The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is proud to be one of 30 post-secondary institutions across Canada selected to receive funding through a transformative $235 million gift from the Mastercard Foundation.
This funding, provided through the Foundation's EleV Program, recognizes institutions and organizations that have advanced education and opportunities for Indigenous youth since the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada ten years ago, which identified education as a critical pathway to reconciliation.
"We are honoured to be among the organizations receiving this generous investment from the Mastercard Foundation," said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor of UNB. "As a valued and long-standing partner of UNB, the Mastercard Foundation continues to inspire us with their deep commitment to philanthropy, especially in advancing education and opportunities for Indigenous youth."
This $5 million gift will allow UNB to expand and strengthen programs that support Indigenous learners, build sustainable solutions in collaboration with Indigenous communities and contribute to a national network of institutions working toward reconciliation through education.
One such initiative is led by UNB's McKenna Institute, which has partnered with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and the Ulnooweg Education Centre since 2023 to expand digital programming in Indigenous communities.
With support from the EleV Program, they are developing a mobile unit that will travel to these communities, offering hands-on opportunities to build digital skills and explore accessible pathways in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
"The University of New Brunswick has taken bold steps to advance reconciliation by transforming institutional thinking, expanding opportunity, and strengthening experiential, community-led learning grounded in culture," said Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director of Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. "UNB is helping fulfill our commitment to walk alongside Indigenous youth in transforming post-secondary education and building a stronger future for all."
This new commitment deepens the impact of the EleV Program, which has supported more than 65,000 young Indigenous people through education, entrepreneurship and leadership development since 2017.
"This support will allow us to strengthen our connections with Indigenous communities and expand innovative initiatives that support access to education. We are deeply appreciative of this investment and acknowledge that it will materially enhance our ongoing efforts to support truth and reconciliation as a university community," added Dr. Mazerolle.
See the full list of recipients.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Its Young Africa Works strategy aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, while its EleV program will support 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada to complete their education and transition to meaningful work aligned with their traditions, values, and aspirations. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its Board of Directors and Leadership team. Learn more.
