We believe it is critically important to reach out and partner with
Indigenous communities so that together, we can create a vibrant,
reflective, and relevant learning environment.
Our Community Learning initiative is focused primarily on supporting those who are underrepresented on Canadian campuses including Indigenous students, young people from war-affected areas and refugee populations, and youth from inner-city neighbourhoods.
Innovative Learning Centre
The University of Winnipeg’s Innovative Learning Centre is focused on closing the graduation
gap that currently exists for Aboriginal youth. Our programs are grounded in a philosophy that
connects elementary and secondary students to their school community so that youth stay in
school and see themselves as graduates and as university students. Programs include Eco-Kids
on Campus and the Eco-U Summer Camp.
Eco-U Summer Camp works with 30 inner-city schools to provide a fun and educational camp experience. The science-focused camp is free-of-charge and to date more than 5,000 children have attended.
Enbridge Eco-Kids on Campus involves inner-city elementary school students who visit the University once a week over the course of 10 weeks to engage in science-focused activities with University faculty and students. The activities are chosen specifically to connect to the school curriculum with the goal of making science more fun and relevant.
Shine On
The province of Manitoba supports the Shine On initiative,
which aims to increase high-school graduation rates, and college and university
enrollment. Aboriginal and inner-city students access quality learning at The
University of Winnipeg through school-based, after-school and weekend and
summer camp activities to help prepare them for post-secondary learning.
- Workshops on the prerequisites needed to prepare for post-secondary education and post-secondary funding/bursary opportunities;
- Career counseling opportunities and information on course options;
- Tour of The University of Winnipeg and events with specific faculties and departments;
- Leadership development activities such as St. John’s Ambulance first aid and Level 1 coaching certification; and
- Eco-Kids programming, this includes hands-on scientific and environmental experiments.
In addition, Aboriginal students enrolled at the University serve as role models and senior leaders to the high school students. Participating students are guaranteed full-time summer employment in the field of community development.
Shine On is a partnership between the Manitoba government, The University of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg School Division. Since 2007, Manitoba Education has contributed $395,000 to the Shine On initiative.
Model School
The University of Winnipeg’s Collegiate Model School is a high school within a high school
that began in September 2008. Students who show potential but need a different kind of
learning environment are referred to the Model School. Approximately 30 high school students
attend annually and receive individualized learning plans so they can reach their full potential. To
date, 22 students have graduated high school and 7 are attending The University of Winnipeg while others are employed or furthering their education in other ways.
Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre
The University of Winnipeg’s Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre is a community-based centre developed
in partnership with Southeast Resource Development Council and made possible through donations.
We provide access to computers, basic computer classes, personal development workshops,
Elders’ teachings and sharing circles, as well as fun movie nights. Student volunteers from the University
assist neighbourhood children with homework after school and the
University’s Diversity Foods now provides nutritious snacks to students who attend the homework club. More than 1,000 community members use the Centre monthly.
2011 Community Coalition to Support Flood Evacuated Children
