Universities innovate for equitable education worldwide

Canadian universities are long-time champions of education equity across the country and the globe. Researchers and university-led programs strive to ensure everyone, despite geographic location or other limiting factors, can access quality education. 

See some examples of what Canadian universities are doing to close the educational equity gap in Canada and internationally. 

Changing lives through innovative education projects 

In recognition of her longstanding commitment to education as a means of transforming the lives of youth, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, McGill University Professor Claudia Mitchell has been awarded the 2022 José Vasconcelos World Award of Education. Dr. Mitchell’s work tackles difficult social issues impacting girls in various countries and her success in running innovative and adaptive projects, in addition to teaching and research. 

Transforming healthcare in northern communities 

In partnership with the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and the Mastercard Foundation, Queen’s University is creating the Weeneebayko Health Education Campus in the western James Bay region to prepare Indigenous students for careers in healthcare through culturally informed education. The program will provide education for Indigenous students closer to home and address the healthcare challenges faced by remote, Indigenous communities. 

Diversity in medicine 

McGill’s Community of Support and Black Candidate Pathway programs have successfully increased the enrolment of Black medical students by 400% in just one year. Tasked with building social sustainability and networks of support for Black medical students, both programs’ goal is to increase representation of Black medical students and professionals.