The LEARN Program is a summer campus experience designed to introduce Indigenous youth to college and university life in a welcoming, culturally supportive environment.
Participants will travel to and stay on a post-secondary campus for approximately one week. During their stay, they will live in student residences, eat on campus, explore academic facilities, and take part in educational, cultural, recreational, and career-focused activities.
The program helps youth understand what post-secondary education is like before they apply. Participants will learn about different college and university programs, admission pathways, scholarships, financial aid, student services, and career opportunities. They will also develop practical skills that can support their future success, including communication, leadership, teamwork, goal-setting, time management, and independent living.
Throughout the week, participants will meet Indigenous mentors, including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, college and university students, student-athletes, graduates, volunteers, and industry professionals. These mentors will share their experiences, answer questions, and help participants see that they can succeed while remaining connected to their culture and identity.
Activities may include campus tours, guest lectures, academic workshops, art activities, sports, leadership exercises, cultural teachings, career mentorship, skill-building sessions, and daily field trips. Participants may also explore classrooms, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural spaces, and student support centres.
The LEARN Program is more than an introduction to higher education. It gives Indigenous youth the confidence, knowledge, relationships, and practical tools needed to imagine themselves in college or university and feel that they belong in academic spaces.
LEARN Program
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Who the Program Is For
The LEARN Program is designed for Indigenous youth who are beginning to think about college, university, training, and future career opportunities.
The program welcomes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students who want to learn more about post-secondary education, experience campus life, meet mentors, and explore possible academic and career pathways.
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University Campus Experience
Participants will visit and stay on a college or university campus during the program.
They will experience campus life by staying in student residences, eating in campus dining facilities, exploring classrooms and student spaces, and participating in activities throughout the campus.
This experience helps youth become more comfortable navigating a post-secondary environment and prepares them for the independence and responsibilities that may come with attending college or university.
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Activities and Learning
Participants will take part in hands-on activities that make learning exciting and interactive.
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Activities may include:
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Campus and residence tours
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Guest lectures and classroom activities
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Art, science, technology, and creative workshops
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Sports and recreational activities
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Daily educational and cultural field trips
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Leadership and team-building exercises
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Career exploration and mentorship
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Goal-setting and study-skills workshops
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Information about applications, scholarships, and financial aid
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Traditional teachings and cultural activities
Through these experiences, participants will learn about academic programs, career options, leadership, teamwork, communication, independent living, and the resources available to Indigenous students.
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Indigenous Leadership and Mentorship
The LEARN Program is led and supported by Indigenous students, volunteers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, student-athletes, graduates, educators, and industry professionals.
Indigenous college and university students will act as mentors and positive role models. They will share their experiences, discuss challenges they have overcome, and help participants understand what daily student life is like.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers will help ensure that cultural teachings, identity, community values, and traditional knowledge remain an important part of the program.
Student Requirements
To participate in the LEARN Program, students must:
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Be under 16 years old at the time of the program.
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Identify as Indigenous, including First Nations, Inuit, or Métis youth.
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Complete a registration form with accurate personal, emergency contact, health, and dietary information.
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Provide permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the camp, travel, activities, and overnight university-campus stays.
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Be able to participate safely in group activities, including outdoor learning, sports, workshops, cultural activities, and campus tours.
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Follow the program’s safety and behaviour expectations, including treating other participants, staff, volunteers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers with respect.
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Respect cultural teachings and activities shared during the program.
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Stay with the assigned group and follow staff instructions during travel, campus activities, meals, and overnight stays.
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Inform program staff of any medical conditions, allergies, medications, accessibility needs, or other required accommodations before the program begins.
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Bring the required clothing and personal items, including comfortable clothing, outdoor footwear, toiletries, medication, and any items listed by the program organizers.
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Attend the full program whenever possible, including scheduled activities, meals, workshops, and group sessions.
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Avoid bringing prohibited items, including alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, weapons, vaping products, or other unsafe materials.