iGen is a Grade 6 program offered to students who attend Saskatoon Public Schools. 

The applications period for the 2025-26 school year has now closed. Families will be notified regarding acceptance into the program by May 30. Please note that priority is given to students who have attended Saskatoon Public Schools prior to applying for the program.

For questions, please contact iGen lead teacher Keri Albert by email at albertk@spsd.sk.ca.

Who Can Apply

The following students can apply to iGen:

• Current Grade 5 students currently enrolled in a Saskatoon Public School.
• Students who are open to an experience based on forming relationships with Elders* 
• Students who want to become part of a community that offers diverse places, spaces and interactions for learning.
• Students who have an interest in community service projects, such as food drives, poster campaigns and local/global environmental initiatives.

*Note: We use the term Elder to describe the residents of Sherbrooke Community Centre. Anyone who has something to teach us and from whom we can learn is considered an Elder.

Characteristics of an iGen Student

An iGen student embodies the following characteristics:

• A community peacemaker who displays kindness and respect at all times.
• A nature caregiver who has a "helper" instinct.
• Motivated to work independently and manage their assignments.
• Ability to work in groups with flexibility and openness.
• Takes responsibility for their behaviour.
• Motivated to connect with other people, smiles and initiates conversation.
• Shows confidence when communicating. 
• Is a risk taker; responds to changes and transitions without getting stuck.
• Trustworthy; able to be a guest in the Sherbrooke home and a host for visitors to the community. 

Selection Process

The iGen selection committee consists of Saskatoon Public Schools and Sherbrooke Community Centre staff connected to the program, as well as a former parent and community member with knowledge of the program. 

The selection committee reviews every application thoroughly. During the initial review, all student names and identifying information is removed from the application to ensure equal consideration for all applicants. Each application is assessed based on how the applicant embodies the characteristics of an iGen student. Teacher references are also reviewed and are an important part of the application. The committee may contact teacher references for more information, if required. Please note that priority is given to students who have attended Saskatoon Public Schools prior to applying for the program.

All students who demonstrate that they can be successful in the iGen program are entered into an anonymous lottery. Each year, 25 students are entered into the program. The selection committee will inform all applicants of the decision by the end of May.