The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program addresses the under-representation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students at Canadian universities. One of the factors contributing to this is the lack of academic role models for these students. The Foundation addresses this by offering scholarships to Indigenous students in grades 11 and 12 to spend a week at a Canadian university interacting and learning with professors and their teams. During their week on campus, students can meet role models, learn about the support systems available to them on campus, and experience the excitement of doing research. The VJKF Program develops motivated role models who foster the importance of graduating from high school and obtaining a postsecondary education.
Our VJKF In-Person Program is open to high school students in grades 11 and 12, prioritizing grade 11 students. Our application can be completed online through our website, or if you prefer, it can be printed and mailed or emailed to us. The application requires a brief essay telling us why you want to attend the Program, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone at your school, and a signed consent form from a parent or guardian if you are under the age of 18.
Our Program is for you to obtain new experiences and hopefully learn something new and exciting. You are smart enough, and you can do anything you set your mind to. You will be working closely with a university mentor and their team. They are not going to grade you, judge you, or criticize you. They will get to know you and show you a new environment, equipment, and resources. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friendships, and do some really cool things.
You can do this!
This is a valid concern, but we wouldn’t let it stop you from applying. You will know if you are accepted months before the trip, giving you plenty of time to inform your teachers and get your homework done. There will also be downtime during the week to study and work on your homework. Some of the other students may be working on the same thing you’ll be working on, and you could possibly even work together!
Yes, students must be back and in their room by 10:00 PM each night.
You will receive a packet with information on the week as well as rules and expectations. The on-site coordinator will review all rules and expectations again at the beginning of the Program week.
The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation does not take Covid-19 protocol lightly. We are aware that many of our students are from vulnerable communities and access to resources such as healthcare can be limited. With that being said, the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation looks at what our university partners are doing and projecting, how Covid-19 is trending, and extensive talks have been had to ensure the safety of our students and their families. If you or your student wishes to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, etc. our team will have extra resources available for the duration of the Program.
Yes, the university will be open during the VJKF Program. However, the university will not be as busy as it would be during their Fall and Winter semesters which start in September and end in April.
Typically our group will stay in the university residence halls with our group on the same floor in the same area. Most residence halls will not actively be housing university students. There can be instances where other groups are at the university and are staying in the residence as well, they can range from all age groups. It’s likely that we won’t be the only group staying at the residence hall.
For each VJKF Program, the student’s arrival is met by someone from the VJKF team. The number of students at each program ranges from 10-30 students. The larger Programs will have more supervisors. Our team takes student safety very seriously, however as this program is to show the life as a university student we will not have a direct eye on them 24/7. It is the students responsibility to arrive at breakfast, their class, and dinner on time. Our students are required to travel in their group pair to and from their classes. It can be arranged that a graduate student or mentor can meet the student and take them to and from their classes.
If arriving by plane, you and your student would have spoken with a member of our team throughout the application and travel accommodation process. Our team will document a travel itinerary which will include pick up and drop off protocol. You and your student will know who will be meeting your student at the airport, and they will have a VJKF marker, or way to ensure the student knows who to look for.
Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and fundraising efforts, students accepted into the VJKF Program are granted VJKF Program Scholarships. These Scholarships cover the cost of travel, accommodation, meals, and attending the Program along with campus activities. The costs not included are if the student wishes to purchase things from the university gift store, airport or snacks outside of meal times.
Yes, we want this process to go as smoothly as possible. Please email morgan.laboucan@vjkf.org to set up a meeting with our Program Director.
