Dalton & Dave increase support for Aboriginal students

ABRIDGED NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************ Orazietti announces $12,000 investment for Aborginal postsecondary students at Algoma University College

McGuinty government improving access to opportunity for Aboriginal students

Sault Ste. Marie – The McGuinty government has expanded support for Aboriginal students to ensure they have the opportunity to study and succeed at postsecondary institutions, Orazietti announced today.

"We're supporting students who are looking for opportunity through postsecondary education," said Orazietti. "That's why our government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal students in Sault Ste. Marie, have the opportunity to reach their full potential."

To improve access and opportunities for Aboriginal postsecondary students, the government has invested more than $1 million in 2005-06 to help universities and colleges deliver innovative pilot projects to improve outreach, transition and retention.

Algoma University College has received $12,000 for indigenous student access and success.

First Nation students will participate in a one-to two-week summer program to prepare them for university life.

This funding is supporting a range of initiatives at colleges and universities, including:

- outreach and networking activities to recruit more Aboriginal students to postsecondary institutions - transition programming to address gaps and prepare Aboriginal students for further postsecondary studies - seamless program delivery supporting both institutional and community-based components

- targeted programming in health, Aboriginal teacher education and other professional disciplines - retention activities to keep Aboriginal students engaged in their postsecondary studies, including counseling, mentoring, and support from Aboriginal Elders

The $1 million in Aboriginal access funding is part of the government’s plan to invest $10.2 million in 2005-06, rising to $55 million in 2009-10, to help postsecondary institutions deliver programs that improve access to postsecondary opportunity for Francophones, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and those who would be the first in their families to attend college or university.

Separately, the government has also increased investment by $1 million for the start-up and development fund under the Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy.

This fund, totalling $1.8 million in 2005-06, supports Aboriginal institutions in delivering recognized postsecondary programming in partnership with colleges and universities.

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