Indigenous

Qualico Bridge to Success Program

"Joining the QBTS program helped enormously with ensuring I had an almost seamless transition from high school to university, and enabled me to make connections [with fellow students and staff] before the school year even started. I would recommend this program to other Indigenous students because everyone is so welcoming, and it has a very large sense of community."

- Chloe Dreilich-Girard, Métis

Apply now
An image of a smiling Qualico Bridge to Success Program student in front of a mural.

Qualico Bridge to Success Program

Supporting first year Indigenous student success

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) is pleased to offer the Qualico Bridge to Success program (QBTS). The goal of this program is to facilitate the transition of new Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit, Métis) students into post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba by offering pre-orientation activities, academic learning support, advising, peer mentoring and special events that will enhance the first year experience. There is no cost to participate in this program.

The QBTS program nurtures the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional strengths of Indigenous students so they can be as successful as possible in their first year of study. 

This program is offered at no cost!

Who is considered a QBTS student?

Any first year Indigenous student who applies to participate in the program is considered a QBTS student. A QBTS student who completes three or more activities between August to April will be considered as completing the program successfully. Being a successful QBTS student at the end of the academic year will qualify students for one of four $1000 tuition prize draws. The recommended and most popular core activities of the program are to attend a boot camp, have a mentor through the Neechiwaken program and register for the QBTS section of ARTS 1110. There are also incentives offered throughout the year for attendance at workshops, advising programming and Indigenous Student Centre events.

Activity for the year may include:

  • Attending the Qualico orientation sessions
  • Enrolling in reserved lecture/lab section of ARTS 1110
  • Joining the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
  • Attending at least one appointment with our reading specialist
  • Attending the annual University of Manitoba Career Fair
  • Attending a Virtual Study Hall or a Migizii Agamik Study Night
  • Attending a cultural learning workshop organized for QBTS
  • Attending a wellness activity organized for QBTS
  • Attending financial wellness workshops through the EmpoweringU Financial Wellness program

ARTS 1110 (Introduction to University)

ARTS 1110 is designed to help students make the transition to university by imparting the knowledge, skills and attitudes requisite for success in university study, including how to write an academic paper.

In the Fall 2024 term, QBTS students can take a reserved section of this course (more details to come). Registering for this QBTS section will require special permission.

Please contact Bailey Hendry at Bailey.Hendry@umanitoba.ca to request permission. She will send you the permission form needed for this course (and will send it to applicants when they apply to the program).

The benefit of the QBTS section is that students get to learn with the same group of students during the Fall 2024 term during the lab portion of the course. The QBTS facilitator will check in on the class periodically and keep track of progress.

Note: The QBTS ARTS 1110 course is not offered in the winter term.

QBTS Orientation

QBTS Orientation is organized into one day, (with students having the option of selecting one of two dates available). Students can expect to receive detailed information about the Indigenous Student Centre and other campus resources; meet other new students, and staff members; and learn tips about what to expect in the upcoming year. Students will also learn about community-building opportunities, as well as information about the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program. An optional day will be offered to students interested in cultural learning opportunities where they will explore themes such as (but not limited to) understanding identity as an Indigenous student, meeting with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, ceremony and teachings, and community building activities. Lunch will be provided on both days of orientation! Dates, times and locations for the QBTS orientation are located in the application form. There is no cost associated with orientation.

How to apply to QBTS

Interested applicants are welcome to contact the Indigenous Student Centre at any stage of the admission process.

Benefits of the QBTS Program

Benefits of the Qualico Bridge to Success Program:

  • Be part of your student community
  • Dedicated student advisor support
  • Opportunity to access supplemental academic resources
  • Opportunity for financial wellness learning
  • Participation can be included on applications for scholarships, bursaries or jobs

FAQs on applying

  • Students can join if they are full or part-time students
  • Students can attend a boot camp in September even if starting classes in January
  • Students can be part of the program if they cannot attend QBTS Orientation
  • A QBTS section of ARTS 1110 is not offered in the Winter Term
  • Students interested in applying for the QBTS in the Winter Term can request a paper application

Contact us

Have questions about the Qualico Bridge to Success Program?

Please contact:

Bailey Hendry
Student Advisor, Qualico Bridge to Success Program Coordinator
Indigenous Student Centre
Bailey.Hendry@umanitoba.ca

Indigenous Student Centre
Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
114 Sidney Smith Street
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

isc@umanitoba.ca
(204) 474-8850
1-800-432-1960 ext. 8850 (toll-free in Manitoba)

You may also want