Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC): Academic & Career Connections (ACC) for Indigenous Learners
Nova Scotia Community College’s School of Access in partnerships with First Nations communities and industry partners delivered customized 18 month training programs for Indigenous students within their own communities. The goal of the program was to assist Indigenous learners to prepare for and successfully transition into NSCC post-secondary education and training leading to improved employability opportunities.
The first 8 week of the program, called Academic Skills for Success (ASKS) emphasized basic academic upgrading in the essential skills students would need to meet NSCC admission requirements (i.e., math, communications skills, reading, writing, etc.). For many students it was a reintroduction to education and the programs were customized based on the specific needs of the learners. Curriculum was delivered within the community on-line and face to face with an on-site community based tutor available to the students.
Upon completion of ASK students went into a full 2 term program (Sept.- June) called Academic & Career Connections (ACC). During this transitional year long program students were able to get the required academic credits they needed to get into the post -secondary program of their choice and also have the opportunity to explore their career options. Students could select from a variety of course, choosing those that best fit the needs of their individualized educational goals.
These programs were delivered in cooperation with Industry partners and provided participants with customized courses that would allow them to transition into specific trades, training, and work experience opportunities.
Again ACC courses were offered on a face to face basis and/or on-line within the Indigenous learners own community with academic support offered by a community based tutor.
Lynn Meloney, Nova Scotia Community College
902-491-1620
Lynn.Meloney@nscc.ca
5685 Leeds St. Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
Initiative Impact
18 Students were enrolled in the ASKS Program
16 Students completed ASKS and enrolled in ACC Program
12 Students completed ACC Program
One challenge was connectivity in more rural and remote communities. Student were able to blend learning to include both distance and face to face courses.
There were not many student support services within the community. These needed to be set up in consultation with the community in order to ensure student success. For example, having a community based tutor who could help learners with their upgrading and academic courses.
Open communication with everyone involved in the project is required from the very beginning of the project. This includes learners and community members.
Need to understand and be respectful of traditions and protocols of the host community. This speaks to the involvement of the community in the development and delivery of programming.
Incorporation of Essential Skills
The focus of the initial 8 week ASK component of the program is basic upgrading and all 9 Essential Skills. During Academic & Career Connections essential skills are woven throughout the courses being offered. For example, student may take courses that focus on ES such as Reading Essential, Math Foundations, Essential Communication Skills, Workplace Development and/or select courses that address the specific essential skills they need to pursue their post-secondary training.
Students are assessed in each of their courses following marking protocols.
Project Components
The programs were delivered in FN communities. Community members were involved in the set up and delivery of the program. Instructors were indigenous and the academic support tutor was a community member.
Trained and experienced adult educators; awareness of Indigenous culture and the unique learning needs of Indigenous learners.