eleV - Taking Flight Together

eleV

An innovative partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy, the University of Lethbridge and MasterCard Foundation

Working together, we will create new educational opportunities for Indigenous youth and bolster supports to ensure their success, increasing employability and enhancing economic development in Blackfoot communities.

“Indigenous students face significant barriers in accessing post-secondary education, including transportation, housing and childcare, among others. This partnership will empower Indigenous youth by removing these kinds of barriers, creating new educational pathways and growing the supports needed by Indigenous students to be successful in their post-secondary studies. In turn, this will enhance employment and economic inclusion and drive economic development opportunities in our Blackfoot communities.”

Dr. Leroy Little Bear
Distinguished Niitsitapi Scholar and Advisor to President Mike Mahon

Transitioning into post-secondary education

EleV will improve transitions to post-secondary, increase student success at the University of Lethbridge and expand work-integrated learning opportunities, such as:

  • Co-op placements
  • Entrepreneurships supports
  • Employment opportunities
  • Economic development initiatives for Blackfoot Communities

Initiatives for children and youth

EleV has launched new initiatives for children and youth, including:

  • Delivering programs in Blackfoot communities
  • Creating opportunities for students to participate in activities at the University
  • Enabling an additional 30 Blackfoot and Indigenous students to attend uLethbridge through the Indigenous Student Success Program
  • Enhancing Indigenous student services by hiring a program director and support roles, including both education and economic development navigators in each of the Blackfoot communities, mental health support, instructors and program development, and more.

Looking forward

As the program continues, we will allocate funds to support access to post-secondary education, student success and financial supports, education and training aligned with Blackfoot community needs, employment and economic development opportunities, work integrated learning and more.

Blackfoot Nations and the University of Lethbridge will work collaboratively to ensure the program meets the unique needs of Blackfoot youth and communities.