Overview

School of Continuing Education
MacEwan.ca/PFP

The pimâcihisowin Foundation Program (PFP) is a study program designed to provide students with the skills needed to be successful in a post-secondary diploma or degree.

pimâcihisowin, which means “to create a life of independence” in Cree, is designed to address the gap between your high school credential and the requirements you need to be admitted into a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Geared primarily towards Indigenous students, pimâcihisowin includes cultural support, mentorship and ceremonial events that help you achieve your post-secondary goals.

The PFP is geared primarily towards Indigenous students and offers culturally appropriate education.

Program Completion

Successful completion of this program prepares students for further post-secondary studies at the undergraduate level. Upon completion of the pimâcihisowin Foundation Program, students are required to apply to a degree or diploma program. Completion of this program does not guarantee admission to another program.

Contact Information

T: 780-497-5382
E:  kw@macewan.ca

Program Requirements

The pimâcihisowin Foundation Program:

1. Provides Indigenous students the opportunity to meet admission requirements to a diploma-level or baccalaureate-level program
2. Offers students a supportive academic environment and an opportunity to gain transferable skills for a diploma or degree program
3. Includes a pimâcihisowin course, academic/life skills, tutoring and cultural supports throughout the program

Each student will receive:

• Up to 6 hours of individual/group mentorship per term
• a pimâcihisowin orientation (9 hours over 2 days), held prior to classes; the orientation will include university life skills, basic life skills and connections to resources and supports in the City of Edmonton and MacEwan University.
• A minimum of two Indigenous focused non-credit seminars per term, offered through kihêw waciston yearly programming
• Up to three high school equivalent courses per term to fulfill admission requirements or for competitive entry to programs
• Up to nine credits of post-secondary courses over two-to-three terms. These courses can be used by students to fulfill elective requirements.

Admission Requirements

Regular admission

Applicants must have a high school diploma and be 17 years of age by the beginning of the intake term. 

Mature admission

Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school for at least 1 year by the beginning of the intake term. High School diploma not required for mature students, but applicants must have a minimum of 50% in English 10-1 or English 10-2 (or equivalent).

Application Process

Online applications are processed through ApplyAlberta, an application service used by most post-secondary institutions in Alberta. You will need to pay a non-refundable application fee to complete your online application.

All applicants are required to provide official transcripts.

Transcripts from Alberta Institutions

All application are required to provide a Letter of Intent:

• Tell us about yourself and highlight your career and personal aspirations.
• How do you see this program benefitting your education journey.
• A maximum of 1000 words

Submit the required additional documents to the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre office after you have applied to the program and received a letter of acknowledgement from the Office of the University Registrar.