Overview
Our Indigenous Pathways Program offers a series of courses and experiences to ease your transition into further study at SAIT or other post-secondary schools.
This three-semester, 12-month program begins at the Grade 9 level and ends with your completion of Grade 11 and 12 courses.
You will experience a blend of academic courses, cultural activities and post-secondary readiness sessions in a welcoming and supportive environment. You will engage with a group of like-minded Indigenous learners who share your commitment to pursuing post-secondary education and a new career.
Our program team partners with you to support your academic, cultural and personal success. From program applications to funding applications to connecting you with services and supports, we will walk alongside you throughout your learning journey.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will:
- meet the minimum Math and English requirements for entry into many SAIT programs and some programs at other post-secondary schools
- know how to access services and support in post-secondary school to help you achieve your goals.
Supports and services
A dedicated student advisor will act as your personal coach. They will be available to support you throughout this program with any challenges you may experience. They will also assist you with long-term career planning and connect you with services that will support your success.
You will receive mentorship and insight from Elders and knowledge-keepers. You will engage in cultural activities with those in your program.
Finally, you will have access to all the services SAIT has to offer including our recreation facilities, learning support services, employment centre sessions and counselling. A transit pass is included as part of your tuition funding.
Get important updates about our programs
Prepare for SAIT programs
Students complete upgrading courses in order to meet the admission requirements for programs at SAIT and most other post-secondary education institutions in Alberta.
Interested in starting this fall?
Tuition and fees
Tuition for this program is fully funded by the provincial government.
We will help you apply for tuition and living allowance coverage if you are accepted into this program.
Admission requirements
You will be offered admission to this program if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Why upgrade at SAIT?
Upgrade or complete high school course equivalencies in English, mathematics and sciences. Our flexible learning options will prepare you for admission to SAIT's career programs.
Admission requirements
Admission dates
There is one intake per year for this program.
| Intake semester | Semester begins | Applications open |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Jan. 19, 2023 (applications closed) |
| Fall 2024 | September 2024 | January 2024 |
*In some instances, domestic applications will be accepted after the application deadline. In that case, the program's intake status will remain open.
Program requirements
To meet the admission requirements for the Indigenous Pathways Program, students need to complete the following steps:
Step one: Complete our expression of interest form then follow the steps outlined in the email you receive once you have completed the form. That email contains the following steps:
- Register and attend either a virtual or an in-person information session
- Acquire a SAIT ID number (if you do not already have one)
- Complete the required placement tests
- Submit a Letter of Intent
- Submit an Expression of Interest form
If successful through the selection process, you will then be invited to:
Step two: Attend a funding application workshop
Step three: Complete the Indigenous Pathways application form.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year's start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
Program length and commitment
Learners must be able to commit to 20 hours of classes each week and attend the entire program.
Placement test
To demonstrate academic readiness for the courses that form part of the Indigenous Pathways Program you are required to complete an English placement test and a math placement test. Students are expected to take these tests without the use of external resources (including calculators, the internet or another person to assist them).
The English placement test consists of multiple-choice questions on English comprehension, grammar and a written paragraph on a topic indicated in the test. A passing mark of 60% must be obtained to fulfil English academic readiness for the program. Students have up to 150 minutes to complete the English test. The level for this test is approximately Grade 9. Students only have one attempt to take this test.
The mathematics test consists of 20 – 25 multiple-choice questions which must be done without the use of a calculator. A passing mark of 60% must be obtained to fulfil the mathematic academic readiness for the program. Students have up to 70 minutes to complete the mathematics test. The level for this test is at approximately grade 8. There are two versions of the test so a student can take a second version of the test if they are unsuccessful with their first attempt. Each version may only be attempted once. Please download and use the study guide linked below before attempting the MATH-100 placement test.
| Course | Educational equivalent | Placement Test Guide | Formula Sheet | Attempt One | Attempt Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH-100 | Math 9 | MATH-100 | N/A | ||
| COMN-180 | ELA 10-1 | COMN-180 | N/A | Take the test |
Courses
Semester 1 (September-December)
| Course code | Course name |
|---|---|
| PREP 100 | SAIT Readiness |
| Develop the skills you need to balance your personal and academic life at SAIT (45 semester hours). | |
| COMP 261 | Computer Essentials |
| Gain practical skills in Windows file management, internet, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software (45 semester hours). | |
| MATH 100 | Grade 9 Math |
| Cover the basics and prepare for further studies in mathematics. Topics include operations on whole and real numbers, fractions, decimals and more (90 semester hours). | |
| COMN 180 | Grade 10 English and Applied Community Project |
| Focus on writing sentences, paragraphs, emails and essays. Further develop your verbal and written communication skills by working with an Indigenous community to identify a research topic (90 semester hours). | |
Semester 2 (January-April)
| Course code | Course name |
|---|---|
| MATH 180 | Grade 10 Math |
| Develop a basic understanding of algebra, number systems, measurement, trigonometry, relations and functions and more (90 semester hours). | |
| COMM 181 | Grade 11 English and Applied Community Project |
| Explore different types of literature through primary and secondary research on a topic of interest related to an Indigenous community (90 semester hours). | |
| Choice of (choose one): | |
| ASPC 180 | Science Preparation |
| Develop the basic science and math skills you need to move on to higher level chemistry and physics courses. (90 semester hours) | |
| BIOL 181 | Grade 11 Biology |
| Explore the biosphere, diversity of life, cell structure and function, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, as well as selected topics in human anatomy (90 semester hours). | |
Semester 3 (May-August)
| Course code | Course name |
|---|---|
| MATH 181 | Grade 11 Math |
| Dig deeper into algebra, trigonometry, relations and functions through learning about expressions and equations, trigonometric ratios and more (90 semester hours). | |
| COMM 182 | Grade 12 English and Applied Community Project |
| Build on your understanding of primary and secondary research and referencing through exploring a variety of literary and visual content. Analyze your research and present your findings to community members (90 semester hours). | |
| Choice of (choose one): | |
| BIOL 182 | Grade 12 Biology |
| Investigate the nervous and endocrine systems, human reproduction and development, molecular and classical genetics, cell division and populations and communities (90 semester hours). | |
| CHEM 181 | Grade 11 Chemistry |
| Apply mathematical, scientific and laboratory standards for chemical measurement, elements and compounds. Learn about atomic theory and more (90 semester hours). | |
| PHYS 181 | Grade 11 Physics |
| Explore dynamics, circular motion, work and energy, oscillatory motion and mechanical waves. Problem solve technological challenges (90 semester hours). | |
Cultural mentorship courses
Every semester, students will also take cultural mentorship courses by participating in Indigenous coaching, advising and mentorship to support the application of learning strategies and personal skills, as well as Indigenous cultural practices (30 hours per semester).
Next steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place closer to the program start date. Watch your inbox for details.
How to register for classes
You'll be registered in your courses by the program academic chair.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required textbooks
The Fall 2023 booklist will be available in late August.
You will need a laptop or computer for your COMP 261 course. Please note, Chromebooks are not compatible with this course.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4028
Email: chinook.lodge@sait.ca
Indigenous Student Advisor
Tapaarjuk Moore
Email: tapaarjuk.moore@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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