I-STEM program applications now open for Grade 9 entry at the Halton District School Board
Oct. 30, 2025 - The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting applications to the I-STEM (Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) program for students starting Grade 9 in the 2026-2027 school year. The regional program is open to all students within Halton and Ontario, and students can apply on the I-STEM webpage of the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).
I-STEM is a four-year program that supports students to develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics. The I-STEM program offers students opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and gain practical experiences that prepares them for lifelong learning and future success.
Graduates of the I-STEM program at the HDSB have been recognized for their excellence at a national level, having been finalists and winning top national prizes in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition.
The HDSB I-STEM Program is offered at:
-
Aldershot School in Burlington
-
Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton
-
T.A. Blakelock High School in Oakville
2025-2026 I-STEM Key Dates
-
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 - Online Application Closes at 11:59 p.m.
-
Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 - Date by which schools will inform candidates as to the status of their application
-
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 - Last date for students to accept spot in program
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 65,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
Background resources
For additional information, contact: Amy Mejia, Communications Specialist
communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456
