Historic partnership delivers outstanding 93% completion rate, paving way for digital skills development in Indigenous education

Siksika Nation, Alberta, Canada, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Students at Siksika Nation High School have made history by successfully completing the first-ever CompTIA Tech+ IT foundations training program offered at a First Nations high school in Canada. The inaugural cohort achieved an exceptional 93% completion rate, marking a significant milestone in Indigenous education and technology training.

This groundbreaking program represents a collaborative effort between Siksika’s Blackfoot Tech Council, Siksika Nation High School, and CompTIA, a global leader in IT certification across various domains like cybersecurity, networking, and cloud computing. This partnership has created new pathways for Indigenous students to develop essential digital skills while remaining connected to their community and cultural values.

“The overwhelming success of this program demonstrates the incredible potential when we combine community-driven initiatives with quality educational resources,” said Lisa Calf Robe, Principal of Siksika Nation High School. “Our students have shown remarkable dedication and achievement, proving that with the right support and culturally and contextually relevant programming, Indigenous learners can excel in technology fields.”

“We are very proud of these students and their achievement. This program proves that Siksika’s students can excel in technology when provided with the right pathways to learn,” noted Harlon McMaster, Board Chair of the Blackfoot Tech Council. “The completion rate shows what’s possible when we design education that truly serves our communities. We’re excited to see how these graduates use their skills to benefit both their futures and their communities.”

“We whole-heartedly congratulate the students and teachers at Siksika Nation High School on their outstanding accomplishment,” said Gary Mofford, account director, Canada. CompTIA. “These students are now empowered with a solid understanding of essential technology concepts and basic troubleshooting tactics. By enhancing their digital literacy, they’ve opened the doors to a variety of options for additional classroom learning, industry certifications and ultimately, a variety of career options.”

The program delivered impressive results across multiple areas. Students demonstrated high engagement throughout the course while developing practical, immediately applicable skills that will benefit them in their academic and professional futures. Participants reported enhanced confidence with educational technology and noted how digital tools improved their overall learning experience. Student feedback has been positive, with many highlighting significant improvements in their digital skills and technology knowledge.

Source link