OPAIP Funded Initiatives

Supported by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the Ontario Post-Secondary Access & Inclusion Program (OPAIP) project provides funding for various projects and programs at Carleton University to support students’ access, transition, and retention into post-secondary education. The programs listed below are offered as part of OPAIP to support students as they navigate their experience as a Raven.

Academic Support

Learning and Writing Support

The Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS) offers online Learning and Writing Support Workshops to support students in developing their academic skills and strategies. They also offer the Grammar Foundations program which provides academic writing support for English Language Learners.

Engineering Tutoring

The Faculty of Engineering and Design offers a free ECOR Tutoring Service. Upper year Scholars run both group and individual tutoring sessions for the four ECOR courses that Engineering students must complete in their first year of studies.

Sprott Study Halls

The Sprott School of Business Study Hall supports academic success by providing business students with the opportunity to prepare for exams and review course material in a supportive and focused environment.

Peer Mentors

First Year Connections

The First Year Connections Mentorship program helps first year students make a successful transition to university life by connecting them with peer mentors trained in providing resources and support. Students are paired with an upper year student in a similar academic program for the first six weeks of the term.

Indigenous Mentorship

The Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program provides first year Indigenous students with social, academic, and cultural development, peer-to-peer support, and activities to support community building and personal growth. The program runs from September to April and students can get connected with a mentor at anytime. If interested in being matched with a mentor, please fill out the form here! 

Science Student Success Centre

The Science Student Success Centre Mentoring program operates year-round to connect students in the Faculty of Science with upper year mentors who work with students on an individual basis or in small groups to help them define and achieve their academic, career, and social goals.

African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Specific Programming

The ACB Experience

The ACB Experience is a series of events, workshops, and community gatherings celebrating African, Caribbean, and Black culture on campus. The ACB Experience partners with the community to create spaces where students can connect, learn, and thrive together.

Enhancing Access for Black Students towards Higher Education

The Scarborough Charter offers outreach and transition activities to high school students for post-secondary education. This initiative establishes partnerships with local school boards, and conduct focus groups, discussions, and surveys to identify systemic barriers to higher education. Students will gain assistance with the university application process including navigating the OUAC timeline and understanding post-admission responsibilities.

Black Applicant Information Evening

The Black Applicant Information Evening (BAIE) is an annual event held on-campus. Each February, black and racialized applicants from Ottawa and the GTA are invited to spend an evening at Carleton. The event includes a review of the university application process, a keynote speaker, and a panel featuring black and racialized members of the Carleton community.

First-Generation Student Supports

First-generation students are the first in their immediate family to attend post-secondary education. Carleton offers various supports designed to familiarize these students and their families with academic expectations, available student services, and the broader campus culture. Supports include information sessions, engagement events, peer mentorship, and transition resources.

Events

CUx Experience Fund

The CUx Experience Fund supports student-led proposals for activities and events that encourage community building and enhance the student experience.

Youth Futures Post-Secondary Project 

The Youth Futures program is a collaborative program offered to youth by the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation and the City of Ottawa. This program provides opportunities to youth from vulnerable communities and equips participants with tools and resources necessary to transition to post-secondary education. Youth attend Carleton University for a half-day of workshops designed to introduce students to post-secondary student life, highlighting alternative pathways, admissions processes, and the unique Carleton experience.

Summer Orientation Day

Summer Orientation Day is one day program designed for new students and their parent(s). The program is designed to promote personal academic success and individual development. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in informative workshops, explore Carleton’s campus, and learn from current students, staff and faculty through a variety of programming. ​To help support incoming first-generation students, a specialized First-Generation Student panel will be facilitated during the event. A first-generation resource guide will be distributed to attendees to help ensure success upon arrival to Carleton. 

Indigenous Future Ravens Campus Experience Series

The Indigenous Future Ravens Campus Experience Series brings Indigenous students to Carleton for two full-day campus experiences during the recruitment and admissions cycle. The first event will take place in fall 2026 and will focus on early exploration, postsecondary awareness, cultural learning, and belonging. The second event will take place in winter 2027 and will focus on students who have applied to Carleton or are seriously considering applying, supporting their transition from interest to application, offer, confirmation, and preparation for university. 

Questions about OPAIP or how to access these program? Email us at OPAIP@carleton.ca

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