barriers for all Albertans to access post-secondary education. The historic investment to expand post-secondary seats together with significant increases in student aid moves our province forward in our quest to ensure that every Albertan is able to access post-secondary education.”

Education highlights

• $8.4 billion to $8.5 billion annually in operating expense for K-12 education over the next three years.
• This includes more than $700 million in new funding over the next three years, including:
  • $191 million over the next three years for curriculum updates across all subject areas for kindergarten to Grade 12.
  • In 2022-23, $59 million will be invested in teacher development and student resources.
  • Expanded vocational education with focused programming in both the skilled trades and fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through the Alberta at Work initiative.
  • $3 million over three years to expand financial literacy programming for junior and senior high school students.
• $47 million over three years in capital funding to expand charter schools and the collegiate model.
  • Collegiate programs will be integrated within the K-12 system and will bring together students in grades 7 to 12 with similar interests through enriched programming, specialized facilities and new learning opportunities through a unique delivery model.

Post-secondary education highlights

• $5.4 billion to $5.6 billion annually for post-secondary education.
• Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs established a 10-year vision for post secondary education. Alberta at Work will support this vision with $171 million over the next three years to expand enrolment in areas with skills shortages.
  • Approximately 7,000 additional seats will be created in areas such as:
    • high technology (computer science, information technology and data modelling)
    • finance and financial technology
    • energy (engineering, etc.)
    • health care
    • aviation
• $30 million for enhancing apprenticeship programs and opportunities.
  • About $15 million will help students acquire skills for the emerging technology sectors and other in-demand occupations.
  • About $15 million will be provided to community agencies to support programs such as Women Building Futures and CAREERS: The Next Generation.

Budget 2022 moves Alberta forward towards personal and economic prosperity by building capacity in our health-care system, developing the talents and skills of our workforce and providing opportunities for all Albertans to succeed and thrive.