Eco kids
The province continues its support for a successful initiative that helps Aboriginal and innercity students access quality learning at The University of Winnipeg through school-based, after-school, weekend and summer camp activities to help prepare them for post-secondary learning, Education Minister Nancy Allan and Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“Experiencing quality learning in a university environment helps Aboriginal and inner-city students who are facing social and economic barriers to education build confidence in post-secondary settings,” said Allan. “With the help of Shine On, many of these students are able to clear the hurdles they face and move forward to achieve their educational goals in college and university.”
Allan announced a total of $65,000 for the Shine On initiative, which aims to increase high-school graduation rates, and college and university enrolment.
Shine On activities include:
* workshops on the prerequisites needed to prepare for post-secondary education and postsecondary funding/bursary opportunities;
* career counselling opportunities and information on course options;
* tours of The University of Winnipeg and events with specific faculties and departments;
* leadership development activities such as St. John’s Ambulance first aid and Level 1 coaching certification; and
* Eco-Kids on Campus programming, which includes hands-on scientific and environmental experiments.
“Programs like Shine On provide our youth with hands-on learning opportunities and prepare them for their future education, which will help them achieve success and become productive members of their communities,” said Chief.
In addition, Aboriginal students enrolled at the university serve as role models and senior leaders to the high school students.Participating students are guaranteed full-time summer employment in the field of community development.
Shine On is a partnership between the Manitoba government, University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg School Division.
Since 2007, Manitoba Education has contributed $395,000 to the Shine On initiative, Allan said.
