Bridging Program: A Journey to Health Careers for Mushkegowuk Youth

Image courtesy of Roger Lamothe

Bridging Program: A Journey to Health Careers for Mushkegowuk Youth

A supported pathway to health careers, close to home

The Bridging Program is a 10-month bridging program for Mushkegowuk youth interested in healthcare careers and postsecondary health sciences pathways.

Designed for a small cohort, the Bridging Program brings together academic upgrading, healthcare exposure, housing, and postsecondary preparation within the Mushkegowuk region, including preparation for the future Bachelor of Health Sciences program in Moosonee.

* The Bridging Program has been temporarily paused to allow for a comprehensive planning period. This ensures we can evaluate the program’s direction and strengthen its alignment with community needs. We look forward to resuming activities once this work is complete.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Program details

What is Meskanaw?

Meskanaw is a 10-month bridging program for Mushkegowuk youth (approx. ages 18-25) interested in healthcare careers and university health sciences pathways.

Students in the program complete the high school prerequisites needed for future university studies, which may include 3U and/or 4U science, math, and English courses depending on individual student needs and goals.

Alongside academics, students receive housing in Moosonee (if needed), tutoring, mentorship, cultural programming, and exposure to healthcare careers and learning opportunities within the region.

Where is the program located?

The program is based in Moosonee, Ontario. Academics will operate out of the Northern College campus at 24 First Street.

Students participating in the program will live and learn in Moosonee while completing online coursework and participating in program activities.

How long is the program?

The program runs for 10 months, from September 2026 to June 2027.

Students will have scheduled breaks throughout the year, including holiday breaks and a spring hunt break.

What does the program include?

Meskanaw includes:

High school prerequisite courses (3U and/or 4U depending on student needs)
Housing in Moosonee
Financial support for students participating in healthcare learning opportunities
Academic tutoring and study support
Mentorship and cultural programming
Exposure to healthcare careers and healthcare environments
Postsecondary preparation and application support
A supportive environment in which to live, work, study, and plan for the future

What comes after this program?

Meskanaw is designed to help prepare students for future university health sciences pathways, including the planned Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program Queen’s University will be hosting in Moosonee.

Students will be encouraged, but not required, to apply to this BHSc program following completion of Meskanaw.

Questions for students

Who can apply?

Applications should:

Be between 18-25 years of age, however older students will be considered on an individual basis.
Be Indigenous
Have strong ties to Mushkegowuk / Treaty 9 communities
Be interested in healthcare careers or health sciences pathways
Need prerequisite high school courses in subjects such as science, math, or English and/or other courses need for grade improvement in university applications

The first cohort will be intentionally small so students can receive strong academic and personal support throughout the program.

Do I need all my prerequisite courses already?

No.

The program is specifically designed for students who still need prerequisite courses in areas like science, math, or English courses for future university health sciences pathways.

What kinds of careers does the program focus on?

This program is designed to support students in pursuing a career in health sciences. Students may be interested in careers such as:

Students do not need to know exactly which healthcare career they want to pursue before applying. They will be introduced to these careers throughout the program.

What kinds of healthcare learning opportunities are included?

Students will have opportunities to learn more about healthcare careers through supported healthcare and community-learning experiences.

Examples may include:

Shadowing healthcare workers
Visiting healthcare settings and organizations
Participating in community wellness initiatives
Speaking with healthcare professionals and mentors
Learning about healthcare careers and pathways
Participating in professional development activities

These opportunities are designed to help students build confidence, explore healthcare careers, and strengthen professional skills.

What academic support will students receive?

Students will receive significant academic support throughout the program.

This includes:

A dedicated educator to support online learning
Subject-specific tutoring
Academic skills workshops
Support with organization and time management
Mentorship and regular check-ins
Postsecondary application support

The goal is to help students build the skills and confidence needed for future university studies.

Can I still apply if I’ve been out of school for a while?

Yes.

Students may apply whether they are currently in secondary school, recently graduated, or have been out of school for some time. Meskanaw is designed to support students preparing for future health sciences pathways, including students returning to learning or completing prerequisite courses.

What if I’m missing multiple courses?

Students can earn up to four high school credits through this program.

Individual student learning plans will depend on transcripts, academic goals, and available program supports. The program is designed to help students complete prerequisites needed for future university health sciences pathways.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applicants are students who demonstrate interest in healthcare pathways, motivation to continue their education, and readiness to participate in an intensive supported learning environment.

We are especially interested in students who:

Are interested in pursuing future health sciences pathways, including the planned Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program in Moosonee
Demonstrate a commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of Mushkegowuk peoples and communities
Are interested in learning from and contributing to community
Are open to mentorship, growth, and new learning experiences
Are motivated to prepare for future postsecondary education and healthcare careers

The program is not only looking at grades. We are also interested in students who are curious, community-minded, committed, and ready to grow through the opportunities and supports offered through Meskanaw.

Can someone help me with my application?

Yes.

To help students through the application process, Meskanaw will offer:

Virtual information and application workshops
Short videos explaining different parts of the application
Updates and information through the Meskanaw Facebook page
Direct support by email for students and families with questions
The Meskanaw team is also available to support students, families, schools, and communities throughout the application process, including:
o Understanding eligibility
o Gathering documents
o Completing the application form
o Answering questions about the program
o Discussing future education pathways

Students are encouraged to reach out early if they need help or are unsure about any part of the application process. Please email waha.hpe@queensu.ca with any questions.

What kinds of students is this program designed for?

Meskanaw is designed for students who are interested in healthcare careers and looking for support preparing for future university studies.

Students who may benefit from the program include those who:

are motivated to continue their education
are interested in healthcare or helping professions
need prerequisite courses or academic upgrading
would benefit from mentorship and academic support
want to remain connected to community while preparing for future pathways

Students do not need to have a clear future path defined before applying.

When will I hear back?

Students can expect to hear back from the program team in mid-July 2026. Move-in will begin near the end of August, with courses beginning after Labour Day.

What happens after the program ends?

At the end of the program, students will participate in a year-end celebration recognizing their work and achievements throughout Meskanaw.

Students will receive support exploring next steps following the program, including university and college healthcare pathways. This may include support with applications, planning, and transitions into future studies.

Students interested in the planned Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program in Moosonee will also continue to receive guidance and support as they prepare for future applications and pathways.

Questions for parents, caregivers, and families

How will students be supported during the program?

Meskanaw is designed as a supported cohort program focused on helping students succeed academically and personally.

Students will have access to:

Academic tutoring and mentoring
Cultural programming and community support
Postsecondary preparation support
Program staff and mentors
Structured learning opportunities and regular check-ins

The first cohort is intentionally small so students can receive individualized attention and support.

Is housing provided?

Yes.

Housing in Moosonee is available for students who require accommodation while participating in the program.

Housing includes furnished shared homes with utilities and Wi-Fi included.

What will student housing be like?

Students will live in shared detached or semi-detached homes with other students in the program.

Students will have:

Their own bedroom
Shared kitchen and living spaces
Access to Wi-Fi and utilities

Students will be responsible for purchasing and preparing their own meals.
Additional information about housing expectations and student supports will be shared with accepted students and families before the program begins.

Will students remain connected to community and culture during the program?

Yes.

Community connection and cultural support are important parts of Meskanaw. The program includes cultural programming, mentorship, and opportunities for students to remain connected to community while preparing for future education pathways.

What healthcare or wellness supports will be available to students?

Information about healthcare and wellness supports available to students during the program will be shared with accepted students and families before the program begins.

Students will also be connected with local supports and program staff throughout the year.

Questions for educators, guidance counsellors, and community partners

What students may be a strong fit for this program?

Students who may benefit from Meskanaw include those who:

Are interested in healthcare careers or health sciences pathways
Have demonstrated academic potential and motivation
Need prerequisite courses for university health sciences applications
Would benefit from a structured and supportive transition year
Want to remain connected to community while preparing for future studies

Students do not need to have every aspect of their future pathway figured out before applying.

What kinds of students should educators encourage to apply?

Educators, guidance counsellors, and community partners are encouraged to identify students who:

Show interest in healthcare or helping professions
Have strong potential but may lack prerequisite courses
Would benefit from additional academic support and mentorship
Are interested in pursuing further education while remaining connected to community
May not otherwise have access to supported pathways into health sciences

How can educators or guidance counsellors support students through the application process?

Educators and guidance counsellors can support students by:

Encouraging students to apply early
Helping students gather transcripts and required documents
Discussing healthcare and university pathways with students
Supporting students with references or application materials
Connecting students with the Meskanaw team if additional support is needed

What documents are required for the application?

Applications will include:

Online application form
Secondary school transcripts
References
Personal statement

Students selected for the program will also be asked to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (CPIC).

What if a student does not yet have a Vulnerable Sector Check (CPIC)?

Students selected for the program will receive support navigating the Vulnerable Sector Check process.

Depending on individual circumstances, additional guidance and support may also be available.

Applications and costs

How much does the program cost?

There are no tuition or housing costs for students participating in the program.

The program is funded through the Government of Ontario.

Students will still be responsible for personal expenses such as groceries and personal items. All students will be provided with cost-of-living support to offset these expenses.

How do students apply?

Students will apply through the online application form available on this website.

Applications for the first cohort open May 22, 2026.

Because spaces are limited and timelines are short, students are encouraged to begin preparing application materials early.

What if students or families need help applying?

The Meskanaw team is available to support students, families, schools, and communities throughout the application process.
Support is available for:

Understanding eligibility
Completing application forms
Gathering documents
Postsecondary planning questions
General program questions

Students and families are encouraged to reach out early if they have questions or need support.

Bridging Program: A Journey to Health Careers for Mushkegowuk Youth

Bringing Program: A Journey to Health Careers for Mushkegowuk Youth

Bridging Program: A Journey to Health Careers for Mushkegowuk Youth

Information sessions

Upcoming sessions:
View details on Facebook »

For educators, guidance counsellors, and community partners

What is Meskanaw?

Where is the program located?

How long is the program?

What does the program include?

What comes after this program?

Who can apply?

Do I need all my prerequisite courses already?

What kinds of careers does the program focus on?

What kinds of healthcare learning opportunities are included?

What academic support will students receive?

Can I still apply if I’ve been out of school for a while?

What if I’m missing multiple courses?

What makes a strong application?

Can someone help me with my application?

What kinds of students is this program designed for?

When will I hear back?

What happens after the program ends?

How will students be supported during the program?

Is housing provided?

What will student housing be like?

Will students remain connected to community and culture during the program?

What healthcare or wellness supports will be available to students?

What students may be a strong fit for this program?

What kinds of students should educators encourage to apply?

How can educators or guidance counsellors support students through the application process?

What documents are required for the application?

What if a student does not yet have a Vulnerable Sector Check (CPIC)?

How much does the program cost?

How do students apply?

What if students or families need help applying?