NORTHWEST Community College is getting $375,868 from the provincial government, part of the $3.7 million going to 11 post secondary institutions to provide specialized services for aboriginal students.
“First Nations students comprise nearly half of our student population at NWCC, so this funding is key to our delivery of many of our ongoing initiatives,” said college official Heather Kirk of the money.
The money will be used for employees assigned to specific programs for aboriginal students and follows on past annual payments provided by the province.
The college also maintains a First Nations advisory council which helps it set priorities for First Nations programs.
The University of Northern B.C. is also receiving money from the province, $200,000, for the same type of services.
Some of that will be used for four aboriginal academic coaches, one of whom will be stationed at the university’s Terrace campus.
The university will also stage a seven-day program for up to 30 Grade 11 and 12 northern aboriginal students.
It’s purpose is to ease the move from secondary schools to a university learning environment.
