Congratulations to Julie Hanck on PIM Grant Award

John Abbott College is pleased to announce that Julie Hanck, faculty member in the Psychology Department, has been awarded a grant from the Pôle interordres de Montréal (PIM) in support of an innovative research project focused on student success and transitions in higher education.

The funded project, titled Enhancing Postsecondary Transitions Through a Growth Mindset Tool Designed to Build Essential Skills and Support Students Entering or Leaving CEGEP, will receive $60,000 over one year. This funding includes teaching release time and support for collaboration with a university partner at Université de Montréal, Roxane de la Sablonnière.

This interdisciplinary initiative will bring together expertise from multiple departments at Cégep John Abbott. In addition to Julie Hanck, the project team includes Julie Caouette (Psychology) and Talib Hussain (Computer Science), each contributing to the development and implementation of the project through a 0.125 FTE teaching release during the 2026–2027 academic year. Stephanie Myers (English) is also a collaborator on the project.

The project aims to develop a digital growth mindset tool designed to support students at key transition points—both entering and leaving CEGEP. The tool will offer accessible, evidence-informed activities that help learners build essential academic and motivational skills, including resilience, confidence, and adaptive learning strategies. It is also designed to support teachers in fostering these competencies in their classrooms.

While the tool will be broadly available to all students, it is expected to have particularly strong benefits for those who may be struggling or at risk. By strengthening preparedness and supporting persistence, the project seeks to improve the overall quality and fluidity of postsecondary pathways, contributing to stronger retention and more equitable student success.

This grant reflects the College’s continued commitment to pedagogical innovation, student support, and collaborative research that bridges colleges and universities.

Please join us in congratulating Julie Hanck and her colleagues on this important achievement.