For Immediate Release
July 13, 2006
MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN SUPPORT FOR ABORIGINAL POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS
KINGSTON – The McGuinty government has expanded support for Aboriginal students to ensure they have the opportunity to study and succeed at postsecondary institutions, MPP John Gerretsen announced today.
“We’re supporting students who are looking for opportunity through their postsecondary education,” said Gerretsen. “That’s why our government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal students in our community are given the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential.”
To improve access and opportunities for Aboriginal postsecondary students, the government has invested more than $1 million in 2005-06 to help universities and colleges deliver innovative pilot projects to improve outreach, transition and retention.
Queen’s University has received $85,145 for its proposed Master of Education Focus on Indigenous Education: Development for Community-Based Delivery program, which will meet the demands of Aboriginal teachers in their professional lives and provide them with leadership training.
This funding is supporting a range of initiatives at colleges and universities, including:
Outreach and networking activities to recruit more Aboriginal students to postsecondary institutions; Transition programming to address gaps and prepare Aboriginal students for further postsecondary studies; Seamless program delivery supporting both institutional and community-based components; Targeted programming in health, Aboriginal teacher education and other professional disciplines; Retention activities to keep Aboriginal students engaged in their postsecondary studies, including counseling, mentoring, and support from Aboriginal Elders.
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The $1 million in Aboriginal access funding is part of the government’s plan to invest $10.2 million in 2005-06, rising to $55 million in 2009-10, to help postsecondary institutions deliver programs that improve access to postsecondary opportunity for Francophones, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and those who would be the first in their families to attend college or university.
Separately, the government has also increased investment by $1 million for the start-up and development fund under the Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy. This fund, totalling $1.8 million in 2005-06, supports Aboriginal institutions in delivering recognized postsecondary programming in partnership with colleges and universities.
“Ontario and its Aboriginal leaders recognize the importance of education in improving lifelong opportunities for Aboriginal children and youth,” said David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. “By providing funding that supports Aboriginal youth, we are creating a positive learning environment so that First Nation youth are encouraged to seek postsecondary education and training.”
Providing more access for Aboriginal postsecondary students is the latest way the McGuinty government is working to provide opportunity for Ontario’s students. Other initiatives include:
Ensuring that all students, no matter where they live, have access to high quality postsecondary education Doubling student aid, so families can afford higher education Bringing back upfront tuition grants for students who need help the most: 60,000 students will get grants this coming year covering between a quarter and all of the cost of their tuition.“We know that enhancing support and services for Aboriginal students helps them achieve their postsecondary goals,” said Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “We’re working to ensure everyone in Ontario has the tools they need to prosper in the economy of the 21st century.”
Under the Reaching Higher Plan, the Ontario government is making an historic $6.2 billion multi-year investment to support postsecondary education — the largest in 40 years — to create more opportunities for Ontarians to succeed.
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