BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education (AVED) has established a goal of increasing the number of credentials awarded to Indigenous learners by 75 percent by 2020.
Statistics have shown an increase of 27 percent between 2009 and 2015; an early indicator that this goal will be successful. To achieve this benchmark and the other goals laid-out in the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan [PDF], AVED provides funding through the Aboriginal Service Plan (ASP).
Aboriginal Service Plan 2018-2021
Coast Mountain College receives a portion of these funds to use for a number of important student success programs, outlined in the table below.
| Student success initiatives |
| Programs funded through ASP |
ASP funding value for improving Indigenous student success. |
| Top-ups for FNAC salaries to bring them from part-time to full-time employees |
Top-ups for FNAC salaries to bring them from part-time to full-time employees First Nations Access Coordinators have more available hours to assist students and prospective students, helping to remove barriers to successful completion of programs. |
| Cultural and spiritual activities |
Hosting cultural and spiritual activities, social functions, and learning opportunities to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for Aboriginal students. Th is helps encourage students to continue and complete their programs of study.
These also provide opportunities to bring together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, promoting cross-cultural understanding on our campuses and in our communities.
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| Elders-in-residence |
With culturally-appropriate support and guidance, students are better able to face challenges. Connecting with Elders helps students keep on track with their studies and feel they are part of a welcoming and inclusive environment. |
| Cultural Awareness Training |
Training In 2015, at the request of the Board of Governors, a cultural awareness workshop was held during the joint meeting between the Board and First Nations Council. This workshop helped strengthen the collaboration between the two groups.
The Board of Governors and CMTN management attended two half-day workshops called Indigenous Awareness Training in December 2016.
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| Test-Drive |
Test-Drive is a bridging program and recruitment opportunity to introduce high-school students to college life. Prospective students have the opportunity to test-drive college classes, participate in social activities and stay overnight in Student Housing, so that they get a sense of what the benefits and challenges will be and they can prepare. |
| Development of programming partnerships with Aboriginal communities and organizations |
Strengthening partnerships and collaboration to provide more relevant, responsive, and respectful course content and in-community programming. |
| Aboriginal Community Liaison |
Prior to the staffing reorganization for Aboriginal student services and Aboriginal relations, the College employed an Aboriginal Community Liaison. This role existed for two years. Upon completion of the mandate in 2016, some of the ongoing responsibilities were allocated to the FNACs as part of their revised roles. |