UM Today: Verna J. Kirkness Program encourages youth for 10th year
This week, Grade 11 students from 12 different communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are taking part in the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program at the University of Manitoba. In partnership with the university, the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Foundation is hosting the program on campus for the 10th time.
Verna Kirkness is from Fisher River Cree Nation. She earned a teaching diploma in the 1950s. During her time in the classroom she noticed a disparity in graduation rates of Indigenous students. She wanted to change that.