Indigenous post-secondary students will now have more opportunity to receive a financial boost.
In announcing the 2020 recipients of the RBC Indigenous Student Awards Program, the Royal Bank of Canada also revealed that it has doubled the number of scholarships going forward.
Starting this year, it is providing the scholarships to 20 post-secondary students a year. The scholarship amount has also increased.
Selected students are awarded up to $5,000 each academic year for two to four years to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses.
"Every year, the RBC Indigenous Student Awards Program gives hope to Indigenous youth in Canada that education is a meaningful way forward to better themselves and their communities," Ryland Conrad, a 2017 recipient of the award and now an RBC employee, said in a press release. "By supporting education RBC is able to ensure Indigenous youth have access to the most powerful tool in reducing poverty and inequality and building the foundation for sustained economic growth in their communities."
The scholarships are part of RBC’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
"Indigenous youth continue to face so many barriers to education,” says Dale Sturges, national director of RBC Indigenous Financial Services. “These scholarships are one way we can help remove some of those barriers, create more equality and help ensure Indigenous knowledge and perspectives flourish."
Eligibility requirements are:
• permanent residency or Canadian citizenship
• current attendance at an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada
• maintaining a full course load that leads to a recognized degree, certificate or diploma
• at least two years remaining in post-secondary studies as of September 2020 and
• the need for financial assistance to pursue your education
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2021. Applications are not yet open. More details are available here.
Martha Perkins is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
