Inuvialuit Education Foundation

On January 29, 1990, the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation created a registered charitable organization known as the Inuvialuit Education Foundation (IEF). The goal was to establish an organization that would provide educational assistance and encouragement to Inuvialuit students, without duplicating programs already available. The programs initiated were a Tutoring Program (provided academic support), a Mature Student Program (a supplementary funding program), and an Encouragement Program (an incentive program providing exposure to post-secondary institutions).

In May of 1992, the decision was made to move the IEF offices from Calgary to Inuvik. The move allowed staff to be closer to the students and communities to provide a better service to beneficiaries. The location change was followed by program changes. In 1993, a cooperative effort in both Inuvik and Aklavik allowed the IEF tutoring programs to partner with the schools and other Aboriginal organizations in those communities. The Mature Student Program became known as the Supplementary Funding Program.

From 1997 on, funding and administrative responsibility for the tutoring program in the Inuvialuit communities were devolved to the District Education Authorities. Other programs have remained and grown. The Supplementary Funding Program, most popular of the student support programs, is now known as the Post Secondary Financial Assistance Program. In addition, broad ranges of scholarships are available to Inuvialuit students. A summer camp with an educational focus has been in effect for several years. In the summer of 2000 the administration of these camps were devolved to Community Corporations.

In 2008 the IRC Board and staff determined that a thorough review of the Education and Training programs was required. This was completed by Outcrop Communications Ltd. A number of recommendations pertinent to university and college education resulting from the review are included in the policy.

Criteria for Post-Secondary Financial Assistance Program (PSFAP)

Final acceptance of students is dependent on all program criteria being met.

• IEF funding is secondary funding. To meet expenses, students must demonstrate a primary funding source, which may include but is not limited to funding through territorial or provincial student finance boards.
  
• A grade point average at the 70 percentile, or the equivalent GPA or alphabetical average in their previous academic year for the start of the new academic year or the previous semester for subsequent semesters in the academic year.
• Mature Students who do not have transcripts available within the previous (5) years are eligible for one semester only, after which they must present their transcript.
  
• Students must be enrolled full-time in university or college programs generally recognized through the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and the Association of Community Colleges of Canada for college level programs or as recognized by professional associations or certification boards.
  
• The post-secondary diploma or degree program must be a minimum of two years in length with the following exceptions:
  * Subject to available funds, students enrolled in Access, UCEP program or Pre-Technology programs may be eligible for a one-year period.
  
• “Fast track” diploma programs of less than 2 years will also be considered on a case-by-case basis for eligibility under the Post Secondary Financial Assistance Program.
  
• Beneficiaries with outstanding IEF loans will not be considered for further funding until repayment arrangements have been made.
  
• Applicants must have been resident in the NWT for 12 consecutive months before the start of their program in order to be eligible for the highest level of funding support. If an applicant has not been a resident of the NWT for 12 consecutive months before the start of the program, they may be eligible for the maximum funding if any of the following situations apply:
* The parent(s) having sole custody and control of the applicant was a resident of the NWT while the applicant was away at school;
* The parent(s) having sole control and custody of the applicant was temporarily out of the NWT for either a short-term (one year or less) work placement or to attend school;
* The applicant was attending school outside the NWT while receiving Student Financial Assistance from the Government of the NWT.

If none of the above situations apply, the applicant is only eligible to receive the lower level of funding.

Time Line for Applications

To be considered for funding the following time lines must be met:

• July 15 for September intake.
  
• November 15 for January intake.
  
• March 15 for Spring/Summer intake.
  
• Applications for other periods must be received six (6) weeks prior to the course start date.
  

Monthly Payment Level

The monthly payment level is determined as follows:

1. Residency: (a) Level 1 beneficiaries (beneficiaries residing in the NWT) - $500.00 per month; and (b) Level 2 beneficiaries (beneficiaries residing outside of the NWT) - $200.00 per month.
2. Support for eligible UCEP, Access, Pre-technology students will be subject to available funds remaining in the budget after all eligible diploma/degree students have been funded - $ 200.00 per month.
3. Support for students who maintain a permanent residence in an Inuvialuit community, and are pursuing post secondary diploma/degree programs in the designated careers as outlined in "Priority Career Designated Professions" will be eligible for an additional $300 per month. Note - Residence will be verified by using the Community Corporations’ membership list.
4. Support for Corporate Group staff that maintain a permanent residence in an Inuvialuit community, and are pursuing post secondary diploma/degree in the designated careers as outlined in 1.9 will be eligible for an additional $ 500.00 per month. Note - Residence will be verified by using the Community Corporations’ membership list.

Priority Career Designated Professions

The following designated careers identified by IRC as a priority for beneficiaries within the Inuvialuit Corporate Group and the Beaufort Delta education services and health services are eligible for additional funding:

• Bachelor of Business Administration or Commerce with a concentration in accounting or human resources plus applicable certifications or designations.
  
• Law degree following the completion of the required undergraduate degree.
  
• Information Technology Degree or an advanced two year diploma.
  
• Bachelor of Education.
  
• Bachelor of Nursing.

The designated career priority list will be reviewed every three (3) years to ensure currency with the Inuvialuit Corporate Group’s and the Inuvialuit communities requirements.

Students receiving the additional supplement for designated careers must agree to return to work in one of the Inuvialuit communities for a minimum of one year. The year must be within the one year period following completion of their degree or diploma.

Criteria for Scholarship Program

• Meeting the deadline for applications - July 15, with the exception of the Aviation scholarship.
• Students must have a minimum 75% average, equivalent GPA or alphabetical grade in their previous academic year.
• Two letters of support required.
• Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement; the level of involvement in community activities may be considered. 
• Funding from all scholarships is considered as income.  It is the responsibility of each student to claim any funding received as income.  IEF assumes no responsibility in this matter. 
• Only Diploma/Degree post secondary students are eligible for scholarships provided that they pass all criteria.  UCEP, Access and Pre-Technology students are not eligible for scholarships.

Masters Scholarship

1. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level program.
2. Final acceptance of students is at the discretion of the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation.

IDC Scholarships

1. Applicants must be enrolled in a Business or Education program.
2. Final approval is at the discretion of IEF and IDC.

Community Economic Development Organization Scholarship

1. Applicants must be enrolled in the following fields: Business Administration, Commerce or Economics.
2. Final approval is at the discretion of IRC.

Nelson Green-Joint Secretariat Memorial Scholarship

1. Applicants must be enrolled in the field of Environmental Science, Policy or Law.
2. Final approval is at the discretion of the Joint Secretariat and IRC.

Aklak Air & Canadian Helicopter Aviation Scholarship

1. Applicants must be enrolled in the following fields: Aviation Mechanics, Commercial Aviation Piloting, Aviation Management, or other related aviation careers.
2. Final approval is at the discretion of the President of Canadian Helicopters Ltd. and an IEF representative.

BP Canada Energy Company Scholarship

1. Preference will be given to those applicants enrolled in programs focusing on northern or environmental issues or programs, which provide business, technical or marine related training.
2. Final approval is at the discretion of BP Canada Energy Company and an IEF representative.

Dougie Irish Petroleum Scholarship

1. Preference will be given to those Applicants enrolled in Petroleum industry related studies.
2. Final approval will be at the discretion of the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation.

You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader installation on your computer to access these IEF documents.

• IEF Education & Training Policy (Revised) (63k)
• IEF Application (81k)