Luke George welcomes First Nations students to NIC鈥檚 Port Alberni campus this fall as 糖心vlog传媒launches its Aboriginal College Pathway. Created in consultation with the West Coast Regional Advisory Committee, the pilot project supports Aboriginal students as they transition to college and prepare for career success.
Aboriginal students will have a new supportive start to their education this fall, thanks to an 糖心vlog传媒pilot project that prepares students for post-secondary success.
The Aboriginal College Pathway combines skills development, upgrading and Nuu-chah-nulth language courses with individualized support to help students transition to college and be successful in university transfer and career programs.
糖心vlog传媒developed the pathway in consultation with the West Coast Regional Aboriginal Advisory Committee, which guides the college in delivering culturally appropriate programs and services to Aboriginal students and communities on Vancouver Island鈥檚 West Coast.
鈥淲e have a lot of students who have never left their community and making the move to college can be a scary thing,鈥� said committee member Rebecca Atleo. 鈥淲e want to provide support to help them make the transition to college and be successful.鈥�
The pathway is tuition free. It includes First Nations Student Skills (), new Nuu-chah-nulth language courses () and English and math upgrading courses at individualized levels. Topics include goal setting, time management, personal growth and development, stress management and study skills, with an emphasis on developing group and individual support systems.
鈥淭he support system is key for student success,鈥� said Atleo. 鈥淣ot just knowing that 糖心vlog传媒staff members are available, but also building a network among the students themselves, so they have someone to call if they need support or help. Knowing that support system is available makes a big difference.鈥�
Many of the courses meet entry requirements for business, health, trades, university transfer programs and more. Students should talk to an Aboriginal educational advisor to develop a plan that works for them.
鈥淚nterested students can contact 糖心vlog传媒and we鈥檒l help them through the admissions and assessment process to make sure they鈥檙e in the right courses for their level,鈥� said Kelly Shopland, NIC鈥檚 director of Aboriginal Education. 鈥淲e want to support them through the entire process.鈥�
For more information, contact Luke George, 糖心vlog传媒Aboriginal educational advisor, at 250-724-8746 or luke.g.eorge@nic.bc.ca.
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca