This program is designed to “bridge the educational gaps” in the lives of Aboriginal students, enabling them to succeed in subsequent college programs of study. The Aboriginal Bridging program is, moreover, a valuable academic “refresher” for mature students returning to school for training, or to the workforce after a prolonged period of absence. Students enrolling in this program will receive instruction in reading comprehension, writing, numeracy, public speaking, researching, scientific experimentation, personal awareness, study skills, time management, and critical thinking.
In additional to academic courses in Communications, Mathematics and Science, the Aboriginal Bridging program also recognizes that personal skills training is often as important to success as academic studies, and that cultural supports are a necessary component for Aboriginal students entering post-secondary environments. Culturally relevant materials are therefore utilized to form a curriculum designed specifically for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. Elder and community participation will be incorporated into the classroom, and career and computer skills courses, as well as personal development and health and wellness training, will be offered as complements to the academics. Students will receive instruction in nutrition, for example, as well as stress management, healthy relationships, parenting, self-determination, and active lifestyles. Combined, this split focus – academic and personal skills development – forms a solid foundational year upon which future post-secondary success may be built.
The Aboriginal Bridging program is closely associated with the CAS Transition offering of courses and feeds directly into that college program. The successful completion of Aboriginal Bridging will enable students to gain specific credits which may be used in CAS Transition.
OBJECTIVES
- To provide Aboriginal students, who are secondary level graduates or have mature status, with the opportunity to strengthen the academic and personal development skills necessary to succeed in future post-secondary programs.
- To provide, in response to identified occupational needs, a bridging program that enhances Aboriginal student transition to higher education.
- To enhance the employment opportunities of secondary level graduates and mature students through improving fundamental employability skills.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School - Provincial High School Graduation Certificate, or equivalent.
2. Adult Basic Education (ABE) - Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile).
3. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years of age or older, and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
