ONCAT Funding Expands Education and Engineering Pathways for Indigenous Learners and Military Personnel
Toronto, Ont. – Dr. Adrienne Galway, President and CEO of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), announced funding to support projects that help students access postsecondary opportunities across Ontario’s public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, ONCAT awarded $2.04 million in funding for 29 institutional projects.
“ONCAT’s funding for institutional projects will reduce barriers and smooth transitions for learners,” said Dr. Galway. “We prioritize innovative initiatives with the potential to scale or be adopted across institutions, that help learners successfully navigate their academic journey and receive appropriate recognition for previous academic and work experience. Our mission is to ensure that learners complete their postsecondary credentials and transition successfully into the workforce."
“Our province’s postsecondary education programs are building Ontario’s workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Our government is proud to support ONCAT and their critical efforts to reduce barriers for students looking to get the training they need to begin successful careers that meet our province’s labour market needs.”
“Lakehead University thanks ONCAT for supporting these three impactful projects that will help students access and navigate postsecondary opportunities,” said Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, Lakehead’s Associate Vice-Provost (Academic). “Through collaboration with other post-secondary and education partners, these projects strengthen Lakehead’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, inclusive learning opportunities for Indigenous learners and serving members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Creating Engineering Pathways for Military-connected Learners ($95,000)
Lead institution: Lakehead University
Partner organization: Georgian College
Project summary: Led by Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Faculty of Engineering, this project will develop specialized pathways for military-connected learners to enroll in accredited Bachelor of Engineering programs. By recognizing the skills and experiences from the Canadian Armed Forces, the project will expand access to programs that support in-demand labour market sectors.
Expanding Pathways for Education-related Programs ($60,000)
Lead institution: Lakehead University
Partner organizations: Confederation College, Georgian College
Project summary: Led by Kaylin Kainulainen and Dr. Tanya Kaefer from the Faculty of Education and Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu this project expands pathway opportunities for Education-related diploma and degree programs. By supporting learners from Central and Northern Ontario with pathways into the Keewatinase Indigenous Teacher Education program, the project improves access to postsecondary education and in-demand careers.
Actualizing Indigenous Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition ($100,000)
Partner organizations: Six Nations Polytechnic, Canadore College, Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services
Project summary: Led by Dr. Anita Vaillancourt, School of Social Work, and with participation also from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Department of Indigenous Learning, and the Faculty of Education, this project facilitates the co-creation of Indigenous Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition knowledge and strategies. The project will support the multi-institutional development of policies and practices that promote culturally relevant postsecondary education for Indigenous learners.
For a complete overview of 2024-25 ONCAT-funded institutional projects, visit oncat.ca.