New funding geared to enhance student areas

In an effort to support the growing number of Aboriginal students in six post-secondary institutions, $2.4 million will be dispersed from the Province for gathering places.
"We've committed $15 million to help all of our institutions either create gathering places or enhance the ones they have, which will encourage more Aboriginal people to enroll in post-secondary education, and help them succeed when they do," said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell in a news release.
The first round of funding will go towards gathering spaces in Northern Lights College, Kwantlen University College, the College of the Rockies, Langara College, the College of New Caledonia and Okanagan College.
"We are breaking down the barriers that have prevented so many of our Aboriginal people from being all they can be," said Coell.
This new funding comes from the $65 million Aboriginal post-secondary education strategy that was announced last year by Premier Gordon Campbell. It will provide up to $600,000 to each of B.C.'s public post-secondary institutions for students gathering places.
These aresas will provide Aboriginal students with a more comfortable setting where they will be able to meet in students offices and lounges.