Post-Secondary Club

Each programming year, PSC students attend two in-person events held in December and May on the University of Manitoba campuses. These on-campus visits provide valuable experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to explore UM’s campuses, academic programs, faculties and the broader university community.

The visits are structured to highlight a specific UM faculty, followed by a mix of academic and extracurricular activities throughout the day. Transportation and meals are provided by Indigenous Student Recruitment & Community Relations (ISRCR), in collaboration with community partners such as Vital Transit and Shelley’s Bistro.

• December 2024 – Faculty of Architecture
  Held over three days (December 11–13), students participated in a laser-cut house building activity, a tunnel tour exploring UM’s underground system, and received welcoming remarks from the Dean. The sessions offered students a creative, hands-on introduction to design education.

• May 2025 – Price Faculty of Engineering
  Students visited the Engineering and Information Technology Complex (EITC), attended an admissions overview with ENGAP, toured labs including the STAR (Space Technology and Advanced Research) Lab, and worked on a team candy machine building challenge judged by faculty and ISRCR staff. These experiences highlighted pathways into engineering and showcased supports available for Indigenous students.

Overall, the UM Campus Visits broaden students’ perspectives of post-secondary education, showcase diverse academic pathways, and inspire Indigenous youth to envision themselves as future university students.

PSC is designed for Indigenous students in Grades 9–12; however, the school visits are open to any student who is interested in participating, keeping in mind that the information shared is most relevant to Indigenous students and communities. Program visits typically consist of 10–30 students.

In the 2024–2025 programming year, 467 students participated in PSC programming at least once, a significant increase from 352 students in 2023–2024. Most of the visits take place within the schools, where students engage in monthly sessions facilitated by PSC Co-Coordinators. These sessions cover topics such as financial planning, career exploration, university application processes, cultural identity and personal development.

Advising Sessions

Students are encouraged to participate in one-on-one advising sessions with the PSC Co-Coordinators or a member of the Indigenous Student Recruitment & Community Relations team (ISRCR). These sessions provide personalized support throughout the post-secondary journey, including assistance with applications, admissions and relocating to Winnipeg. Students can also receive guidance in finding housing, childcare and other community supports.

Advisors highlight the Indigenous student support units available on campus and explore financial aid opportunities such as Band Funding, Manitoba Métis Federation funding, the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Fund, as well as other scholarships and bursaries. Sessions may also include tours of the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus.

By taking part in these advising sessions, students gain the tools, resources, and connections they need to successfully transition from high school to university. The relationships built with students and the Co-coordinators help students easily access these advising sessions.

Through these consistent monthly visits, PSC builds ongoing relationships with students and schools, ensuring that information is delivered in a culturally grounded and supportive way.

As part of the Post-Secondary Club programming, the annual Culture Camp brings together Indigenous youth for two days of cultural learning and connection. The second annual Culture Camp was held on April 29–30, 2025, at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge (home to the Indigenous Student Centre, UM Fort Garry Campus). The camp welcomed 36 students on Day 1 and 37 students on Day 2, each representing partner high schools.

The Culture Camp created a supportive and inclusive environment, recognizing that students come to cultural learning at different stages. Through a variety of hands-on sessions led by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members, students had meaningful opportunities to connect with Indigenous traditions, deepen their sense of identity and strengthen community bonds.

Meals and snacks were provided throughout, including breakfast both mornings and lunches such as “Taco in a Bag” and bannock dogs with stew.

2025 Culture Camp Daily Schedule

Expanding Opportunities for Northern Students

In 2024, the Post-Secondary Club (PSC) partnered with the Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre (HBOIERC) in Norway House to bring PSC programming to northern Manitoba for the first time. Through this partnership, students living outside Winnipeg can now access the same post-secondary preparation, mentorship and cultural supports as their urban peers.

Starting in fall 2024, PSC began connecting with HBOIERC students and their families. In late November, HBOIERC hosted a full week of immersive learning, giving students the same number of program hours that Winnipeg schools receive throughout the year. The week helped students learn how to apply to post-secondary education, build academic plans and prepare financially through scholarships, bursaries, sponsorship and savings strategies. They also explored how to balance school, recreation and extracurriculars and reconnected with culture through land-based learning with community members. Sessions also focused on student well-being, offering tools to address homesickness, culture shock and imposter syndrome.

Evenings were equally engaging with gym nights and a “Community Living Library” where students heard inspiring stories from local role models about their education journeys.

In February 2025, a group of HBOIERC students travelled to the University of Manitoba to experience campus life for the first time. They toured faculties, participated in hands-on activities, visited residence and spent time at the Active Living Centre — helping them picture what their own future could look like as university students.

Through these efforts, PSC is helping northern students build confidence, create future plans and feel supported as they begin their post-secondary journey. The program continues to grow with more opportunities ahead to connect students, families and communities with pathways to higher education.

Up to four renewable bursaries (each valued at $4,000 per year), are available to Indigenous students who have successfully completed either the Post-Secondary Club or (information and eligibility criteria are included in the attached application): Deadline June 1st. Successful recipients will be contacted by email by the end of July.

Bursary funds will be disbursed to tuition fees prior to the fall term deadline in October. If the bursary amount does not cover the full amount due for the fall term, it is the recipient's responsibility to pay the remaining amount owed by the fee deadline (to prevent late fee charges). If a successful recipient's tuition fees are being covered through sponsorship, a refund cheque for the amount of the bursary may be requested by the student after the fall term course revision deadline date.

Learn more on the UM Indigenous Awards page