School Sport Alberta is proud to announce the launch of Next Step, a new initiative designed to support student-athletes as they explore career pathways after high school. This program aims to connect school sport participants with future career opportunities through scholarships, learning experiences, and meaningful connections with industry.
The Next Step program is designed to educate and inspire high school students across Alberta by:
- Increasing awareness of career opportunities within the skilled trades
- Providing students with the knowledge, guidance, and resources needed to pursue successful and sustainable careers in a variety of skilled trades
Program Overview
- Eligibility: Alberta high school students (Grades 10–12)
- Program Duration: School-term initiative with ongoing support
- Key Components:
- Virtual workshops and learning sessions
- Career exploration opportunities
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- Skill-building and employability development
- Direct industry exposure and post-secondary pathway insight
Program Goals
Through Next Step, the program seeks to:
- Raise awareness of the skilled trades as a viable, respected, and rewarding career option for student-athletes
- Build meaningful connections between students, industry professionals, and educational institutions
- Strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers entering Alberta’s trades sector while supporting the workforce needs of program partners
Next Step reflects SSA's commitment to the growth and education of student athletes supporting not only athletic excellence, but also long-term personal and professional success.
More details regarding partnerships, scholarships, and upcoming learning opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks.
Please fill out the form below to get included in emails regarding Next Step
Legacy/RAP Scholarship
Recognizes the hard work of student-athletes balancing high school sports with vocational training through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
To be eligible, the student must:
- Be a current Grade 12 student going into a trade.
- Have participated in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) at any point during their high school years.
- Be a participant in high school sports.
Scholarship Value:
The Stringam Law Scholarship
Recognizes student-athletes demonstrating excellence in sport and a commitment to their academic journey, particularly those pursuing a career in law.
To be eligible for nomination, the student must:
- Be a current high school student actively involved in at least one high school sport.
- Have been accepted into a post-secondary institution (university or college).
- Students planning to pursue a legal career will be prioritized for this award.
Scholarship Value:
The Alberta Milk Scholarship
Recognizes Grade 12 student-athletes who represent SSA member schools and are continuing their academic and athletic journey within Canada.
To be eligible, the student must:
- Be a current Grade 12 student registered at an SSA member school.
- Participate in high school sport.
- Be planning to attend a post-secondary institution located within Canada.
Scholarship Value:
John Paton Pay it Forward Scholarship
Recognizes Grade 12 students who contribute significantly to their school and community sport programs through behind-the-scenes roles and volunteer leadership.
To be eligible, the student must:
- Be a current Grade 12 student in good standing and scheduled to graduate this year.
- Demonstrate active volunteer involvement in Grades 10, 11, and 12 in roles such as coaching, officiating, team management, statistics, media coverage, or sports organization.
- Priority will be given to students who have competed in an SSA sport throughout all three years of high school.
Scholarship Value:
Michael Vaughan “Spirit of Sportsmanship” Scholarship
Recognizes a grade 12 student who demonstrates a strong spirit of sportsmanship.
To be eligible, the student must:
- Be a current Grade 12 student in good standing and scheduled to graduate this year.
- Participate in multiple activities as an athlete (one sport must be an SSA sport)
- Have applied and been accepted to a qualified post-secondary institution for the upcoming school year.
- Exhibit outstanding character, demonstrating the highest level of sportsmanship during their athletic career and serve as a role model for all students at their high school.
- Display evidence in enhancing culture, building community, and providing leadership through their actions with sport.
Scholarship Value:
