New Paths for Education

About the program

With an annual budget of $50 million, New Paths funds a variety of school-based projects directly involving First Nations students, parents and caregivers, teachers and communities. Funds can also be provided to First Nation education authorities and regional education/management organizations to build capacity and develop governance for local schools. The level of funding for successful proposals is determined on a case-by-case basis, and depends overall on available funding both nationally and regionally.

Projects funded under New Paths are designed to produce long-term benefits that will improve education quality and academic achievement of First Nation students, including:

• reduced teacher turnover
• enhanced coordination and support of First Nation education programs and services
• increased use and maintenance of First Nation languages
• increased availability and use of culturally appropriate and relevant curricula
• increased level of computer literacy
• enhanced quality and quantity of data to monitor and improve academic progress
• increased involvement of parents and communities in the education system
• enhanced awareness of the importance of education to potential career paths

The specific objectives of the program are to:

• strengthen First Nations education management and governance capacity by developing local and educational institutional capacity
• improve the effectiveness of classroom instruction through curriculum and language development, improvements to instructional methods and school activities
• support community and parental involvement in the education of children and youth
• assist band-operated schools to recruit and retain qualified teachers and educators, and to provide them with professional development opportunities
• enhance technical knowledge in schools

For 2017-2018, there are two additional calls for proposals for new activities beyond the regular New Paths program call described on this page with further specific objectives:

• Innovation activities
• Research, Measurement, Evaluation and Knowledge Transfer activities

Who can apply?

Band councils, or organizations designated by band councils, may submit proposals for regular New Paths funding.

For the two new activities, please consult the specific call pages above for eligibility.

Deadline

The deadline to submit a proposal for regular New Paths funds was May 1, 2017.

The deadline to submit a proposal for the new Innovation activities was May 15, 2017.

The deadline to submit a proposal for the new Research, Measurement, Evaluation and Knowledge Transfer activities was May 15, 2017.

How to apply?

Proposals for regular New Paths funding are accepted once a year through a call for proposals. For the two new activities, please consult the specific call pages above to find out how to apply.

Applicants must submit detailed electronic proposals for all projects to be funded by the program.

A sample proposal form is available.

Applicants who have access to the INAC's Services Portal should use the electronic form by opening a session on the portal. If you do not have access to the portal, please contact your regional office to get access to the portal.

INAC reviews and approves proposals. All proposals are assessed by these criteria.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to closely review the New Paths for Education : National Program Guidelines 2017-2018  before submitting an application.

To find out more, contact INAC by email at NPEP@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-800-567-9604 and ask to speak to an Education officer.

Related links

• New Paths for Education: National Program Guidelines 2016-2017