In the interest of breaking down barriers to post-secondary education, Scotiabank is investing $150,000 to help high school students in underrepresented groups succeed at Lethbridge College.
The generous gift, to be shared over the next three years, will benefit the college’s Ready to Connect program. It supports students who align with traditionally marginalized populations, including Indigenous peoples, women, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities.
The funding is part of Scotiabank’s 10-year, $500 million ScotiaRISE initiative to promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups. A key pillar in the campaign is education – specifically, increasing high school graduation rates and post-secondary enrollment.
“We are proud to support the Ready to Connect program and provide underrepresented students with the necessary tools and skills to succeed in their studies and future career,” says Maria Saros, Vice President and Global Head, Community Investment Strategy and Communications at Scotiabank. “We understand the importance of this as a means to achieve financial self-reliance and independence.”
Grade 12 students who align with traditionally marginalized populations (including Indigenous peoples, women, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities) may be nominated for the program by a high school counsellor, and they may also nominate themselves.
Once enrolled in Ready to Connect, those students will work with the college’s Student Affairs professionals and their high school counsellors to explore career options, choose a field of study and ensure they meet admission requirements. They’ll also be paired with student mentors at the college who align with their self-identified demographic.
“We created Ready to Connect out of a need that our high school partners brought to us,” says Deanna Gonnelly, program lead and Student Success and Advising manager. “Students, especially those from underrepresented groups, want more one-on-one support as they navigate their careers. In working with our Development team to seek funding for the program, we’re now able to pull those supports together to help students succeed.”
Students in the Ready to Connect program will be heavily supported through their studies and will receive bursaries for completing program activities designed to complement their in-class learning. By the second year of their program, students will focus on graduation and career advancement. At that point, they can become mentors to the next intake of high school students.
“This program creates a structured pathway and environment for students throughout their journey at Lethbridge College,” says Nancy Russell, Dean of Student Affairs. “With continuous guidance, strong mentors and financial support, students will be well prepared to make the transition from high school to college and college to industry.”
Scotiabank will also be involved in career mentorship through the program – connecting students with employees who self-identify with a similar underrepresented group. Industry mentors will share their experiences and help mitigate any challenges or concerns that may arise as students prepare to enter the workforce.
“This intentional program will strengthen Lethbridge College’s commitment to inclusion,” says Dr. Samantha Lenci, Lethbridge College Provost and Vice President Academic. “This partnership will enhance opportunities for our underrepresented populations and assure them that this is a place where they belong and can thrive. We are committed to their success as graduates and important members of our community.”
The first intake of 20 students is planned for September 2022. Over the course of three years, 60 students will benefit from the Ready to Connect program.