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 Shelly’s Bistro.

• May 2026 – Faculty of Education
  From May 20–22, students participated in the May on-campus visit in partnership with the Faculty of Education at UM. The event provided students with an opportunity to explore post-secondary education pathways while engaging in collaborative, hands-on learning activities led by faculty members, graduate students and academic staff.

• December 2025 –Asper School of Business (IBEP) 
  On December 10, 11 and 12, student groups participated in the Asper School of Business on-campus visit, an event designed to introduce participants to the UM campus and provide insight into post-secondary business education.

• May 2025 – Price Faculty of Engineering

• December 2024 – Faculty of Architecture
   

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 2025–2026 programming year, 568 students participated in PSC programming at least once, a significant increase from 467 students in 2024–2025. 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 2026 Culture Camp was held on May 6-7, 2026, at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge (home to the Indigenous Student Centre, UM Fort Garry campus). The camp welcomed four students from each Winnipeg school.

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.

2026 Culture Camp Daily Schedule

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 are now able to 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.

This past year marked an exciting step in the continued growth of the PSC program as we expanded our reach to Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. Beginning in Fall 2026, PSC will deliver programming at Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School, providing students with increased access to post-secondary exploration and support within their own community.

Throughout the spring, the PSC coordinators, together with the Director of Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations, made two visits to the community. The first visit introduced the PSC program to school staff and community members - highlighting its goals and opportunities for students. A second visit focused on confirming program delivery dates and finalizing plans for the upcoming school year. 

We are grateful for the warm welcome and collaborative partnerships with Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation and look forward to launching programming and supporting students in Fall 2026.