The Natosapi Iitamiskapi, also known as the Sunrise Program, is a holistic, individualized, and student-centered education program supporting youth and adult learners as they work toward completing their high school education.
The program supports students through flexible learning, academic guidance, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, wraparound student supports, and graduation-focused pathway planning.
``` ```OSCC’s newly developed outreach program, the Natosapi Iitamiskapi (Sunrise Program), is designed as a holistic, individualized, and student-centered education program that supports youth and individuals at all stages of life in completing their high school education while addressing personal, cultural, emotional, and social barriers to learning.
The program is separate from the mainstream Adult Education High School Upgrading Program. Its outreach format recognizes that students come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, each with unique circumstances that require flexible, culturally grounded support to achieve academic, personal, and lifelong success.
```This classroom-based model is designed for students who benefit from consistent daily attendance, direct teacher instruction, structured routines, and foundational academic upgrading. The Adult Education Program allows students to steadily build credits while developing the skills, confidence, and academic readiness necessary to transition into graduation-focused pathways, employment, or post-secondary education.
```Curriculum delivery within the Sunrise Program combines academic instruction with flexible and innovative learning methods. Students complete learning modules both in person and at home, along with unit assignments and assessments, while preparing for diploma examinations and final evaluations.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers play an essential role in mentoring students, providing cultural guidance, and participating in support and evaluation processes. The learning environment is trauma-informed, relationship-based, and designed to foster dignity, belonging, self-worth, confidence, and student success.
A major strength of the Sunrise Program is its wraparound student support model. Students have access to mental health resources and Indigenous Ways of Knowing throughout their educational journey. The program also assists students in exploring post-secondary pathways, vocational training opportunities, employment readiness, and career planning.
Throughout the program, staff monitor student progress, attendance, engagement, and credit completion. Individual learning plans are adjusted as needed to ensure students remain supported and on track toward graduation. Student achievements and milestones are celebrated to encourage motivation, pride, and confidence.
The final stage of the program focuses on graduation and transition planning. Students complete their high school diploma requirements and are supported in transitioning into post-secondary education, skilled trades, employment, vocational pathways, or community leadership opportunities.
Graduation ceremonies and community recognition events celebrate student success while honouring their resilience, growth, and accomplishments.
At its core, the Natosapi Iitamiskapi (Sunrise Program) is grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and community connection. The program is committed to creating safe, respectful, and culturally responsive learning environments where students can learn, graduate, and move forward with confidence, purpose, and hope for the future.
Staff gather information about each student’s educational background, personal schedule, credits, goals, strengths, and support needs. The program also identifies students who may require additional academic support and determines appropriate student services through referrals to other departmental areas within the Nation.
Students participate in a one-on-one academic assessment and holistic triage process. This stage looks beyond academics and focuses on the whole student. Assessments may include mental health, addictions, caregiving responsibilities such as parenting, transportation or attendance barriers, housing instability, and academic learning gaps.
Staff work collaboratively with each student to create an individualized graduation and learning pathway plan. This plan outlines academic goals, wellness supports, scheduling, and graduation requirements.
Students are placed into learning cohorts based on their individual needs and circumstances, ensuring that each learner receives appropriate academic and personal support.
To be eligible for the Natosapi Iitamiskapi (Sunrise Program) Adult Education High School Upgrading Program, students must have a minimum of 70 high school credits. This requirement ensures that students entering the program are approaching graduation and are prepared for the flexible scheduling, self-directed learning, and supportive educational environment offered through the program.
This stream supports students who are upgrading courses to meet high school graduation requirements, post-secondary entrance requirements, apprenticeship programs, or specialized training programs of their choice.
Students with fewer than 70 credits may be considered under exceptional circumstances. This includes situations related to mental health, significant life challenges, or other barriers impacting educational progress.
All Stream 3 admissions must be reviewed and pre-approved by both the Registrar and the Academic Dean prior to enrollment.
Examples of circumstances may include, but are not limited to, anxiety-related barriers or other documented personal and/or social challenges that impact regular school participation and academic progress.
Stream 4 is designed for students entering the Knowledge and Employability pathway who require additional academic and learning support. Placement is determined through intake, academic assessment, and literacy and numeracy testing to ensure appropriate course placement and support.
Students in this stream follow the K&E programming model with a focus on practical, hands-on learning, employability skills, and individualized academic support. Learning plans may include modified pacing, targeted interventions, and additional support strategies to promote success in K&E courses and workplace readiness.
As part of the UCEP funding program, students enrolled in the Natosapi Iitamiskapi (Sunrise Program) and the K&E program are eligible for one year of funding, provided they register and actively pursue completion of a minimum of four courses within the current academic year, from September to June.
UCEP funding is allocated on a one-year basis only. If a student requires additional courses beyond the initial funding year, they will not be eligible for a second year of UCEP funding under this program.
The Natosapi Iitamiskapi (Sunrise Program), in alignment with the Adult Education Program, offers Alberta Education high school courses designed to support graduation requirements, post-secondary upgrading, and employability development.
```These Alberta Education courses focus on developing reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and critical thinking skills. Students study literature, communication, composition, and analysis while strengthening academic and workplace communication skills necessary for graduation, employment, apprenticeship pathways, and post-secondary education.
Science 14 and Science 24 are Alberta Education science courses that provide students with practical scientific knowledge related to health, environmental awareness, biology, chemistry, physics, and everyday life applications. These courses emphasize real-world learning and support students preparing for workplace, apprenticeship, or post-secondary opportunities.
Social Studies 30-2 is an Alberta Education course that explores identity, citizenship, globalization, government, and historical perspectives. Students examine how individuals and societies interact within local, national, and global communities while developing critical thinking, informed decision-making, and responsible citizenship skills.
Aboriginal Studies 30 is an Alberta Education course that examines the histories, cultures, contributions, experiences, and perspectives of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. Students explore Indigenous worldviews, treaties, residential schools, reconciliation, governance, and contemporary Indigenous issues while strengthening cultural understanding and awareness.
Course Challenge Retro Credits Apply.
Legal Studies courses introduce students to Canadian law, legal systems, rights and responsibilities, restorative justice practices, and community accountability. Students explore topics such as criminal law, youth justice, citizenship, legal awareness, conflict resolution, and informed decision-making within society.
Students interested in the Natosapi Adult Education Iitamiskapi — Sun Rise Program are encouraged to contact Natosapi Old Sun Community College for admissions information, intake support, and program guidance.