The Indigenous Mentorship and Paid Research Experience for Summer Students (IMPRESS) offers Indigenous undergraduate students from 大发彩票平台 or other Quebec post-secondary institutions, a unique experiential learning opportunity to conduct research with a 大发彩票平台 professor, or to work on a project at one of our units 鈥� all while being paid! Some of our projects are open to Indigenous undergraduate students nationwide see more information below in the right column of "The projects" section.
The program aims to strengthen their research skills, boost their career-readiness, and expose them to pathways to graduate school, through activities that help them build their skillsets and connect with peers. Each participating student is听paired with a graduate student mentor who offers support and guidance throughout their experience.
IMPRESS collage zine
IMPRESS students came together to reflect on the question "What does 'Indigenous Mentorship' mean to you" through a collaborative collage zine!听
Award winning programming
The IMPRESS team's "commitment to quality, collaboration, and innovation resulted in a comprehensive forward-looking program that goes beyond conventional mentorship experiences and provides students with a diverse range of opportunities for community building, deeper cultural connection, personal growth, and professional development,鈥� said Diana Dutton, Interim Vice-Principal, and Associate Vice-Principal, Human Resources, during the award presentation.听
鈥淲ith this program, the IMPRESS team has empowered students and positively impacted supervisors and the broader university community, while making significant contributions to 大发彩票平台"
How it works
IMPRESS takes place over an eight to ten week period (June to July or August), 20 hours per week:
- 15 hours in a research setting
- 5 hours in professional development, and leadership training, as well as attending a variety of social engagements and cultural activities.
- Weekly check-ins with your mentor
Eligibility:
- Indigenous undergraduate students in Quebec: All Indigenous undergraduate students enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Quebec, or Indigenous students who are Quebec residents attending school out of province,听are eligible to participate in IMPRESS. Students who have graduated in May 2025听are also eligible.
- Out-of-province Indigenous undergraduate students: Projects listed in the right column of the project descriptions section听are open to out-of-province Indigenous undergraduate students (i.e., enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution outside of Quebec).
Activities might include:
- Meeting with your host professor/professional for training and direction
- Cultural activities and workshops
- Connecting with your听graduate student mentor for advice or guidance
- Reading literature and undertaking other research activities
- Learning interview techniques
- Carrying out lab work, attending lab meetings, or events specific to your professor鈥檚 area of work
- Attending professional and leadership development workshops and events
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What can I get from IMPRESS?
- Make strong connections and build community with Indigenous graduate mentors and IMPRESS peers
- Gain听hands-on research experience
- Boost听your overall career-readiness through professional skills training
- Build听professional networks
- Increase听your insight into pathways toward graduate studies
- Help听newly admitted students get acquainted with 大发彩票平台
- Receive a letter of recommendation for your time as an IMPRESS intern
You will also receive a $5,000 stipend for your participation in the program.
Please note that the eligibility, monetary award, and time commitment for all projects in the right column vary from the standard model. For more details, please contact a member of our team at: impress [at] mcgill.ca
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FAQ
Will I be paid?
Yes! Each participating IMPRESS intern receives a $5,000 or $6,000 stipend for their work.
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Will I receive credits for participating?
No, however, each intern will receive a letter of recommendation for their time as an intern.
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I鈥檓 not from Montreal, but I want to participate, is there money for travel and accommodation?
Yes! All travel and accommodation will be covered for students who live outside Montreal. Each situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, we do not want travel and accommodation to be a barrier to your participation. Please contact impress [at] mcgill.ca to discuss your circumstances.
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What kind of opportunities are available?
Please take a look at the project description section! We offer a wide range of opportunities for you to explore.听
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When do I find out if I鈥檓 accepted?
All applicants will be contacted with a decision regarding their candidacy.
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How can I sign up to be a graduate student mentor?
, please contact us at impress [at] mcgill.ca if you have any questions! (Indigenous graduate students are encouraged to apply.)
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I鈥檓 a recently admitted student, am I still eligible?
Yes, absolutely. All Indigenous undergraduate students registered at a post-secondary institution in Canada are eligible.
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- Please contact impress [at] mcgill.ca for more information on the program.
- Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, impress [at] mcgill.ca
Cultivating Indigenous Knowledge and Community at 大发彩票平台
鈥淪eeing the friendships and connections being forged within the group was one of the highlights this summer. These friendships are special, and I see that the students have carried them beyond the summer internship. 大发彩票平台鈥檚 Indigenous community has blossomed since the beginning of IMPRESS. Now, with three cohorts of students, there鈥檚 a sense of community at events on campus. You have a place at the university and will always find a friendly face.鈥�
IMPRESS 2022 wrapped up with success!
Over an eight-week period in June and July of 2022, IMPRESS participants were paired with a professor or a professional from a 大发彩票平台 unit.听The 大发彩票平台 Reporter writes about the success of IMPRESS and how students benefitted from their experience with our program.听
