A groundbreaking program from Niagara College to support Indigenous students transitioning to postsecondary education will return with an expanded outreach for fall 2023.
The College's My Path of Worthwhile Educational Re-engagement (MPOWER) program, which was introduced last year to its first cohort of students, was recently approved for more than $59,000 in funding from The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT). The agreement came into effect at the beginning of April 2023.
On June 9, Niagara College was among eight Ontario postsecondary institutions announced as a recipient of funds from the Government of Ontario to develop programs and supports for students impacted by the pandemic - including specialized supports for Indigenous learners. View ONCAT's June 9 release here.
"The MPOWER program is a unique amalgamation of cultural and academic components," said Dean of Academic and Liberal Studies David Atherton. "Creating programs and pathways for students to access postsecondary is integral to the work of the Academic and Liberal Studies division, and we are so pleased to continue supporting our Indigenous learners.
"I am immensely proud of the team and the work they have done with this program and look forward to our work continuing with the support of ONCAT."
"We are so excited to have received this funding from ONCAT to continue delivering the MPOWER program," said Rebecca Nicholls, Associate Dean, Workforce Development and Community Partnerships. "MPOWER has proven to be an incredible success with our first cohort of students last year and we know it will continue to do exciting things in the community."
The launch of MPOWER forged a new path as a wholistic program specifically geared to Indigenous students with engagement from the Indigenous community. Offered by NC's School of Academic and Liberal Studies, the program is based at the Welland Campus and will include "on-the-land" teachings and experiences.
MPOWER offers college level credit courses, creating a path for Indigenous students towards postsecondary education through essential academic and applied skills. A foundation of Indigenous cultural knowledge is woven into both academic and applied learning experiences. Wellness and cultural support are available through the College's Health Wellness and Accessibility program, as well as through the College's Indigenous Education team.
"We are excited to partner with Workforce Development and Community Partnerships on the expansion of MPOWER that delivers culturally responsive curriculum and supports for our Indigenous learners," said Leah Hogan, Associate Director, Indigenous Education at NC. "Our collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to increase postsecondary participation.
"MPOWER has proven to demystify the college experience and we are truly excited to see this successful program expand to our entire community."
Enrolment is geared to those 18 and older. When the College welcomes the next cohort of students into the program for Fall 2023 term, there will no longer be a cap at the age of 30, opening doors for applicants in their thirties and beyond for the first time.
The positive impact MPOWER has on students may be seen through the success of its first cohort of students who attended the program from January to April 2022.
The majority - 22 out of 25 - of students remained actively engaged through the two terms (eight months) of the academic component and most students received two or more college credits.
Several students from the first cohort decided to continue their education beyond the MPOWER program. Some entering regular postsecondary programs at Niagara College and some beginning programs at other postsecondary institutions. Success for the students is not only determined by their decisions to move immediately on to regular postsecondary programming but by their new sense of confidence and direction to explore and secure other education, training and employment opportunities.
Community Access Program Manager, Shanyn Porter attributes MPOWER's success to its targeted, culturally sensitive approach to access programming, which has a positive impact on students.
"I believe that education can serve as an undercover healing journey for many. We know the difference MPOWER makes for students; I see it empower our learners every day," said Porter. "By design, we have built a well-rounded, wholistic program, supportive of Indigenous culture and we are continuously working towards creating safe spaces for Indigenous students.
"We see how MPOWER builds a sense of confidence, hope and self-esteem in students. Some students continue their educational journey, some take on full-time work; and, in others, we see positive impacts through positive life choices they make while they're in the program and those positive life choices continue beyond the program."
St. Catharines resident Kayla Clifford believes the MPOWER program set her up for success in college, as a Pre-Health student who plans to enrol in Recreation Therapy. She valued the opportunities to learn more about Indigenous medicines and Mohawk teachings, which helped her to feel more connected to Indigenous culture, and to make new friends.
"I probably never would have gone to college if it wasn't for this program," she said. "The people in this program supported me throughout everything and made me feel not alone. The program has encouraged me to become a better person for myself and for others."
Porter also noted the program benefits faculty. "Whether they are Indigenous or not, it's an opportunity for conversation, to open doors and for dialogue about what it means to be a part of this land."
A portion of the funds have supported the purchase of books and resources that will be available for students via the new Indigenous Programming Resources Lending Hub. The new hub, at the Welland Campus (Black Walnut) includes a variety of books -- including Indigenous biographies and storytelling, the history of different Nations, to books on curriculum and lesson planning ideas, books specific to Two-Spirit, MMIWG and 'Orange Shirt Day' and books to celebrate the beauty of the culture - and other resources such as games, blankets and chairs for out-on-the land activities and classes. A new lending system will soon be established for the Hub.
Porter noted that the new Hub resources will be a valuable tool for MPOWER students, staff and faculty to access Indigenous content and marks a significant step for the College.
"NC is still taking steps towards addressing the Call to Actions for Truth and Reconciliation," said Porter. "This Hub is a Workforce Development & Community Partnerships commitment, through our Community Access Programs, to enthusiastically address and honour some of those Calls to Action."
All books and resources in the MPOWER Hub were purchased through Indigenous owned and operated businesses throughout Turtle Island, such as GoodMinds, Indigenous Reflections, Two Chiefs, and the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition.
The program is also earmarked to receive $208,000 from NC's Dream Big Fund to further support program objectives and provide invaluable learning experiences for MPOWER students.
MPOWER is a two-term program within NC's School of Academic and Liberal Studies. The program is funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Tuition, textbooks, and course resources are free for eligible students. A Statement of Completion credential is awarded. Wellness supports are available through NC's Indigenous Education department. Applicants be 18 or older, self-identify as Indigenous and have a strong desire to commit to their future in education. Visit niagaracollege.ca/liberal/program/mpower/ for information.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada's top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
TOP PHOTO: NC's first class of MPOWER students celebrate completing their credential at an achievement ceremony in August 2022.
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