Backgrounder: $250,000 For Aboriginal Programs At UVic

The LE,NONET project, funded by the Government of Canada, emerged out of a national interest in increasing post-secondary graduation rates for Aboriginal people and the University of Victoria’s long-standing commitment to Aboriginal education. It was the first program of its kind in Canada.

Operating at UVic between 2005 and 2009 LE,NONET students experienced:

• 100 per cent increase in term-to-term continuation
• 20 per cent increase in graduation rates
• 67 per cent reduction in withdrawal rates

 They also remained in their academic programs for an additional year.

The one-time funding of $250,000 from the Ministry of Science and Universities announced March 4, 2011 will enable LE,NONET to enhance the experience and opportunities of Aboriginal students by:

• Increasing the amount of funding for bursaries so that interested students can apply for bursaries for both the summer and winter terms.
• Expanding the elder-in-residence program. The elders are currently participating in a preparation seminar that has 16 registered students who will then complete community internships and/or research apprenticeships over the next few terms. The additional funding makes it possible for the elders to offer guidance and cultural support to all Aboriginal students at UVic.
• Doubling the number of research apprenticeships and community internships so that LE,NONET students can experience both programs. Currently, most students can only participate in one program.
• Expanding the peer mentorship program beyond current UVic Aboriginal students to include Aboriginal Grade 11 and 12 students in local high schools to ease their direct transition to university.
• Continuing the research component of the LE,NONET project by tracking the participation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and the success of the current LE,NONET students in comparison to Aboriginal students who don’t participate in the program.