October 28, 2021
IBM Canada, in partnership with Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO), Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC),officially launched the Unama'ki Pathways in Technology, Early College High School (P-TECH) on Tuesday October 12th in Eskasoni. The Unama’ki P-TECH model offers integrated high school and college curriculum focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). It will enable the Unama’ki students to graduate with a high school diploma, and an industry aligned, two-year college diploma, with workplace experiences within six years or less.
The unique part of this program is that it will not only teach programming and critical thinking, but will also incorporate Mi’kmaq culture and language in the program which is so important for our students.
"I am very excited that our students are able to take part in the P-TECH program," said Chief Leroy. "The field of technology is growing exponentially with each passing year. This program is able to provide our students with the type of programming and experience that gives them the advantage to move right into the field after graduation. We are very happy that we are able to host this program right here in Eskasoni for high school students from around Unama'ki."
As of now, students from Eskasoni, We'koqma'q and Wagmatcook are participating in the program but it is open to all communities in Unama'ki and we are hopeful that we can expand the program in the future to be able to offer it to all Mi'kmaw communities across the province.
