Our caucus is excited to participate in the announcement of a new partnership for learning at Yukon College.
This partnership between Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Yukon College will bring new resources and opportunities for Indigenous learners. We look forward to discussing this exciting new initiative with the college and Yukon First Nations.
Here is an excerpt from the press release about this funding announcement:
Building from the guidance of Elders and the aspirations of Indigenous youth, VIU will join Yukon College in a collaboration supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation and Mastercard Foundation that creates opportunities for Indigenous learners to be full partners in their education.
Through a model of co-creation and collaboration, VIU and Yukon College have been instrumental in the design and development of a learning partnership whose total value is $50 million. This partnership amplifies existing in-kind and financial contributions from government, the private sector, Indigenous communities and the two higher educational institutions by bringing in new support from the Mastercard Foundation and Rideau Hall Foundation.
At Yukon College, $4.6 million in new funding will enhance services for students and youths. Wrap-around supports include case managers and tutors who assist students in navigating academic and non-academic barriers to success; dedicated staff for youth managing the transition from care homes, treatment facilities or the justice system; and new online credit courses to better engage rural students in postsecondary education. In addition, the new Yukon Youth University will engage youth who are disconnected from K-12 education. These services will support current Yukon College students and will enable over 300 additional Indigenous students to achieve their education and life goals.
The 14 Yukon First Nations, Our Voices Yukon and the Government of Yukon’s departments of Justice and Education are key Yukon collaborators in this learning partnership.
