*ISAP STEM+ student design challenge

Workforce Development Project Success: ISAP STEM+

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, IMII is proud to share information about our Workforce Development Program aimed at increasing Indigenous involvement in STEM careers in the minerals industry. While the industry is increasingly efficient, sustainable, and safe, we also believe workforce development and diversity are critical. 

Reconciliation efforts are ongoing, and the devastating effects of residential schools still echo through Indigenous generations in Canada. This is brought to life in many ways, including a lack of access to educational opportunities that can lead to meaningful, lasting careers. 

We see this especially in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While efforts to include cultural relevance to curricula are ongoing, we saw an opportunity to create a specific learning environment that boosts Indigenous individuals’ access to STEM fields.

The mining sector is one of the largest sectors employing Indigenous people in Saskatchewan.  To continue this momentum and provide new opportunities for individuals and the industry alike, IMII funded the Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) STEM+ pilot project in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan.

 

University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP)

The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Arts and Sciences first adopted the ISAP concept in 2012 with the help of the Office of the Associate Dean of Indigenous Studies, led by Dr. Kristina Bidwell.  

ISAP was designed to build a community for Indigenous students and address common academic barriers. This optional program provides a post-secondary learning experience that is intentionally designed to create a successful academic community away from home. 

 

ISAP STEM+ Project Background

The goal of ISAP STEM+ was to boost career preparedness in Indigenous undergraduate students, improving their ability to enjoy successful careers in STEM. To reach this goal, the program provided the following for students: 

  • Culturally-informed coaching
  • Small cohort curricular learning
  • Mentored career exploration
  • Research experiences
*ISAP staff and peer mentors
*ISAP soil paint activity

 

The ISAP STEM+ Program in Action 

The STEM+ add-on to the ISAP program was developed to break down the barriers faced by  Indigenous women and mature Indigenous students. Through ISAP STEM+, the students have the opportunity to pursue STEM degree programs and STEM-informed career pathways in the vital Natural Resources and Mining industries. 

ISAP STEM+ was designed with careful thought and feedback. We recognized the diverse cultural and academic backgrounds of students, which helped us create a welcoming environment where they could feel empowered and supported. By addressing common challenges and identifying preparatory barriers, we shaped the curriculum to help students pursue their career goals. Small class sizes further strengthened this sense of community, making the learning experience more personal and engaging

A STEM+ coach expanded the students’ digital literacy, contributed to ‘soft skills,’ provided writing labs, and facilitated learning community gatherings. Guest speakers and storytelling were also prioritized to give students strong Indigenous role models and a culturally relevant experience. 

Lastly, peer-to-peer relationships and connections were put at the forefront.

Through surveys, conversations, and research, the ISAP STEM+ program learned that: 

  • Hands-on co-learning opportunities were highly impactful and culturally relevant. 
  • Community-building allowed for increased confidence and interest in STEM fields. 
  • Storytelling across cultural and professional experiences increased the meaningfulness of activities and lessons. 
  • Co-curricular activities supported the learning from the classrooms, reinforcing key information. 
  • The connections formed in this program last beyond and outside the classroom.

                                                                       

“One activity kind of gave me… a ‘breakthrough’. I was able to connect with my field in a personal way, something that I hadn’t necessarily really done before. It’s motivated me to stay in STEM and made me feel like it’s the right thing to do to persist even when sometimes the material is hard or foreign-feeling.” — ISAP STEM+ student participant  

 

The Results

It’s gratifying to see the impacts of the ISAP STEM+ program. The University of Saskatchewan team tackled this project with enthusiasm and deliberation, providing an excellent experience for the students. 

Here were some of the program highlights: 

  • 18 of 25 the Indigenous students who were nominated by their departments for Indigenous achievement awards were ISAP alumni. 
  • A survey collected at the end of Winter Term 2024 showed that 93% of the ISAP STEM+ students found the learning community model helped them “clarify their personal goals and academic path.” 
  • 100% of ISAP students said they would recommend the program to a friend or family member! 

IMII is incredibly proud to be part of this impactful project. Thank you to our partners at the University of Saskatchewan for providing this successful opportunity for Indigenous students to excel in STEM careers. We look forward to a bright future for the ISAP program. 

You can learn more about the results of the ISAP STEM+ project here

For information about past and present Workforce Development programs and opportunities, visit our website