Every program at MaKami College includes a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component, giving students the chance to apply classroom knowledge, gain hands-on experience in their future careers, and build valuable professional connections. However, these opportunities are often unpaid, and the loss of income during extended placements can create significant barriers, especially for students who are primary earners or contribute substantially to household expenses.

To remove this barrier, we've created a fund that helps students pursue unpaid WIL opportunities while maintaining financial stability. Your contribution ensures students can connect with potential employers, develop real-world skills and complete their programs without sacrificing their ability to support their families. Together, we can make these opportunities accessible and transformative.

The student population at MaKami College is unique among Canadian post-secondary institutions: 78% are women, and 53% have children (CUSC Survey, 2025). Our students are typically older and face challenges that differ from those entering other institutions, including the need to secure child care while attending classes.

MaKami College already offers flexibility by allowing babies up to one year old in the classroom and partnering with daycare centres to provide child-minding options. We want to take this support further through a dedicated fund that helps students cover or offset childcare costs while attending classes or school-related activities such as practical clinics, work experience components, exams, labs or workshops.

Your donation will make it possible for parents to focus on their education while ensuring their children are cared for.

Food insecurity is a growing concern across Canada, with food banks receiving over 2 million visits annually, and in Alberta, usage has risen by nearly 135% in the past six years (Hungercount 2025). With food banks stretched beyond capacity, MaKami College has taken action by creating a Food Pantry on our campuses to support students who need temporary help accessing food. The system is simple — students can take what they need, no questions asked.

In addition, we provide supermarket gift cards to students in crisis who reach out to our SALT team — a short-term bridge to help them through difficult times.

Your support ensures no student has to choose between buying groceries and continuing their education.

MaKami College's English Language Learning (ELL) program was designed to help students upgrade their spoken, written and reading skills to succeed in their programs or careers. Most newcomers reach Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4, the level required for permanent residence or citizenship, but opportunities to continue English training beyond that are limited.

Demand for language learning across the province is high, yet funding for Stage 2 CLB courses (levels 5+) has been dramatically reduced or eliminated, leaving a significant gap in service. Our ELL program fills this gap by offering CLB levels 6 and 7, and we are working on adding more levels based on demand. These advanced courses are essential for academic and workplace success.

While some government funding is available through the Province of Alberta, spots are limited, leaving many students without access to these critical programs. By supporting this pathway, you help remove barriers proactively before students even begin their studies, ensuring they can succeed in their chosen careers.

Your contribution makes language learning accessible and opens doors to education, employment and a brighter future!

Following the example of Luba Pavkovic, one of the founders of MaKami College, this fund seeks to create a sense of community for those who are far from their original home. In many cultures, family, neighbors and friends provide support during emergencies, but for our students, those support systems are often thousands of kilometres away.

This pathway steps in as a safety net, offering emergency funding and bursaries to help cover unexpected costs and rising living expenses. By doing so, we not only remove financial barriers but also build a new sense of belonging and connection in their new home.

Your contribution helps create a welcoming environment where students can focus on their academic goals while feeling supported by a caring community.

Join us in building a network of support for those who need it most!