Gift supports Indigenous education and will help raise cultural awareness
Humber College has received $250,000 from RBC to launch two new Indigenous education and engagement initiatives over the next two years. The RBC Grad-Ready Program and RBC Peer-to-Peer Support System will provide coaching, peer-mentoring, and skills development opportunities for Humber Indigenous students and graduates as they pursue their careers.
"RBC's gift will further prepare Humber's Indigenous students and graduates to enter the next chapter of their professional and personal lives while also becoming role models for many Indigenous peoples," said Jason Seright, Dean, Indigenous Education and Engagement.
RBC's support reinforces Humber's commitment to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Humber's prioritization of Indigenous education is one of the seven principles of the National Indigenous Education Protocol. Cultural awareness events and initiatives take place throughout the year, such as for Orange Shirt Day and employee training to support reconciliation.
"At RBC, we acknowledge wide-spread systemic racism has significantly impacted BIPOC youth, impeding their ability to compete equally in opportunities for economic and social advancement," said Kris Depencier, Regional President, Greater Toronto, RBC. "We are committed to creating meaningful and transformative pathways to prosperity for young BIPOC Canadians, with investments in areas such as skills development and mentoring, so we are thrilled to partner with Humber on the RBC Grad-Ready Program and RBC Peer-to-Peer Support System."
The RBC Grad-Ready Program will support Indigenous students with specialized career coaching and resources during the final year of their studies and the first year after graduation. Students will receive the guidance and advice they need to navigate their job search and build relationships with potential employers, enabling them to reach their full potential and launch successful careers. It will also help industry and business partners build more inclusive and respectful work environments for Indigenous employees.
The RBC Peer-to-Peer Indigenous Support System will be an innovative mentorship program that promotes student success. The program will pair new and high-risk students with upper-year Indigenous students to transition into college life successfully. Through proactive outreach, peer mentors will direct students to supports and resources for their academic, social, cultural, mental and physical well-being. Through early interventions and connections with mentors trained to triage more serious mental and health issues, critical supports will be available to help keep students on track with their studies.
RBC's gift is in support of Unlimited, Humber's first-ever fundraising campaign. Humber has the bold ambition to raise $50 million to ignite discovery and innovation, accelerate student potential and transform the learning experience.
