Expanding Opportunities for Students to Gain Leadership Skills and Real-World Experience
New partnership will help high school students get hands-on learning outside the classroom to prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers
The Ontario government is investing $4 million to support new opportunities for high school students to build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain meaningful real-world experience. Through new partnerships with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada and The King’s Trust Canada, more students will have access to practical learning outside the classroom that helps them develop important job and leadership skills and better prepares them for rewarding, in-demand careers.
“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.”
Ontario is investing $4 million in the 2026-27 school year to increase student access to these innovative programs in high schools. Both organizations are internationally renowned for their work in preparing students and young people for future success.
Through these programs, Ontario students will have the opportunity to:
- Enhance their adaptability and readiness for success in a rapidly changing economy
- Participate in skills-development activities that reflect their interests and passions, helping to build self-confidence and transferable skills they can apply in life after high school
- Engage in voluntary service to give back to their communities by supporting people, the environment or charitable organizations
- Participate in fun, skills-building and outdoor education programs that are designed to teach young people about critical thinking, communication, networking, problem-solving, time management and adaptability
- Access real-world learning to support success in an evolving labour market
School boards that will be taking part in these programs in fall 2026 will communicate further information with parents and students.
The King’s Trust was founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1976 and launched in Canada in 2011. The Trust is part of an international network of charities celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has supported 1.5 million young people in 25 countries. Its Skills Academy program is designed to help young people to build the foundational skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem solving and adaptability.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a globally recognized youth development framework that supports young people to build confidence, life skills and purpose through real-world, experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom. This program operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, with over 500,000 Canadians participating since 1963. Notable Canadians who have achieved The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award include:
- The late Beverly Thomson, journalist and long-time co-host of CTV’s Canada AM
- Sandra Perron, veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and recognized as Canada's first female infantry officer
- Madison Mailey, Olympic gold medallist
Quick Facts
- The partnership announced today will make The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and The King’s Trust Canada’s Skills Academy more widely available to Ontario students.
- This partnership aligns with job skills programs that are already available in Ontario schools, including Dual Credit programs, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). These programs allow students to gain practical experience and make informed choices about their next steps after high school. On average, 42 per cent of students graduate with exposure to at least one of these job skills programs or take a cooperative education course.
- Ontario is providing historic levels of education funding in 2026-27, with an investment of $30.6 billion in Core Education Funding to focus key resources where they matter most: on student success.
