The Engineering Access Program for Indigenous (First Nation/Metis/Inuit) students

Abstract

The Engineering Access Program at the University of Manitoba has been in existence since 1985. It started with the mandate to improve the recruitment and retention of Manitoba First Nation/Metis/Inuit people in the Faculty of Engineering by introducing a selection of supports to them. In order to improve the recruitment of First Nation/Metis/Inuit people into the Faculty of Engineering the prerequisite courses necessary for them to enter engineering have been waived while keeping the requirements to obtain a degree the same. First Nation/Metis/Inuit students that do not have the prerequisites to enter the engineering faculty are required to successfully complete upgrading (or preparatory) courses in mathematics, physics, computer programming and chemistry. In addition to the upgrading courses First Nation/Metis/Inuit student supports are comprised primarily of academic support, social support, financial aid, and personal support. First Nation/Metis/Inuit students entering the Engineering Access Program must also attend a mandatory summer orientation aimed at preparing them for University studies. The Engineering Access Program boasts 95 graduates of First Nation/Metis/Inuit descent that work throughout the western provinces in various areas.