Sisler High School's CREATE Program

What Sisler High School's CREATE Program does

Sisler High School's CREATE Program is a publicly funded vocational education program within the Winnipeg School Division, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Founded in 2015, it delivers industry-aligned training in three streams — Interactive Digital Media (IDM), 2D Animation (Motion Picture Arts), and Film Production (Motion Picture Arts) — to students in Grades 9 through 12 and to post-high students under 21, with the post-high program provided free of charge. The program operates studio-style facilities (Redwood Studios, Room 57; IDM/3D in Room 59; audio recording booth) and trains students on industry-standard software and hardware including Toon Boom Harmony, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, Final Draft, ZBrush, Procreate, and Wacom Cintiq/Movink tablets.

The program does not generate commercial revenue; it is funded through the Winnipeg School Division's public education budget and supported by philanthropic and corporate contributions, most notably more than CAD $2 million from The Schroeder Foundation since 2019, plus equipment and software donations from Wacom Canada, Toon Boom, and Vancouver Film School. CREATE's competitive position rests on instructors who co-authored the Manitoba provincial curriculum, an industry mentor network spanning Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Animation, Disney Animation, Netflix Animation, Paramount, Pixar-affiliated studios, Bardel, Jam Filled, REEL FX, Ubisoft Winnipeg, CBC Creator Network, and Bell MTS, plus a scholarship pipeline that has delivered over CAD $2 million in student awards since 2015.

Outcomes are documented through competition results and alumni placement: top high school in the 24 Hours Animation Contest 5 of the last 6 years, Gold at Skills Manitoba 2D Animation for 6 consecutive years, Gold at Skills Canada 4 of the last 6 years, and student-created content long-listed for an Academy Award and winner of a Peabody Award. Over 100 alumni have progressed to top post-secondary creative programs (notably Vancouver Film School and Red River College) or to employment at major studios including Amblin, Sony Imageworks, Atomic Cartoons, Titmouse, Nickelodeon, Jam Filled, Disney, Netflix, CBC, and APTN.

Name

Sisler High School's CREATE Program

Legal name

Sisler High School CREATE Program (Creative Art & Technology Education Program)

Website

https://sislercreate.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CREATE is a publicly funded vocational education program within the Winnipeg School Division offering industry-aligned training in 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Film Production, and Interactive Digital Media to Grade 9-12 students and free post-high students under 21, with deep studio partnerships spanning Nickelodeon, Sony, Disney, and Netflix.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Creative Arts Education

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Electives & Enrichment Curriculum (Arts, Music, PE, CTE Exploratories) (EDAGAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Game Development (Unity, Unreal, 2D/3D) (EDAMACAE), Engineering Design & Project-Based Learning Programs (EDAMADAB)

Keywords

• Vocational creative arts education
• Animation and film training
• Interactive digital media
• High school career programs
• Game design curriculum

Headquarters

HQ city

Winnipeg

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Education Funding: CREATE is a program within Winnipeg School Division's public high school system, funded through standard public education budgets. Post-high program is free for students under 21.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CREATE is a publicly funded vocational education program at Sisler High School in Winnipeg offering three career-ready streams — Interactive Digital Media (game design, coding, 3D assets), 2D Animation, and Film Production — to students in Grades 9 through 12, plus a free, intensive one-year post-high program for graduates under 21. Students learn industry-standard tools (Toon Boom Harmony, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, Wacom, Final Draft), build portfolio work on real studio projects, and receive mentorship from professionals at Netflix, Disney Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Nickelodeon, and other major studios, supported by an alumni scholarship pipeline exceeding $2 million.

Product overview

The CREATE (Creative Art & Technology Education) Program at Sisler High School is an integrated suite of vocational programs offering three distinct career-ready streams: Interactive Digital Media (IDM), 2D Animation, and Film Production (all under Motion Picture Arts). Programs span grades 9-12 within the high school curriculum plus intensive post-high training for graduates under 21. The portfolio includes annual events like the Wacom x Toon Boom x CREATE Anijam, the Orange Tree Project mentorship with Nickelodeon, and CBC Creator Network documentary production partnerships. Students receive industry-standard equipment including Wacom tablets, access to professional software (Toon Boom, Maya, Final Draft, Unity), and studio visits to major animation and film companies. Since 2015, over 100 alumni have progressed to post-secondary programs and employment at major studios including Nickelodeon, Disney Animation, Sony Pictures, and Netflix.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Post-High IDM Program: Post-high Interactive Digital Media program focusing on game design and digital media
• Post-High 2D Animation Program
• Post-High Film Production Program

Products and services

• Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Program Vocational program stream covering game design, coding, 3D asset design, and interactive digital media production for students in Grades 9-12 and post-high, taught using Unity, Unreal Engine, and industry-standard digital media tools.
• 2D Animation Program Vocational program stream focused on classical 2D animation, character design, storyboarding, and compositing using Toon Boom Harmony, taught to high school and post-high students under the Motion Picture Arts designation.
• Film Production Program Vocational program stream for motion picture arts covering film production, directing, cinematography, and documentary filmmaking for Grades 9-12 and post-high students, using Final Draft and professional recording/studio equipment.
• CREATE Post-High 3D Animation Program 3D animation program stream for post-high students producing animated shorts and series content, taught using Autodesk Maya with mentorship from studios such as Nickelodeon and REEL FX.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $2 million in scholarships awarded to CREATE students since 2015
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Nickelodeon AnimationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCREATE participates in the Orange Tree Project mentorship program, where Nickelodeon mentors work with student animation teams throughout the school year. Students receive masterclasses from Nickelodeon producers and animators and have traveled to Los Angeles to pitch their projects to Nickelodeon executives. Mentors include Carson Smith, Darian Gonzalez-Kessler, and Nick Animation artists who mentor specific student production teams.
• Sony Pictures AnimationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSony Pictures Animation provides mentorship and masterclasses. Students have toured Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. Senior VP of VFX Production at Sony Pictures (Arnon Manor) has worked with CREATE students on social justice animation projects, including content that won Academy Award and Peabody recognition.
• Vancouver Film SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVFS is a primary pathway partner, offering CREATE graduates preferential admission and substantial scholarships. Over $677,000 in VFS tuition has been donated through The Schroeder Foundation. Students receive workshops, mentorship from VFS instructors, and articulation agreements. 18 students received full-ride VFS scholarships in 2024.
• Wacom CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWacom has been providing hardware and resources since 2020. In 2024, every post-high student received Wacom Movink tablets. Wacom partnered on the CREATE for the World project addressing social justice through art, with mentorship from Wacom's Jason Scheier. Wacom Movink gifts valued at significant amounts have been provided to all post-high students.
• Toon Boom AnimationcoreTechnology or IntegrationToon Boom provides software resources and scholarships for CREATE animation students. They have partnered on the Anijam animation events and provide ongoing support for the program's animation curriculum. Students are trained on Toon Boom Harmony as part of their industry-standard skill development.
• Jam Filled EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJam Filled mentors work with CREATE 2D animation teams throughout the school year. Student teams such as the 'Jamfilliated Jammers' receive monthly feedback meetings and instruction from Jam Filled artists. Students have toured Jam Filled studios. Mentors include Michael Hunter and Phil Lafrance.
• CBC Creator NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPost-high film students produce short documentary films for CBC platforms under the 'Project POV' initiative. Students are paid as freelancers for their production work. Mentors include Robin Summerfield, Donna Carreiro, and Justin Deeley. Students received a tour of CBC Toronto including The National set, soundstages, and editing suites.
• REEL FX AnimationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerREEL FX provides mentorship in 3D animation and hosts student studio visits. Students have traveled to Montreal to pitch projects to REEL FX as part of their mentorship program. Mentors include those involved in the OTP Shorts mentorship initiative.
• Ubisoft WinnipegcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUbisoft Winnipeg mentors CREATE game design students, providing industry guidance on game development projects. Mentorship supports students working on individual game projects including PvE games, rhythm games, and roguelike titles. Mentors include Jeff Santos from CBC Kids.
• Red River College (Red River College Polytechnic)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRed River College offers articulation pathways for CREATE graduates. In 2024, the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts was announced at RRC with two new programs in Animation and Entertainment Production Management, expanding pathway options for CREATE alumni. Students have received RRC Polytech Animation Course merit awards.
• NelvanamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNelvana is listed as a creative partner providing industry mentorship and support to the CREATE program. Students may receive masterclasses and industry exposure through this partnership.
• Sinking Ship AnimationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSinking Ship Animation is listed as a creative partner and industry mentor supporting the CREATE program and its students.
• Arnon ManorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArnon Manor, filmmaker and Senior VP of VFX Production at Sony Pictures, has been working with CREATE since 2020. He asked students to create animated content for the Academy Award long-listed 'Cops and Robbers' film, and is currently working with students on another social justice animated sequence.
• Apple CanadasupportingTechnology or IntegrationApple Canada is listed as a creative partner and supporter of the CREATE program, providing technology resources and support.
• Eagle Vision Inc.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEagle Vision is listed as a creative partner and supporter of the CREATE program in the film and media space.
• Bell MTSmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBell MTS has partnered with CREATE on projects including the Fibe TV1 original series 'Project Avenue,' a 3-episode docuseries following CREATE students' journeys to the media industry. Bell has also provided studio tours and production support for film students.
• IATSE Local 856majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIATSE 856 has provided scholarships to CREATE film students (three recipients each receiving $5,000) and sponsors the annual Post-High Film Program End of Year Screening event, connecting students with Manitoba's film industry professionals.
• True North Sports + EntertainmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrue North Sports + Entertainment, operating the Winnipeg Jets, has awarded scholarships to CREATE students. Students have created animation and graphics for Winnipeg Jets Filipino Heritage Night, displayed on the arena jumbotron and ice.
• The Canadian Museum for Human RightssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CMHR partnered with Wacom and CREATE on the 'Make the World a Better Place Through Art' project, where post-high students worked on social justice-themed creative projects with mentorship from museum staff.
• Flipside XRsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFlipside XR is listed as a creative partner providing industry support and mentorship to CREATE students in the digital media space.
• New Media ManitobasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Media Manitoba co-hosts the annual Game On Manitoba event at Sisler, a celebration of game design, interactive digital media, and coding that attracts students from across Manitoba.
• On Screen ManitobasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn Screen Manitoba is listed as a creative partner supporting the CREATE program and Manitoba's film and media community.
• Film Training ManitobasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilm Training Manitoba is listed as a creative partner providing industry training support to CREATE film students.
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack FundsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is listed as a creative partner supporting the CREATE program, with a focus on Indigenous reconciliation through the arts.
• Winnipeg Art Gallery – QaumajuqsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Winnipeg Art Gallery hosted the 2023 CREATE Showcase, where students presented their work to families, industry professionals, and stakeholders on the big screen.
• Writer JumpsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWriter Jump is listed as a creative partner providing industry mentorship and support to CREATE students.
• Think Tank Training CentresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThink Tank Training Centre is listed as a creative partner supporting the CREATE program as part of the broader creative education ecosystem.
• Paramount Global / Paramount AnimationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParamount Animation, through Nick Community Efforts, has supported CREATE for multiple years. Production Designer Jason Scheier from Paramount Animation mentors CREATE for the World projects tackling social justice themes.
• Disney Animation StudiosmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisney Animation professionals including Head of Animation Jan Philip Cramer and animator Adolph Lusinsky have visited CREATE to give masterclasses. Students toured Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California as part of their industry immersion.
• Netflix AnimationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetflix Animation has hosted CREATE students at their studio, provided masterclasses, and provided mentorship through production designers and animators who visit the program. Students toured Netflix studios in Los Angeles and Vancouver.
• Mercury FilmworkssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMercury Filmworks is listed as a creative partner. Students have toured the Mercury Filmworks studio as part of their industry immersion experiences.
• Bardel EntertainmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHead of Animation at Bardel Entertainment (Johnny Tesoro) has visited CREATE to give masterclasses to students on animation techniques and industry practices.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Vancouver Film School (VFS): Canada's leading private post-secondary film and animation school; VFS is CREATE's primary articulation and scholarship partner, training students in the same animation, game design and film disciplines at the next rung of the talent pipeline.
• Think Tank Training Centre: Canadian private trades-style school focused on 3D animation, VFX and game development; listed explicitly as a CREATE partner and trains the same student profile in adjacent Western Canadian geography.
• Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech): Manitoba's primary public polytechnic and CREATE's local articulation partner; RRC's new Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts (Animation + Entertainment Production Management) directly extends CREATE's curriculum into post-secondary, serving overlapping in-province students.

Broad incumbents

• Seneca College — Animation program: Large Canadian public college offering 2D/3D animation, game art and film production; competes for the same cohort of Canadian animation aspirants CREA
• Sheridan College — Animation program: Canada's most established post-secondary animation program; while at a much larger university scale, Sheridan graduates feed the same studios (Disney, Pixar, Netflix) that recruit from CREATE and compete for the same downstream talent reputation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WinnipegSD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQjhFZpIhqhCAL3cTV-GzMA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sisler-create
• Instagraminstagram.com/winnipegsd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sisler High School's CREATE Program