October 1, 2008

ABORIGINAL AND INNER-CITY STUDENTS TO GET TOOLS FOR SUCCESS UNDER NEW SHINE ON INITIATIVE


Inner-city and Aboriginal students will be equipped with the tools for success in school through the new Shine On initiative, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

Shine On - a partnership between the Manitoba government, University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg School Division - is aimed at increasing high-school graduation rates and increasing college and university enrolment. The initiative provides high-school students exposure to the university where they are paired up with Aboriginal student mentors who share their experience as students, provide tutoring and career counselling.

“Shine On builds on this government’s success story of making post-secondary education accessible and affordable to all Manitobans,” McGifford said. “By focusing on low-income, Aboriginal and inner‑city students, we are providing an equal opportunity for all students to get the best education available to them.”

“By encouraging and providing more opportunities for at-risk students who are showing promise but who are facing social and economic barriers, Shine On will give these students the lift that will help them to clear these hurdles and move on to college and university,” Bjornson said. “Involving students in decision-making at an earlier age and helping them experience a university environment has already made a difference to many students’ plans for the future.”

“We have worked with eight Winnipeg inner-city schools through Shine On, bringing students onto our campus to participate in our Enviro Tech program, which nurtures environmental awareness and knowledge about indigenous science,” said Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor, University of Winnipeg. “This hands-on approach allows students to build confidence and comfort and make this campus their own with the goal of closing the graduation gap. We are removing the traditional barriers between the university and the surrounding neighbourhood community.”

In addition to mentors and counselling, the initiative provides students with information on university course options, as well as guaranteed full‑time summer employment in the community development field. The university also offers tours and events with various faculties and an Aboriginal student night with the university’s athletic teams.

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