Today, Indigenous learners interested in pursuing a career in Manitoba’s information technology (IT) sector will have access to a new program offered at RRC Polytech, thanks to a $450,000 gift from RBC.

This most recent gift — alongside funding for other programs and platforms that connect diverse students to their ideas, potential, and one another — makes for a million-dollar friendship.

“When community partners like RBC connect with RRC Polytech to create globally needed programs, we’re ready to answer the call,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“This new pathway program is designed to equip Indigenous Manitobans with the skills and support required to transition into selected programs at RRC Polytech. With the move to remote and hybrid work and heavy reliance on technology, the world of IT operations is growing every day, and RRC Polytech’s students are in high demand.”

RBC has been a longstanding partner of RRC Polytech, and today, both organizations are celebrating over $1M in support. These gifts have provided mentorship and internship opportunities for students through such initiatives as Ten Thousand Coffees and Riipen, and sponsorship for the annual Directions Conference. They have also made possible a series of Reaction by Collision events, the latest of which served as host to today’s announcement about the new Pathway to Information Technology Programs offering.

“We at RBC are delighted to support the new Pathway to Information Technology Programs with this gift,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC’s Regional President. “Representation in industry, access to education, and tapping into the incredible talents of Indigenous people matters to all of us. We are so proud to further deepen our longtime friendship with RRC Polytech, while helping give space to new and innovative ideas in areas of information technology.”     

Pathways are exploratory and preparatory programs that provide Indigenous Manitobans with the skills and supports required to transition into selected RRC programs by increasing their academic, personal, social and financial readiness.

This is the RRC Polytech’s fourth Pathway program, showcasing the success of this model and the demand for these types of programs that increase opportunities for Indigenous students in various sectors. Pathway to Information Technology Programs will prepare and empower students to participate in RRC Polytech’s IT Operations, Information Security and Business Information Technology programs.

When students have selected a career path and are ready to transition into an RRC Polytech program, the Pathways offer the added benefit of dedicated seats for Indigenous students, in an effort to remove the barrier of long program wait lists.

Learn more about RRC Polytech’s Pathway programs.

Shown above: Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech; Paul Guimond, Elder-in-Residence, RRC Polytech; Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech; Herb Zobell, Vice-President of Indigenous Markets, RBC; and Sean Rayland-Boubar, Owner and Founder, Red Rebel Armour and RRC Polytech grad.