Welcome to the Next Level: The Sisler CREATE IDM Post-High Program

Are you interested in coding, game design or creating 3D characters and worlds?

The Sisler CREATE Post-High IDM program gets you hands-on experience with pro software, real projects, and guidance from industry pros. Dive into the world of Interactive Digital Media and learn how to make games!

Sisler CREATE is a free 1-year program for Winnipeg School Division graduates designed to help you develop your skills, grow your portfolio, and get job-ready for the industry and/or post-secondary education! Apply now and start creating the digital portfolio of your dreams.

HOW TO APPLY

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

New Media Manitoba Mentorship: Weekly training using Unreal Engine at NMM’s StudioLab xR.

Industry Mentorship: IDM students are mentored by industry professionals throughout the year to develop their skills and navigate real game projects from start to finish.

Industry Access: The IDM cohort visits studios and schools each year to strengthen our students’ connections with industry and learn more about pursuing a creative career. Previous years have included trips to Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to visit institutions such as Ubisoft, EA, Jam Filled, Think Tank, Toronto Film School, and Vancouver Film School.

Skills Canada: Students compete annually in the Skills Manitoba competitions. Some of our students have gone on to compete nationally at Skills Canada!

APPLY TO THE IDM POST-HIGH PROGRAM:

Note: The application form requires a link to your portfolio. Please see the portfolio requirements listed at the bottom of this website.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:

Instructions (details below)

1. Set up your portfolio (including sharing with the appropriate people)

2. Complete the portfolio requirements

Please note that we will be assessing the ability of applicants to follow instructions and pay attention to details. Please read the portfolio instructions closely.

1. Set up your portfolio

  1. Create a Google Drive folder and title it: [Your First Name] [Your Last Name] – 2027-28 Portfolio
  2. Share the folder with jrempelsmith@wsd1.org (view access only)
  3. Inside your shared folder, create the following subfolders:
    • Part A: Written
    • Part B: Showcase
    • Part C: Letter of Reference
      • Note: These folders can be empty at the time you apply. However, you should have everything for your portfolio uploaded before the application deadline.
  4. To share the link to your Google Drive Portfolio folder, first go to your Google Drive. Then, right-click on the [First Name] [Last Name] 2026-27 Portfolio folder you want to share, click “Share,” and add the email address(es) you want to share with (jrempelsmith@wsd1.org). Set access to Viewer. (Alternatively, under “General access”, choose “Anyone with the link”.) After updating the sharing settings, you can click “Copy link”.
  5. Paste the link you copied in the Application Form.

2. Game Design Portfolio Requirements

Part A: Written

Respond to the following prompts in a short written piece (250-400 words):

  • Why have you chosen to apply for Sisler’s CREATE Interactive Digital Media post-high program? How does it fit with your future goals?
  • What aspect of making games are you most passionate about? Explain.

Part B: Showcase

Submit three to five pieces of your work that best showcase your skills.

Examples include:

  • code segments (with an explanation of their context and purpose)
  • visual assets (artwork, models, textures, animations, etc.)
  • sound assets
  • etc.

Part C: Letter of Reference

  • Please include a letter of reference from your teacher, preferably a teacher who has taught you a relevant subject, e.g., computer science, 3D modelling, digital media, etc. If you have no teacher who taught you those subjects, please select a teacher who has known you for at least two years and can attest to your work ethic and habits.