Programs
12 Pathways. One Diploma. Unlimited Future.
Every YSA student earns their Alberta high school diploma. What makes the difference is how they earn it — through hands-on immersion in one of 12 specialized agricultural career programs. Whether you’re drawn to livestock, technology, the land itself, or the business of feeding a province, there’s a YSA program built for you.
How It Works
Your program is the backbone of your school experience.
At YSA, your chosen program isn’t a single class — it shapes your entire day. Core curriculum requirements (Math, English, Science, Social Studies) are taught through the lens of your program area.
You learn physics through equipment mechanics. You learn business through farm management. You learn biology through what grows in the field beside you.
Every program includes:
- Industry certification pathways where available
- Mentorship from working agricultural professionals in your field
- Real farm operation experience on our 76-acre campus
- Field trips, industry site visits, and provincial competitions
- Post-secondary pathway advising from Grade 10 onward
The 12 Programs
Find your pathway.
Every YSA student chooses one specialized program — an area of agriculture that becomes the lens for their entire high school education. Core classes are taught through that lens.
Crop Production
Soil science, seeding, agronomy, and harvest on real YSA acreage.
Livestock Management
Cow-calf operations, feed systems, herd health, and production.
Animal Science & Handling
Low-stress handling, animal biology, welfare, and veterinary basics.
Horticulture & Greenhouse
Year-round growing in protected, outdoor, and raised-bed systems.
Beekeeping & Apiary
Hive management from frame inspection to finished jar of honey.
Egg-Laying Hen Production
Flock management, biosecurity, nutrition, and supply-chain basics.
Food Science & Value-Added Ag
Turning raw product into market-ready, traceable, tested food.
Environmental Science
Soil, water, biodiversity, and ecosystems on working Alberta land.
Agribusiness & Farm Management
Budgets, commodity markets, and the business of feeding a province.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Tractors, combines, safety certification, and real-field operation.
Innovative Tech & Precision Ag
Drones, sensors, data, and the modern agricultural tech stack.
Agritourism & Farm Events
U-picks, markets, corn mazes, and farm-to-public programming.
Course Pathways
Three years. One trajectory.
Every YSA student follows the same arc — foundation, specialization, mastery. Your program shapes what you do inside that arc.
Foundation.
- Ag Safety & Effective Communications I
- Introduction to Agriculture I
- Plant Science & Horticulture I
- Animal Science I
- Two electives from your chosen program pathway
Specialization.
- Deeper program coursework in your chosen area
- SAE project development
- Industry mentorship connections
- Dual-credit exploration
Mastery.
- Advanced program courses
- SAE project completion and presentation
- Industry certifications
- Capstone projects
- Post-secondary transition planning
Dual-Credit Partnerships
High school courses. Post-secondary credits.
YSA partners with Alberta’s leading agricultural institutions so your high school courses create a head-start on your post-secondary education — before you graduate.
Post-Secondary Destinations
Where YSA graduates go.
A YSA diploma is designed to open doors — whether the next step is a trade, a diploma, a degree, or a direct role on an Alberta operation. Students leave with a portfolio, a network, and a plan.
Agricultural colleges
Olds College, Lethbridge College, NAIT, and SAIT — for diploma and certificate pathways in ag, equipment, and food systems.
University degrees
University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge agriculture, science, and agribusiness programs.
Trade apprenticeships
Welder, Heavy Equipment Technician, and other Alberta Red Seal trades with immediate earning potential.
Direct employment
Entry into a YSA industry partner operation — with a mentor on day one and a certification portfolio already in hand.
Applications for Fall 2027 are open
Find your program. Start your future.
The next generation of Alberta agriculture starts with the students who choose to be here. Apply now — or reach out with questions before you do.