Summary

• Celebrating 10 years, the Qualico Bridge to Success program has helped more than 500 Indigenous students thrive at the University of Manitoba.
• The program builds confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging through mentorship, academic support, and community experiences.
• Qualico’s ongoing partnership continues to create opportunities for Indigenous students through funding, internships, and mentorship.

Winnipeg, MB – For 10 years, the Qualico Bridge to Success (QBTS) program has helped Indigenous students make a successful transition into university life, creating opportunities, connections, and confidence that continue long after their first year.

Launched through a partnership between Qualico and the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Student Centre, the program was created to help Indigenous students navigate entering post-secondary education, which can be challenging. This fall, the milestone was celebrated during Indigenous Orientation, an event that is sponsored by the program.

Since its early days, the QBTS program has experienced significant growth and impact.

“I’m proud of how fast the program grew when it initially started and that we’ve consistently been able to have an impact on a high number of students every year,” said Carla Loewen, Director, Indigenous Student Centre. “I started the program in 2016 as a soft launch when I was a student advisor and program coordinator, and I think there were about 20 students. We now cap it at 65 students per year, which is a high number for any kind of student program.”

Creating belonging from day one

The program was designed to address a gap in support for first-year Indigenous students entering a large post-secondary institution.

Carla noted that many students are navigating multiple transitions at once, including moving from smaller communities to Winnipeg, balancing family responsibilities, and adjusting to university expectations. While these are consistent challenges for new students, students are also navigating a rapidly changing learning environment shaped by evolving technology and new tools.

A sense of community remains at the heart of the program.

“Sense of belonging has always been a core component of our programming,” said Carla. “The team strongly believes that community building is very important.”

Before classes begin, QBTS students participate in pre-orientation activities that help them connect with their peers. Throughout the academic year, they gather regularly for academic workshops, shared meals, and community-building experiences across Winnipeg.

Carla said one of her favourite examples of the program’s impact involves a student she met at an information fair years ago, Chloe Drielich-Girard. After learning about the support available through QBTS program, the student enrolled at the University of Manitoba, later becoming involved in mentorship, student councils, and leadership programs, and is now a practicing lawyer with two university degrees.

A partnership that extends beyond funding

Over the past decade, Qualico’s support has evolved beyond sponsorship to include summer work internships, mentorship, and other opportunities that connect students with industry and community leaders.

“The long-term commitment is important because it helps the Indigenous Student Centre provide a strong support program for students, but it’s also a community partnership as well,” said Carla. “The donor sponsorship is one thing. There’s also the community mentoring that happens within the summer intern placement, as well as Qualico’s overall commitment to giving other things to student life like Bomber tickets.”

For Qualico, the program aligns closely with the company’s values and commitment to supporting the communities where it builds and operates.

“The impact of the Qualico Bridge to Success program over the past decade has been incredible to see,” said Bryan Ward, Regional Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan, Qualico. “Supporting programs like this is an important part of our corporate responsibility efforts and reflects our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and build. We couldn’t be happier to see the program continue to thrive, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on students in the future.”

Looking ahead

As Indigenous student enrolment continues to grow at the University of Manitoba, so does the opportunity to expand the program’s reach.

“Our goal with QBTS will always be to support even more students,” said Carla. “We’re always thinking about how to grow our programming to increase the ways in which we can support students.”

A decade after its launch, the Qualico Bridge to Success program has supported more than 500 students and continues to help young people build the skills, connections and confidence they need to succeed. At the same time, it is strengthening a partnership that is creating lasting change for future generations.