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.