I-STEM | Aldershot High School | Halton District School Board

I-STEM at Aldershot

The I-STEM program is a one-of-a-kind regional interdisciplinary program that provides experiential learning opportunities connecting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Aldershot’s I-STEM program is a unique, interdisciplinary learning experience developed in partnership with leading universities and industry partners across Ontario. Welcoming students from across the province, the program connects Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through hands-on, real-world applications that inspire curiosity, innovation, and discovery.

I-STEM focuses on project based learning in a technology enhanced environment. Students strengthen their critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration and prepares them for the future. By working through meaningful challenges and exploring innovative solutions, students learn to apply their knowledge, think creatively, and collaborate with others to turn ideas into action.

With an emphasis on developing practical, transferable skills, the program equips students for success in the post-secondary pathways of their choice while empowering them to become the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.

As of 2026, Aldershot's I-STEM program has expanded its curriculum to include Advanced Placement (AP) Preparation (AP PREP) in Grades 9 and 10. This gives students an early foundation for academic curiosity, building complex problem solving skills and cultivating independent learning habits. As of 2027, Aldershot I-STEM will offer Advanced Placement Seminar in Grade 11.

ISTEM Program Overview

Explore the ISTEM Pathway

Grade 9 I-STEM at Aldershot: Prototyping

Turning ideas into real-world solutions

In Grade 9 I-STEM at Aldershot, students begin transforming their ideas into action through prototyping. Guided by the Engineering Design Process, students learn to design, test and refine their ideas to solve real-world issues.

Students complete their compulsory Grade 9 Ontario Curriculum through a year-round, de-streamed learning model. This continuous and integrated approach creates opportunities to make cross curricular connections. Through Project Based Learning, students explore the interconnectedness of Local Issues, Emerging Technologies and Innovation.

Students strengthen their collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they approach challenges from multiple perspectives through hands-on learning.

I-STEM is expanding learning opportunities with the introduction of Advanced Placement (AP) PREP. This program is designed to build the academic skills and confidence needed to pursue more advanced learning opportunities in Grades 11 and 12.

Grade 10 I-STEM: Entrepreneurship

Turning innovative solutions into opportunities

In Grade 10 I-STEM, students explore entrepreneurship by connecting their technical knowledge and innovative ideas to real-world business and community needs. Building on the foundation established in Grade 9, students move from designing solutions to exploring their potential impact on the real world.

Through Project Based Learning and an integrated de-streamed approach, students make meaningful connections across subject areas and showcase their ideas through professional presentations, project proposals and entrepreneurial pitches.

I-STEM is expanding learning opportunities with the introduction of Advanced Placement (AP) PREP. This program is designed to build the academic skills and confidence needed to pursue more advanced learning opportunities in Grades 11 and 12.

Grade 11 I-STEM: Interdisciplinary Learning

From exploring possibilities to driving innovation forward

In Grade 11 I-STEM at Aldershot, students continue to build on their foundational learning by developing their research, inquiry and critical thinking skills. Students will investigate complex questions, explore diverse perspectives, use evidence to develop informed conclusions and present their findings to community partners.

Through Project Based Learning and an interdisciplinary approach, students make meaningful connections across subject areas as they explore local and global challenges.

Students strengthen their independence, problem-solving and project management skills by engaging in deeper inquiry and evidence-based exploration. This course provides students with the tools to be agents of change and build academic confidence for future learning opportunities.

I-STEM is expanding learning opportunities with the introduction of Grade 11 Advanced Placement Capstone Seminar as of 2027. This will allow students to extend their learning and prepare them for more advanced academic challenges.

Grade 12 I-STEM: Innovation and Pathways

Turning innovation into future opportunities

In Grade 12 I-STEM at Aldershot, students build on their previous learning to pursue their interests and prepare for their post-secondary goals. Through a flexible graduation pathway, students can deepen their understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Students choose form three pathways to complete their I-STEM requirements:

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Ontario Yourh Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Advanced Placement (AP) Course
Combination of three Grade 12 STEM focued courses in Science, Mathematics or Technological Studies

These options allow students to tailor their learning to their individual interests and future aspirations.

JOIN THE ALDERSHOT STUDENT COMMUNITY

I-STEM Applications

Applications open October 30, 2026 Applications close November 30, 2026

Ready to apply?

Select the appropriate application option below for students currently in Grades 8–10.

Current HDSB Students

Students currently attending an HDSB school.

Apply here →

Non-HDSB Students

Students currently attending a school outside HDSB.

Apply here →

We look forward to welcoming you to Aldershot!

The I-STEM program channels a student’s natural fascination with emerging technologies into engineering meaningful solutions for tomorrow. Driven by a spirit of continuous innovation, the program builds a powerful, future-ready toolkit by fostering deep collaboration and instilling the adaptive leadership required to guide teams through complex challenges. Ultimately, by anchoring the curriculum in real-world, open-ended challenges, the program fulfills the promise of active, experiential learning, allowing students to move from theory to impact as they design, prototype, and build the future.

Explore the I-STEM Program

I-STEM Aldershot in the News

Samsung Student Winners

Read how Canadian HDSB I-STEM students impressed Samsung and earned top honors in the 2024–2025 Solve for Tomorrow challenge! → Check out the winners and their projects

$60k Scholarship

I-STEM student wins a $60k scholarship