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Specialized Institutes

Institutes for Every Interest  

Each specialized Institute provides a dynamic learning environment tailored to students' unique interests, from business to the arts to technology and even environmental science. With a variety of programs, there's an Institute designed to fuel every passion and help students thrive in post-secondary education and beyond.

Our Five

Institutes

Business & Entrepreneurship Institute

This Institute equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the world of business and develop entrepreneurial thinking. Students engage in case studies, workshops and mentorship from business leaders to gain a practical understanding of the business landscape. 

Highlights: 
  • Participating in local business case competitions. 
  • Visiting local start-ups and connecting with entrepreneurs. 
  • Developing and pitching business plans to industry professionals. 
  • Networking with alumni who have launched successful businesses. 
  • Attending leadership conferences focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Engineering, Design & Technology Institute

This Institute challenges students to push the boundaries of creativity and technical innovation. With access to design tools and participation in STEM competitions, students understand the latest technologies and how they intersect with the business world. 

Highlights: 
  • Competing in national and regional STEM competitions. 
  • Attending Women in Engineering panels and workshops. 
  • Building and designing prototypes with 3D printers and digital tools. 
  • Engaging in coding and robotics workshops. 
  • Collaborating with local tech companies on innovative projects. 

Environment, Health & Sustainability Institute

Students are exposed to projects related to environmental conservation, health sciences and sustainability initiatives. They gain hands-on experience through community projects, wellness campaigns and interactions with industry professionals. 

Highlights: 
  • Participating in environmental conservation and restoration projects. 
  • Attending workshops with neuroscientists and medical professionals. 
  • Leading mental health awareness campaigns in the school community. 
  • Engaging in sustainability initiatives, such as waste reduction and clean energy projects. 
  • Exploring connections between health, wellness, and the environment through field trips and seminars. 

Humanities Institute

Students are provided with opportunities to explore history, culture and media. They deepen their understanding of societal impacts, legal systems and the broader human experience through immersive learning experiences, such as field trips and legal workshops. 

Highlights: 
  • Attending and participating in a mock trial in a real courtroom. 
  • Taking part in museum visits and historical site tours. 
  • Engaging in media workshops on journalism and storytelling. 
  • Developing projects focused on social justice and advocacy. 
  • Exploring law through interactive sessions with legal professionals. 

Visual, Media & Performing Arts Institute

This Institute nurtures students’ creative expression through hands-on engagement in the arts. Whether through music, drama, visual arts or other artistic forms, students work with professionals to hone their skills and develop their artistic talents. 

Highlights: 
  • Collaborating with local artists and musicians on performance pieces. 
  • Producing original theatrical performances, including writing and acting. 
  • Participating in visual arts exhibitions and competitions. 
  • Engaging with Indigenous artists to explore traditional art forms. 
  • Developing media and film projects that tell meaningful stories. 

Empowered to Succeed: Student Reflections

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Institutes have helped me to explore things that I’d never even thought of going into before. The sessions that they offer have helped me to decide what I want to pursue in University. Of all the opportunities that WIC has to offer, the Institute Program is what really sets it apart from other schools. Ainsley
Class of 2026

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The Institute Program gives me the opportunity to discover potential career paths beyond a typical classroom setting. I’m able to hear directly from professionals and participate in hands-on activities, which brings these careers to life in a way that textbooks never could. Overall, I’m so grateful for these experiences and I can’t wait for what’s next! Ziye
Class of 2026

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Institute Program sessions have helped me explore a variety of unique career opportunities. My favourite session was the tour of the UCalgary vet school! Ruby
Class of 2026

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I really like the Institute Program afternoons because of the teamwork and friendships! I also think it’s great for discovering new career options. Jack
Class of 2030

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Throughout my time at WIC, I've enjoyed the opportunities the Institute Program gave me. From learning about the professional world to the many different fields of work I can go into. This program has helped me learn how my passions can be applied when I'm older. Adam
Class of 2025

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The Institute Program has allowed me to achieve so much which will stick with me forever. I have built skills in team management, presentation and real-world business - something no other school experience could match. It brings a better atmosphere to the hundreds of students it impacts and it’s always something to look forward to. All these amazing attributes mean that I will never not sign up and show up! Basil
Class of 2026

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The Institute Program at WIC gives me the opportunity to explore outside my comfort zone and helps me find my passion. It has allowed me to gain skills that can be applied towards the future and given me the advantage of being able to learn these skills hands-on.

The Institute afternoon sessions have been outstanding and is without a doubt one of the many reasons why WIC is a remarkable school. I am so glad that I have had the privilege to attend these sessions as it has fostered my love for learning. Valerie
Class of 2027

OWN YOUR FUTURE.

Ready to Uncover Your Passion?

A Transformative Journey Awaits!

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