Grant: Operating Grant - Aboriginal Health Intervention - full application

Aboriginal learners are under-represented in the post-secondary education system. This is particularly evident in health science programs. The largest barrier is that only 9% of Aboriginal students are eligible for post-secondary entry. The low rates may be due to a number of reasons, including inadequate academic preparation, a lack of student development services, and feelings of isolation and exclusion. Mentoring relationships have been shown to positively influence various youth outcomes, including academic achievement and self-confidence. Online communications technology can support mentoring relationships and connect youth with inspirational role models they may otherwise be unable to meet. This concept, called "eMentoring", can provide Aboriginal youth with the support, knowledge and confidence they need to successfully enroll in university/college health science programs. The proposed plan is to implement an eMentoring pilot program for Aboriginal youth in grades 6-10, in collaboration with Aboriginal communities. Mentor-student relationships will last a minimum of one year, and consist of online activities that address some of the barriers Aboriginal students face in their transition to post-secondary education. Specifically, the evaluation will seek to understand: 1) how best to implement an eMentoring model in First Nations communities; 2) how mentors and youth interact with each other; and 3) how eMentoring can promote awareness, interest and enrolment in post-secondary health science programs. Connecting Aboriginal students to mentors using technology can overcome geographical and social boundaries. eMentoring has the potential to improve Aboriginal health by addressing some of the key factors that influence health outcomes, including education, social support networks, employment and culture.