First Nations Health and Science-Related Career Promotion Grants

Grants of up to $5,000 to British Columbia organizations for projects to promote health and science-related careers in First Nation communities. Applications are invited for projects that encourage students to seriously consider a career in the health or science fields.

Objectives:
-To empower students to take a pro-active approach to planning a career path by increasing their understanding of the benefits of education as key to labor market participation and by providing information about health and science careers.
-To assist students in developing a better understanding of the academic and practical milestones that need to be met in order to access a range of careers in the health and science fields, including post-secondary prerequisites, K-12 course planning materials, and admissions requirements.
-To encourage First Nation students to have a positive perspective on continuing their education, particularly in health and science programs.

Proposals will be reviewed according to a regional model that will ensure that program funding is distributed equitably to First Nations communities throughout BC.

The regions are as follows:
Gitskan/Wet’suwet’en, Haida/Tsimshian/Haisla/Nisga’a, Kaska/Dene/Tahltan/Tagish/Inland Tlinglt, Kootenay/Okanagan, Kwakiutl/Heiltsuk/Nuxalk/Oweekeno, Nuu-chah-nuulth/Coast Salish, Secwepmec/Stl’atl’im/Nlaka’pamux, and Tsilhqot’in/Carrier/Sekani.

Other important factors include:
-Proposals must clearly demonstrate a focus on First Nations health and science related career promotion activities.
-Proposals must include a list of anticipated results/deliverables that are directly related to the proposed activities and the program’s purpose.
-Proposals must identify the target audience and the anticipated number of participants.
-Proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to provide positive and meaningful experiences for participants.
-Proposals must have a clearly identified and explained budget that lists all anticipated sources of revenue and expenses.

Applicants are encouraged to design project activities that are appropriate for each community.

Suggested Eligible Project Activities:

Eligible Project Activities include
-Opportunities designed to help students explore and prepare for health and science careers;
-Tutoring and homework clubs to promote higher levels of student achievement in courses required for post-secondary acceptance;
-Initiatives to inform parents about health and science related careers and educational opportunities;
-Workshops for students to promote career planning;
-Relevant field trips, science camps, and sponsored attendance at health career fairs;
-Hosting of role model(s) or other guest speakers who can share information about a health career; and
-Visits to and opportunities to explore post-secondary institutes that offer health and science programs, including those that are specific to the needs of Aboriginal learners.

Possible Areas of Focus:

Self-Assessment
-Identifying relevant personal attributes, including skills, knowledge, values, areas of interest and abilities.
-Choosing a career path.
-Is a career in a health field right for me?
-Using self-assessment tools.

Career Exploration
-Exploring the nature of work and job duties in health and science-related careers, including advancement and professional development opportunities.
-Working conditions and remuneration in health and science careers.
-Researching labor market information on types of employment and career sectors.
-Exploring post-secondary institutes, including Aboriginal-controlled post-secondary institutes that offer health and science programs.

Post-Secondary Information:
-Choosing an appropriate post-secondary program and institute.
-Understanding types of education and program pre-requisite qualifications,
application and registration procedures.
-Transitions from high school to post-secondary education.
-Connecting with a post-secondary counselor/advisor and/
-Exploring careers and occupations in First Nation health and sciences.
-Training and qualification requirements.

Guest Lecturer/Speakers:
-Aboriginal health and science representatives and career role models.
-Post-secondary institution representatives.
-Facilitators in health and science careers.

Resources to Consider:
-What is the main economy in your area / fields likely to have future opportunities? What are strong career choices?
-How can local businesses and community organizations help students better understand career choices?
-Which colleges and universities in BC employ First Nations Coordinators who can provide information about courses, programs, financial aid, and support for Aboriginal students?
-Which colleges and universities in BC deliver health education or training programs?
-What is unique about your local environment that could help in develop