Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1505559
internships for youth to expand opportunities to learn digital skills. 52 The program takes all surplus devices from the Government of Canada and also has seen a significant increase in applications for free refurbished computers and laptop equipment since the onset of the pandemic. 53 To do this work, many organizations participate with community agencies who refer vulnerable households that could benefit from these programs. These existing networks of community and public initiatives can be a resource for Connected North to tap into to identify and target communities with underserved Indigenous youth in Canada and provide device provision support for projects that are focused on in-need Indigenous student groups. During interviews with device recipients, a few highlighted the benefit they would receive from being given the opportunity to connect with other students who have also received a laptop to share experiences and educational resources. Connected North could use the Digital Inclusion Grant to develop a network of Indigenous students in post-secondary institutions that have received the grant through an online group administered and overseen by the Connected North team. Through the group, students will be able to find one another, share resources to the entire cohort, or connect individually/ in small groups based on common interests, location, program of study, etc.. Expanding peer-to-peer support and establishing a greater sense of community is an important way to create long-term support mechanisms and networking opportunities that can provide Indigenous students with the social capital they may need to enter the workforce. A scoping review of scholarly sources on educational support for Indigenous students found that "support from family, community and other students/peers was pivotal to student success." 54 The authors also found that "Indigenous students expressed satisfaction about their education when they had positive relationships with academics and other students." The researchers also found that "many Indigenous students reported experiences of a one-way, didactic educational process that did not meet their needs." A connection with like-minded peers who are going through a similar educational phase and journey may provide Indigenous students with "flexible and less traditional" interactions, which they need to be more engaged in their learning. 55 Moreover, this network would provide Indigenous students access to a community that recognizes and is committed to their own values such as the importance of family and community. 56 C O N S I D E R A T I O N 3 Consider creating an online network that connects device recipients to one another and expands peer-to-peer support, social connection and community involvement. Impact of Connected North's Digital Inclusion Grant on IndigenousStudents' Learning, Social Connection and Community Involvement 28