Apply
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026-2027 School year are due on Wednesday May 6, 2026.
Applications will be available by the end of March 2026.
Campus Calgary/Open Minds is an award-winning program that provides authentic learning experiences to transform teaching and learning by increasing engagement through community, funder, and educational partnerships. Creating personalized and flexible learning programs for each student, Campus Calgary/Open Minds provides a dynamic learning experience by connecting students in the community for five days and connecting them to experts who are passionate about experiential learning.
The Application Supporting Document, that is part of the application process, includes the following:
- What is your Big Idea or Question or Provocation and how do you see this influencing your year’s work?
- What do you hope and/or want students to come to understand as part of this Campus Calgary / Open Minds experience?
- Campus Calgary / Open Minds is just as much for teachers as it is for students. With that in mind, what do you want to come to understand as part of this CC/OM experience?
- Why this site? How do you anticipate this site supporting your big question/idea/provocation and your students’ yearlong learning?
- Tell us about your students and school community.
*How you layout/organize this information is up to you, but please ensure that you’ve answered all 5 questions required within your Application Supporting Document. This file may be a .pdf, .docx/.doc, google doc, google slideshow, or other typical multimedia files. (please do not use Pages).
Cost of Program
We are grateful for the support of community and funder partners who put this program within reach of all Calgary teachers and students. Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District schools pay $1500 and all other Calgary schools pay $1800 (bussing included).
This is a heavily subsidized program with actual costs being about $5000 - $8000 per week.
Please note: CCSD schools participating in 2School – An Urban Experience, will be responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the program. Please contact Kirk Linton or Marta Albertin to discuss funding options.
Information Sheet
Here is the Campus Calgary / Open Minds Information Sheet that shares more information about opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year.
New to Applying?
For teachers new to Campus Calgary / Open Minds, we have two Information Workshops coming up to learn more about our program.
- Thursday February 12 at 9:00 a.m. See https://www.cctca.com/ to register.
- Wednesday April 1
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Information Session at the Sweetgrass Lodge, Calgary Stampede. (Doors open at 4:30 PM to meet site coordinators. Light supper provided)
RSVP Link
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are due Wednesday May 6, 2026
Programs
Campus Calgary
- City EcoAction School (City of Calgary Parks)
Grades 1 to 12 - City Hall School (Calgary Municipal Building)
Grades 3 to 12 - Stampede School - Calgary Stampede
Grades 1 to 12 - Werklund Centre, formerly Arts Commons - ConocoPhillips Hub for Inspired Learning
Grades 1 to 12 - 2School: An Urban Experience – CBE Education Centre
Grades 1 to 12 - Healthy Living School – Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge OR Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
Grades 3 to 12 - Jube School – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Grades 1-12 - Library School – Calgary Public Library
Grades 1-12 - SEEDschool – The Mustard Seed
Grades 5-12 - Science School - TELUS Spark
Grades 1 to 9 - Zoo School – Calgary Zoo
Grades 1 to 12 - Contemporary Calgary Art Studio – Contemporary Calgary (pilot)
This site not available for applications.
Grades 1-12 - Outdoor Leadership School – Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park (pilot)
This site not available for applications.
Grades 1-12 - Youth Singers School, Youth Singers Calgary (pilot)
This site not available for applications.
Grades 1-12
Year at a Glance
- Info and Application Writing Workshop February 12 at Teachers’ Convention - review proposal expectations and how to complete the application process
- CCOM Info and Application Workshop – April 1 (Sweetgrass Lodge, Stampede Park)
- Submission of Proposal (due May 6)
- Acceptance (May 21)
- Spring Inservice - Site Specific Welcome (after school in June) – initial opportunity for site familiarization, sharing of expectations, and development of working relationships. (dates TBD)
- Summer Workshop - A Day on Site (early July or end of August) – Immersion at the site and discovery of the rich learning opportunities available at each site
- Fall Pedagogy Evening - Journalling Workshop (after school evening in September) – Immersion in and practising the CC/OM philosophy and journalling
- Practice and Preparation at School (ongoing)
- Planning Meeting (after school at your school, 6-8 weeks prior to being on site) – In collaboration with CC/OM Operations Team and Site Coordinator to connect the classroom to the community creating a personalized week
- Scheduling Meeting (2 -3 weeks prior to being on site) – Finalize the schedule for the week and discussions of roles and responsibilities
- Week on Site
- Back at School – continued connections and taking up relevant actions
- ** CC/OM Professional Learning Workshops – offered throughout the year
- ** Ongoing communication with site and site coordinator to support learning.
Contact Us
Jennifer Meredith
Learning Leader
Campus Calgary/Open Minds
Phone: 403.817.7510
Cell: 403.819.5917
Email: jlmeredith@cbe.ab.ca
Natasha McKay
Learning Leader
Campus Calgary/Open Minds
Phone: 403.817.7583
Email: nnmckay@cbe.ab.ca
Marta Albertin
Consultant
Campus Calgary / Open Minds
Phone: 403.615.8376
Email: marta.albertin@cssd.ab.ca