Support U School
Show kids the power of post-secondary education
Imagine a world where every student knows higher education is within their reach. Run by the U of A Senate, U School welcomes over 40 Grade 3–9 classes annually from under-resourced communities for a week-long campus immersion—igniting curiosity and showing youth that they belong at university.
For many young students, post-secondary education feels out of reach. U School removes financial barriers by offering week-long campus experiences at zero cost to schools or families. To keep this transformative opportunity fully accessible, the program relies on philanthropic support to cover essential operational expenses like campus transportation, learning materials and facility access. The operational costs to run U School is approximately $350,000 per year. Donor support ensures U School remains sustainable and accessible for generations to come.
Your gift directly removes financial barriers for elementary and junior high students from socially vulnerable, rural and Indigenous communities. By funding essential costs like transportation, accommodations and campus activities, you give young learners an inspiring preview of university life. Every donation empowers students to see themselves as future leaders, scholars and U of A graduates.
Discover through immersive learning
U School builds confidence and skills for budding students. Participants demonstrate big shifts academically and socially, increased engagement in school with peers, teachers and curriculum, and their confidence levels and desire to learn increase. Specific elements of U School, like journaling, directly affect students’ literacy and communication skills. Introducing students at a young age to post-secondary education can improve the individual lives of students as well as the broader community.
More than 600 U School alumni have attended the University of Alberta, and over 100 have graduated.
Imagine the possibilities
U School builds lifelong confidence, academic engagement and literacy skills at a pivotal stage in a child's development. By introducing post-secondary possibilities early, we help break cycles of disadvantage across Alberta. Your support helps expand this pipeline, transforming individual lives, families and communities across the province.
Help a student see their future at the U of A
Every child deserves to know that higher education is within their reach. Your gift removes financial barriers and brings Grade 3–9 students to campus for a life-changing U School experience.
“This experience was nice to me because it was so fun to talk to big kids and adults. Because of U School, I now think differently about learning.
Grade 4 student, Aldergrove School
2025-2026 supporters
- Chancellor’s Cup Golf Tournament
- Butler Family Foundation
- Friends of the University of Alberta
- Edmonton Public Teachers, Local 37 of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
- Staples
- ETS
- Jaffer Group of Companies
