For the month of June, RRC Polytech is waiving the application fees for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program. The initiative has already had a strong response with more than 100 applications submitted in the first week.
Data from Statistics Canada in 2021 shows that 49.2% of Indigenous people between the ages of 25 and 64 had completed post-secondary education, compared to 68% of non-Indigenous people.
"That 18.8% gap represents disproportionate access to education that deeply affects Indigenous people, which is entangled in a multitude of factors rooted in Canada's colonial history. This initiative isn't just about the application fee, but about extending an invitation to Indigenous learners. Once they become students at RRC Polytech, we can help coordinate additional financial supports and supports designed for their wellbeing and success," said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.
While this initiative is in part to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous History Month in an impactful way, waiving application fees during this period is part of RRC Polytech's ongoing strategy to increase Indigenous enrolment and reduce barriers to education.
"We know that, both from decades of formal community research and informal, anecdotal discussions with Indigenous people, barriers to post-secondary education are wide-ranging. As an educational institution in Manitoba, we have a duty to address the disproportionate barriers that Indigenous communities face. Removing the application fee to help Indigenous learners get started on their journeys is just one way we're looking at to provide more opportunities for Indigenous people to participate equitably," said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.
Applicants that self-declare as First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis or Inuit will have the $116 application fee waived for any RRC Polytech program - every person is eligible for one free application to any program and any intake.
With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career. The School of Indigenous Education offers four Pathway programs - in business, engineering, health, information technology - and three college introductory certification programs - College Transition, Culinary Skills (Indigenous) and Introduction to Trades - that prepare Indigenous students for the program of their choice and ensure they gain the skills and knowledge to thrive in a college environment.
Indigenous learners also have access to the Indigenous Admissions Advisor, who provides support and guidance either in person, over the phone, or through virtual meetings. The Indigenous Admissions Advisor can help learners explore programs of interest, review requirements to qualify for admission, navigate application processes with respect to registration and required documents, and connect with other Indigenous student support team members.
Marshall Richard, Indigenous Student Recruiter at RRC Polytech, travels Manitoba as part of Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (CIPEM) with other post-secondary institutions to inform Indigenous students of programs and supports tailored for their success. Richard and his team members see first-hand the kinds of factors that may prevent Indigenous people from taking that first step to pursuing post-secondary education.
"Removing the initial $116 application fee can make a difference for a high school student, a single parent, or a career-changer who may be on the fence about applying for a program. As students at RRC Polytech, they can access essential wraparound supports dedicated to their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing to help them achieve their goals. It's just a matter of getting their foot in the door, and this can help them with that first step towards their futures," said Richard.
The commitment RRC Polytech has made to Truth and Reconciliation through the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan ensures we continue to pursue equitable opportunities for Indigenous people to finish their paths in post-secondary, while creating a framework to continually address and break down barriers for all students pursuing post-secondary.
Learners are invited to create an RRC Polytech account and apply through our self-serve portal on our website or visit one of our Student Service Centres, located at D101 - 2055 Notre Dame Ave. and P104 - 160 Princess St.
More information is available at rrc.ca/free.
