Free application initiative to directly address financial barriers, aimed at increasing Indigenous enrolment and success.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – For the month of January, RRC Polytech is waiving application and seat deposit fees for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program as part of its active commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and identifying and eliminating barriers that may affect Indigenous learners’ access to post-secondary education. 

This is the second year RRC Polytech has offered the initiative, building on the success of last year where the removal of this financial barrier led to over 500 applicants applying for programs at no cost during the month-long promotion period. As part of the College’s continued work to understand the needs of Indigenous learners and contribute to their success, removing this initial upfront cost of $119 fee along the seat deposit fee of $400 for applicants that receive offers, helps ensure students can be admitted to programs and leverage the supports and services available to them sooner. 

“We continue to build a foundation for change in identifying what barriers prospective students may face through research and conversations with communities and leaders, such as institutional barriers like access to funding, childcare, transportation, and relocation; and social barriers like culture shock, loneliness and isolation from leaving community, and the effects of intergenerational trauma on mental and emotional wellbeing,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business development.  

“Removing the application fee and the seat deposit is just one answer we’re exploring. Understanding barriers is one thing, knowing which ones have a bigger impact than the others and acting to address them is another.” 

Over the past year, RRC Polytech has taken on a first-of-its-kind initiative called Overcoming Barriers for Indigenous Students in Post-Secondary Education in partnership with Birchbark Collaborative and SecondMuse to understand the needs of Indigenous learners and how to contribute to their success.

Financial concerns were a common theme among the identified root factors that affect Indigenous students’ abilities to engage meaningfully with their educations. RRC Polytech reviewed the information gathered and where changes could be made, and reducing the financial requirements to participate in the process of applying was identified as a potential solution to a number of factors. 

Marshall Richard, Indigenous Student Recruiter at RRC Polytech, travels Manitoba as part of Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (CIPEM) with other post-secondary institutions to inform Indigenous students of programs and supports tailored for their success.  

“Waiving the initial $119 application fee can be a game-changer for high school students, single parents, or career changers who might hesitate to apply for a program. Once enrolled at RRC Polytech, students gain access to crucial support services that focus on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, all aimed at helping them succeed. It’s all about taking that first step, and removing the fee can make that step more accessible, opening the door to a brighter future,” said Richard. 

With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career.  

Indigenous learners also have access to the Indigenous Admissions Advisor, who provides support and guidance, and can help learners explore programs of interest, review requirements to qualify for admission, navigate application processes with respect to registration and required documents, and connect with other Indigenous student support team members. 

Learners are invited to create an RRC Polytech account and apply through our self-serve portal on our website or visit one of our Student Service Centres, located at D101 – 2055 Notre Dame Ave. and P104 – 160 Princess St. 

More information is available at rrc.ca/free.