Thank You! 2026 Back to School Donations

We wanted to say thank you to all donors as we return to another year providing schooling and supports to marginalized youth in Edmonton. Our wraparound programing is what keeps students on track, engaged, and in school. These are the areas that most donations fund. Wraparound supports are the set of on‑site and linked services that remove barriers to learning and provide life stability, delivered through a coordinated plan tailored to each youth. Our sincere thanks to all supporters for providing us with the financial resources to help Edmonton youth help themselves!

JVC Group Ltd. - $10,485 For Wrap Around Supports

Our sincere thanks to JVC Group Ltd. an Indigenous owned pipeline maintenance & civil construction company from Sherwood Park, Alberta, for choosing Inner City High School as the designated charity for their 1st annual Golf Tournament. They had their tournament this month at the Broadmoor Public Golf Course and they shared a $10,425.00 gift to us from proceeds raised by their participants. The money will be used to fund a variety of wrap around supports, like hot breakfast and hot lunches. Thanks to JVC's team - David King (Vice President) (pictured) , Jenna Penner (Controller) (pictured), Stephanie Belter (Event Manager) and JVC's President Joe Verbeek.

We appreciate JVC stepping up and helping marginalized Indigenous and other urban youth get back on track with their school. This kind of support is impactful to us and to the larger community. ✌

Dr. Noella Steinhauer - W Dry Goods and Gifts - $800 in Fabrics & Textiles

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Noella Steinhauer of Edmonton's W Dry Goods and Gifts for an $800 donation of fabric, ribbon and other textiles to Kookum's Corner. This is the second contribution of materials that Dr. Steinhauer has made to our school's cultural room and we very much appreciate her support. Please consider supporting her business back by visiting it online https://wdrygoods.ca/ or in person  at W Dry Goods & Gifts, 9836 160 St. NW, Edmonton, AB. They are open Mon - Sat; 12:00 - 5:00pm.

Edmonton’s Spartan Controls Steps Up - Again!

Our thanks to Edmonton's Spartan Controls for their recent $1,000 donation to support students returning to Inner City High School this fall. This donation will be used for our wraparound programming, helping fund basic needs and daily stability supports. This includes funding for areas of care like our daily breakfast/lunch and snacks for students, and transportation support for youth, and other areas of need. Spartan's ongoing support has made a tangible difference in the lives of those who attend our school and within the larger Edmonton community. Much appreciated! 

Posted on September 5, 2026 by inner City Web Team and filed under Donors, School.

Registering for 2026-27 Classes at Inner City High School

If you are 15 to 19 years old*, you can register for classes in person starting the afternoon of August 26, 2026! 

Fall registration starts the afternoon of Wednesday, August 26. Come and see us in person to register at 11205 101 Street for our fall high school semester. You need to bring ID and provide documents confirming:

  • your address or the address for your parent(s) or guardian

  • legal proof of the student’s name, citizenship status and birthdate.

If you’re not sure which documents you need, see below. If you have questions contact us at (780) 424-9425 or submit an inquiry on the Contact Form on our website.

19 YEARS AND OLDER?
Registering students aged *19 years old as of September 1, 2026 OR those applying for our Adult Education Program (aged 20-24 years as of September 1, 2026), need to meet with School Administrators Nikolai or Jen to discuss their registration, educational plans and ICHS capacity to meet your needs.

Group Home Workers & Case Workers

If a student has a Permanent Guardianship Order or a Delegation of Powers form they should bring that with them, too. This is also true if a Mooshum, Kokum or Auntie are the student’s legal guardian - we need proof of that by way of documents.

Students & Guardians

When you register, you need to bring in documents that confirm:

  • your name and age

  • where you live

  •   your Canadian citizenship

  • and you will need to sign or have some consent forms signed or returned to us.

Here’s the ID You Need to Collect and Bring Down:

If you have identification here are some examples of documents that you can use and bring in.

  1. Proof of your current address - 1 of these:

  • Driver’s License

  • Alberta ID

  • Utility Bill

  • Lease/Rental Agreement

  • Municipal Tax Bill

  • Banking or Credit Card Statements 

2. Proof of your name/age - 1 of these:

  • Birth Certificate

  • Driver’s License

  • Alberta ID Card

3. Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Immigration Status - 1 of these:

  • Status / Treaty Card

  • Birth Certificate

  • Passport

  • Canadian Citizen Card or Certificate

  • Canadian Certificate of Live Birth

  • Permanent Resident Card

Please don’t let missing documents be a barrier to coming in. If you don’t have some or all of the documents listed above, come talk to us — we can help you figure out next steps!

Additional Admission Requirements and Considerations

  • Previous school difficulties, disability, poverty, housing concerns, family circumstances, or involvement with support services are not automatic reasons for refusal.

  • Students are normally 15 to 18 years old as of September 1, 2026.

  • Students who are 14 years old may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • Students who are 19 years old may be considered if they can make meaningful progress toward completing high school and have a plan for future education, training, or employment.

  • Adults aged 20 to 24 years old may be considered through ICYDA's Adult Education Program, where space is available.

  • Admission depends on whether ICYDA can provide the supports needed to help the participant succeed.

  • Participants enrolled in Inner City High School must be willing to participate in educational planning, accommodations, behaviour supports, and other individualized supports when required.

  • Admission may be reviewed when significant safety concerns are identified for the participant, by other participants, staff, or the community.

  • Admission is subject to available program space, staffing, supports, and resources.

  • Placement on a waiting list does not guarantee admission.

  • Completing a registration form does not guarantee admission.

  • If ICYDA cannot offer admission, referrals to other programs or services may be provided.

Posted on August 19, 2026 by inner City Web Team.

Welcoming Jocelynn Proulx For Drop-in Art Programming...

Jocelynn Proulx, Art Project Instructor

In July, we welcomed Jocelynn Proulx into our Summer Program as an art project instructor. Passionate about environmental conservation and creative pursuits, Jocelynn spends her weekdays building relationships with Indigenous organizations across the prairies and her weekends painting and playing sports outside. However, this summer you can find her in the halls of Inner City High chatting with youth, sharing snacks, and encouraging others to find their love of painting or drawing.

With the help of ICYDA staff, Zad (right) and Jasmine (left), Jocelynn will help youth at Inner City create art to liven up our school’s reception area with their creations. Jocelynn’s art project is supported by the Canada Service Corps and the Howl Experience. Together this group will work together creating meaningful summer experiences for inner city youth, ensuring they have the tools and support to create change in their own community.

Jocelynn says, “When people walk in the front doors of Inner City, I want them to see the beauty and resilience of the students through their art. I want the time we spend creating art to be an escape from the outside world. Whether a reprieve from Edmonton’s rain or smoke, or a break from friends and family, I want Inner City to be a welcoming and creative space for all youth who drop in.”

Drop-in art programming happens from July 31, 2026, from 11am-3pm, and on Wednesday afternoons during August.

Posted on August 5, 2026 by inner City Web Team.

Celebrating our Edmonton Grad...

Congratulations Class of 2026!

Congratulations to our graduates on this major milestone! All your hard work and dedication have paid off and we’re all so proud of you! Here’s to a future filled with endless possibilities. All Other ICHS Students: keep shining, doing the work, and showing the community what you show us everyday. We know first-hand that your potential is unlimited.

Our 2026 Grads
(not in order) Leo Fontaine, Gracie Brady, Jay St-Jacques, Trevon Friesen-Glenn, Tanner Brighteyes, Kai LaPretre, Elliot Nickolson, Blue Wentzell, Latricia Lightning and Preston Ward.

Special Thanks To Our Supporters!

Our sincere thanks to Downtown Rotary Club of Edmonton for providing much needed financial support to create a memorable 2026 graduation. Additional thanks to Gregor’s Grads, Cinderella’s Closet and The Edmonton Food Bank for their longtime support of our graduation. Also thanks to the many individuals who support us with monthly donations via our website. This helps us provide crucial resources and supports and create opportunities for the youth, helping them overcome a variety of barriers to build a brighter future.

An School-Wide Effort & Celebration…

A lot of work went into the planning and execution of grad. Here are some photos that show some key things that led up to the big day. We cleaned up our sign - well, Heather did. Decorations were discussed and implemented. We were presented two cheques by Downtown Rotary! (Woohoo!) Tables were rented for the grad and the setup of a small stage took place. The main menu was planned by the kitchen and food brought in. Decorations were made. Flowers were arranged. Gifts for special guests were purchased. AV equipment was set up and tested. The 2026 grads also got a special lunch out, with Kelsey and Linda!

Click the Photos to see them larger

The Grad Celebration

We were again honoured by the presence and contributions of Elders. This included Victor Gladue, who opened the ceremony with a prayer in Cree, and for the many Sweat Lodge Ceremonies over the year. Also Jackie Fiala, for her years of support for Inner City High School and Marjorie Wright for her continued contribution to school’s programming. A special thank you to Alicia and Audrey for their amazing food. Always a special thanks to Linda, or making the event happen. Finally, a shout out to Roxanne Blood and all our staff who helped youth create memories all year long by working on projects related to the grad.

Posted on July 2, 2026 by inner City Web Team and filed under School and tagged graduation.

All-School Field Trip to TELUS World of Science

Some photos from our all-school field trip to TELUS World of Science Edmonton on Wednesday. After a hearty meal of breakfast sandwiches at school, about 55 youth and staff went by bus to TELUS World of Science Edmonton (TWOSE). By all accounts it was great day.

We extend many thanks to Aaron Kilian and the entire team at TWOSE for their generous contributions to our experience!

Especially grateful to Leigh Sheldon for her special presentation on two-eyed seeing and for sharing her beautiful song with our students. Some big thanks to Summer and Kim for engaging with students at the exhibits, too.

Our students and staff truly enjoyed the space and the special exhibits.

Posted on February 15, 2026 by inner City Web Team.