NIAGARA COLLEGE
Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer supports post-secondary learner mobility at Niagara College

Niagara College is one of 35 post-secondary institutions in Ontario receiving funding from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to support learner mobility projects. Funding will support the College's My Path of Worthwhile Educational Re-Engagement (MPOWER) program that aids Indigenous students transitioning to post-secondary education.

Dr. Adrienne Galway, Executive Director of ONCAT was joined by Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Humber College, to announce 39 new projects focused on supporting post-secondary learner mobility.

Over the next year, ONCAT is distributing over $2.8 million to various colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario to support learner mobility projects. These projects aim to empower learners by recognizing previous education and professional experiences and facilitating smoother transitions between programs and institutions.

Seventy-five thousand dollars of this funding will support Niagara College's MPOWER program that implements new strategies to facilitate a smooth transition to post-secondary education and create new pathway and transfer opportunities for Indigenous learners. The program also offers learners access to holistic and cultural Indigenous services, providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

"We are grateful to have received this funding from ONCAT to continue delivering the MPOWER program," said Fiona Allan, Vice-President, Academic at Niagara College. "We know the impact education has on our communities. It builds confidence, hope and self-esteem in our students, and MPOWER has helped to demystify the college experience. We are truly excited to see this successful program continue."

"Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals," said Dr. Galway. "The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go."

"The Ontario government is proud to support ONCAT's important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals," said Minister Dunlop. "By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario."

In Fall of 2023, ONCAT initiated calls for projects for greater accessibility and impact within the post-secondary sector. This call was met with an unprecedented number of applications from post-secondary institutions, demonstrating a growing interest to support greater learner mobility, expand access to post-secondary opportunities and improve pathways to the labour market. 

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to reduce barriers for students seeking to transfer among the province's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.

For more information, visit www.oncat.ca. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario.

View ONCAT's June 17 press release here.