New Online Program Opens New Possibilities for Indigenous Students Across Canada

Over the next seven years, more than half a million Indigenous young workers are expected to enter the Canadian labour market. This growth in the youth population is more than three times greater than their non-Indigenous counterparts. This shift opens exciting new possibilities for the next generation to access positions of leadership in the health sector, education, social services and government.

Even with this positive change, Indigenous students continue to face obstacles in accessing higher education, due to location, restricted transportation, the high cost of living and tuition fees. McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies is addressing this with the use of technology by offering an entirely new online Certificate in Public Administration and Governance.

Indigenous students from all over Canada will login and connect with each other and learn from experienced professionals about cross-cultural management, public sector administration, organizational behaviour, finance, and lean operational practices.

Most importantly, this certificate is designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind, notably:

• Students will get attend McGill University without leaving their communities and without having to quit their current job, as courses are offered in the evening.
• This new program is both practical and fast. Students take two courses per semester allowing them to complete the program within two years.
• Students do not require a high school diploma to be admitted, but must be at least 21 years of age.

“This innovative program is made to prepare students for management roles in education, health, social services, government, and military, and helps those working in the public sector to advance their existing careers with a minimum of disruption to their day-to-day lives,” explains Carmen Sicilia, Associate Dean of McGill’s School of Continuing Studies. “In response to this growing need, we have designed a program that shapes students with strong transferable skills, such as leadership, project management, employee supervision, working and building teams, and understanding ethical responsibilities and financial reports within organizations.”

Students enrolled in the program will also have access to a dedicated advisor to help with all aspects of their education, as well as technical support.

Registration is now open and space is limited to 30 students per class. The first class begins on February 26, 2019. The deadline to register is February 15th.

The full program details can be found at mcgill.ca/scs-lead.

David Kynan With over 15 years of experience in services marketing, Currently Acting Director of Marketing and Communications at McGill School of Continuing Studies, David Kynan has over 15 years of experience in service marketing and a proven track record for results in digital marketing, social media, copy and content writing, event planning and management, and public relations. He is currently completing his MSc in Marketing at HEC Montréal and speaks English, French, Spanish and German.