Esquao: Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program provides government-funded support to help Indigenous students return to school, upgrade skills, and improve employment opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria:
• Identify as Indigenous women or gender non-conforming individuals (including non-status individuals)
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be 15 years or older
• Be unemployed, underemployed, or at risk of losing employment
• Be enrolled in a post-secondary program leading to employment
• In financial need due to financial shortfall from other potential and existing funding programs (Oteenow, band funding, Rupertsland Institute, Free Horse, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, etc.)

Funding can possibly include upgrading courses if they are part of the students education plan for post secondary.

Support may include tuition and textbooks, living expenses (some limits), child care costs. If you already receive support from another ISET program (e.g., Rupertsland Institute, band funding), you can still apply. Programs must coordinate to avoid overpayment. Funding is on a case by case, and individual need.

If approved, students must:
• Submit monthly attendance reports and grade updates
• Notify their case manager of any missed classes (attendance is required for continued funding)

Visit external link or contact Esquao at iaww@iaaw.ca if interested in applying.