What is SEED?

SEED stands for Science Education and Employment Development, and is the name that has been given to the initiatives developed under an agreement between the Elected Council of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Imperial Oil.


Why was an agreement put in place between Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Imperial Oil?

An agreement supporting technology education and employment initiatives was developed jointly by the Elected Council and Imperial Oil and reflects community outreach and support initiatives Imperial has in place in locations where it has operations. As part of its project to reduce sulphur in gasoline, Imperial constructed a pipeline that crosses Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Claim Lands. The pipeline project acted as the catalyst to create the agreement.


What is available to the community through SEED?

Imperial will cover the costs of tuition and books for the courses that are considered the entry point to many jobs at Imperial's Nanticoke and Sarnia refineries, including:

• Chemical EngineeringTechnology - Mohawk College
• Mechanical Engineering Technology - Mohawk College
• Chemical Production Engineering Technology (CPET) - Lambton College
• Mechanical Technician Industrial Maintenance (MTIM) - Lambton College
• Instrument Control Engineering Technology (ICET) - Lambton College
  
  

These courses have been developed in conjunction with industry. As a result, the opportunities for jobs after graduation are far broader than just Imperial.

The Imperial Oil SEED scholarship was introduced in 2004 for eligible students enrolled full-time in engineering, petroleum technologies, business administration, commerce, computer science, earth science and related disciplines. Applications are due July 1.

What are the requirements to get into these programs?

The requirements vary somewhat, but consistent with them all is completion of grade 12 math and grade 11 or 12 sciences. For some of the courses--for example the course required for process technicians--grade 12 math for college/technology is required and the math courses geared for university are encouraged.

The importance of continuing with math and science, including grade 12 is an important message we want to get out in the community. So many of the jobs available today depend on good math and science skills. Much of the focus for the steering committee is to develop programs and opportunities for students in elementary and high schools encouraging them to continue in math and science.


I dropped math in grade 10. How can I qualify for these college courses?

As part of the agreement, Imperial is supporting the Six Nations Polytechnic Native Diploma Access Program that helps people earn their high school diploma and upgrade their math and science skills so that they can qualify for these courses. For more information contact the Polytechnic at http://www.snpolytechnic.com


What programs are available to elementary and high school students?

Science and technology programs for young students, like the SEED-sponsored Science Day Camp are available to the community.

SEED also sponsors the Science Technology Awards for Youth (STAY) In School awards for Six Nations of the Grand River Territory students who excel in their high school math and science courses.

SEED was instrumental in launching the Homework Support Program where tutors, computer-access and a quiet place to work are available to students. Contact Anne Noyes at email: educationwiz@hotmail.com for more information.