Innovative Approaches to Inuit Learning Webinar, Powerpoint Presentation by Jodie Lane, Education Counsellor for Nunatsiavut Government on April 18, 2013

1. Preparation is Key
The Evolution of a Successful
Post Secondary Student
Jodie Lane, B.A, M.Ed.
PSSSP Education Counselor
Nunatsiavut Government
Makkovik, NL

2. What is the PSSSP?
• Post Secondary Student Support
Program is fully funded by the
Federal Department of Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development
• Began providing support in 1987/88
• Started with a 25K budget which
grew to 100K in the first year
• Initial staff consisted of 1.5 full-time
positions
• 45-50 students in the first year

3. History
• By the late 90s, the staff had grown to three
full time positions (Administrator,
Accountant, and Secretary), one contract
position (Education Counselor), and one
joint position cost shared with Memorial
University (Native Liaison Officer)
• In July 2000, EC position was made
permanent and since then, two new
positions have been created (Education
Officer and Financial Assistant)
• Budget has grown to just over $2.1 million
annually
• Now fund on average 200 students per year
(approximately 160 full time and 40 part
time)
• To date, 681 graduates from 837 different
programs.
• An estimated 30-50 graduates per year

4. About the PSSSP
• An assistance program designed to
help Beneficiaries of the LILCA access
post-secondary education
• Public institutions, with programs
ranging from transitional years,
certificates, diplomas, undergraduate
degrees, masters and Ph.Ds.
• Provides tuition, books, travel and
living allowance
• Sister-funding agency: Inuit
Pathways (funded through Service
Canada and Human Resources Skills
Development Canada)

5. Evolution
• Started out assisting those who came
forward, ready to go to school
• Large number of students were ill
prepared on a variety of levels:
academically, socially, emotionally,
financially
• Resulted in high absenteeism, social
issues, poor academic performance,
and financial consequences
• No permanent guidance counselor
positions in our five Nunatsiavut
schools
• Identified the need for earlier
intervention . . .

6. Early Intervention
Initiatives
• Education Counselor position evolved
to not just help those that came
forward, but to now promote
education and to recruit and prepare
future post secondary students
• Introduction of Cool Ed logo
• Promotional materials
• Cool Ed himself
• The LEARN Game
• Cool Ed’s Cool Careers activity book

7. Cool Ed

8. Education and
Career Promotion
• Stay in School initiatives
• K-8 age specific presentations
• Grade 9 presentation and beginning
of career counseling profile
• Grade 10-12 presentations focusing
on high school course selection,
graduation requirements, career
exploration, and information on
funding
• Career Trips
• Youth Symposiums – Career Fair
• Contact with mature clientele and
undereducated youth

9. Awareness
• Parent Information Sessions
• Grade 9 Night
• Funding Information
• Principal Information
Session
• Radio interviews
• Newsletters
• Poster project

10. Poster Project

11. After they apply for
funding
Once a person applies for school and
then applies for funding, a lengthy
process begins for the future student to
help him/her prepare for this life-
changing journey. The goal is to find a
balance between guiding the student
and fostering independence from the
system.
• Preparatory workshop (in past years)
• Applicant worksheet
• Counseling sessions

12. Results
• There have been many ups and downs in
terms of student achievement.
• Currently we are in the midst of a trend
whereby students are becoming less
dependent on the services of the PSSSP and
are leaving home more prepared
• Students have had access to the ECs
presentation and counseling services for 12
years now and this is beginning to show
• Higher attainment rate
• Higher graduation rate
• Very few students are removed
• More students are continuing on to
do a second program after graduation

13. Success Stories
• Partnerships with the College of the North
Atlantic (CNA) and Memorial University of
Newfoundland (MUN)
• Aboriginal Bridging Program
• Comprehensive Arts & Science (CAS)
Transition and Transfer
• IINAP
• IBSW
• Partnering with the Labrador School Board
to jointly provide better career services to
students in Nunatsiavut
• Grade 9 career trip
• Parent Information session
• Presentation to principals on funding

14. Nakummek