Preparation is Key The Evolution of a Successful

Post Secondary Student

Jodie Lane, B.A, M.Ed.

PSSSP Education Counselor

Nunatsiavut Government

Makkovik, NL

What is the PSSSP? • Post Secondary Student Support

Program is fully funded by the Federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

• Began providing support in 1987/88

• Started with a 25K budget which grew to 100K in the first year

• Initial staff consisted of 1.5 full-time positions

• 45-50 students in the first year

History • By the late 90s, the staff had grown to three

full time positions (Administrator, Accountant, and Secretary), one contract position (Education Counselor), and one joint position cost shared with Memorial University (Native Liaison Officer)

• In July 2000, EC position was made permanent and since then, two new positions have been created (Education Officer and Financial Assistant)

• Budget has grown to just over $2.1 million annually

• Now fund on average 200 students per year (approximately 160 full time and 40 part time)

• To date, 681 graduates from 837 different programs.

• An estimated 30-50 graduates per year

About the PSSSP

• An assistance program designed to help Beneficiaries of the LILCA access post-secondary education

• Public institutions, with programs ranging from transitional years, certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, masters and Ph.Ds.

• Provides tuition, books, travel and living allowance

• Sister-funding agency: Inuit Pathways (funded through Service Canada and Human Resources Skills Development Canada)

Evolution

• Started out assisting those who came forward, ready to go to school

• Large number of students were ill prepared on a variety of levels: academically, socially, emotionally, financially

• Resulted in high absenteeism, social issues, poor academic performance, and financial consequences

• No permanent guidance counselor positions in our five Nunatsiavut schools

• Identified the need for earlier intervention . . .

Early Intervention Initiatives

• Education Counselor position evolved to not just help those that came forward, but to now promote education and to recruit and prepare future post secondary students

• Introduction of Cool Ed logo • Promotional materials

• Cool Ed himself

• The LEARN Game

• Cool Ed’s Cool Careers activity book

Cool Ed

Education and Career Promotion

• Stay in School initiatives

• K-8 age specific presentations

• Grade 9 presentation and beginning of career counseling profile

• Grade 10-12 presentations focusing on high school course selection, graduation requirements, career exploration, and information on funding

• Career Trips

• Youth Symposiums – Career Fair

• Contact with mature clientele and undereducated youth

Awareness

• Parent Information Sessions • Grade 9 Night

• Funding Information

• Principal Information Session

• Radio interviews

• Newsletters

• Poster project

Poster Project

After they apply for funding

Once a person applies for school and then applies for funding, a lengthy process begins for the future student to help him/her prepare for this life-changing journey. The goal is to find a balance between guiding the student and fostering independence from the system.

• Preparatory workshop (in past years)

• Applicant worksheet

• Counseling sessions

Results

• There have been many ups and downs in terms of student achievement.

• Currently we are in the midst of a trend whereby students are becoming less dependent on the services of the PSSSP and are leaving home more prepared

• Students have had access to the ECs presentation and counseling services for 12 years now and this is beginning to show

• Higher attainment rate

• Higher graduation rate

• Very few students are removed

• More students are continuing on to

do a second program after graduation

Success Stories

• Partnerships with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) and Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

• Aboriginal Bridging Program

• Comprehensive Arts & Science (CAS) Transition and Transfer

• IINAP

• IBSW

• Partnering with the Labrador School Board to jointly provide better career services to students in Nunatsiavut

• Grade 9 career trip

• Parent Information session

• Presentation to principals on funding

Nakummek