Medical Careers Exploration Program
Mashkiki Makwa | Muskike Muskwa
Are you an Indigenous student interested in a career in healthcare?
The Medical Careers Exploration Program (MCEP) is a Senior Years program for Indigenous students in Grades 10 to 12. Indigenous representation at all levels of healthcare is important, and MCEP helps students explore meaningful career pathways in the medical field.
Through strong community partnerships, including Pan Am Clinic and healthcare facilities across Winnipeg, students participate in hands-on practicums that provide real-world experience in hospitals and clinics.
MCEP launched in 2007 with Children of the Earth High School. It now partners with all of Winnipeg School Division and South-East Collegiate.
What Students Gain
MCEP provides opportunities, mentorship, and financial support to help students prepare for post-secondary education and careers in healthcare.
- Practicum placements twice a month
- Opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals
- CPR certification and post-secondary information sessions
- Cultural learning with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Scholarships of up to $3,000 for completing the program
About the Program
The Medical Careers Exploration Program (MCEP) is exclusively offered to Indigenous students in Grades 10 through 12.
The program provides hands-on, in-depth introductions to the vast array of exciting career opportunities in the healthcare field.
MCEP launched in 2007 with Children of the Earth High School. It now partners with all of Winnipeg School Division and South-East Collegiate.
Course Work
Students accepted into MCEP must be enrolled in the following courses:
- Virtual Medical Course
- Lifeworks
- Career Development (Grade 11 & 12)
Recommended courses for post-secondary healthcare programs:
- Intro to Applied Pre-Calculus
- Applied/Pre-Calculus Math
- Biology and/or Chemistry
Practicum Days
Practicum days occur twice a month for each grade at various health care facilities in and around Winnipeg. These days can include:
Practicing Skills
Students can learn new practical skills and test their knowledge in hands-on practicum settings.
Shadowing
Students shadow professionals at work, from a surgeon in the operating room, to a respiratory therapist working directly with a patient.
Scholarships and Supports
Financial challenges are often a barrier for students considering post-secondary education. To help address this, MCEP partners with Winnipeg School Division and program funders to maximize available scholarship opportunities for graduating students pursuing post-secondary studies.
Students are eligible to receive $1,000 for each year they complete the program (maximum $3,000). Students accepted into post-secondary studies in the medical field may also apply for a bursary from the Pan Am Clinic Foundation.
MCEP Events
There are multiple events throughout the year that we facilitate for students and their families. These include:
- Opening & Closing Pipe Ceremonies
- Post-secondary Information Sessions
- Traditional Medicine Picking
- CPR Certification
- Family Information Evening
- Sweat Lodge Ceremonies
- Camp Manitou
- Knowledge Keeper/Elder Teachings
- Live Surgery Event
Program Partners and Funders
- Winnipeg School Division
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
- Shared Health
- Manitoba Blue Cross
- The Winnipeg Foundation - William & Jean Meagher Bursary Trust Fund
- Gloria Baylis Foundation
- Kinsmen Club Winnipeg
- Blennerhassett Family Foundation
- Mahon Family Foundation
- Manitoba Education Bright Futures Fund
- The Winnipeg Foundation
- The Paterson Family Foundation
- Pan Am Clinic
- Health Sciences Centre
- Grace Hospital
- Misericordia Health Centre
- Women's Health Clinic
- Concordia Hospital
- Victoria Hospital
- Youth BIOlab Jeunesse
- Riverview Health Centre
- Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service
- First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
- Dynacare
- Red River College
- University of Manitoba
- CancerCare Manitoba
- St. John's Ambulance
For more information, contact:
Chelsea Favelle
MCEP Division Program Coordinator
cfavelle@wsd1.org
Students can also speak with their school’s Indigenous Graduation Support Teacher.
