Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative comes to Ontario


The province is partnering with the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative to support the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.
Through hands-on activities, Aboriginal students will learn how to develop a business plan and create a product- or service-based business. Students will be mentored by established Aboriginal business owners, and eligible students will get funding to start their own businesses. Pilot programs will begin in September 2014 for students in grades 11 and 12 in Fort Frances, Kenora, London, Sioux Lookout, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Wallaceburg. The provincial government is investing $1.35 million over three years in the pilot program, where students can earn two credits towards high school graduation. Students who participated in the program in other provinces had improved attendance, increased self-confidence, motivation to pursue post-secondary options, and enhanced skill development in entrepreneurship.