A program that enables underrepresented high school students to get a head start on courses and training at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is getting a strong financial boost from Scotiabank.
Scotiabank presents a $240,750 donation to KPU. From left: Erin Lee, Prospective Student Support Specialist at KPU; Drew Dennis, Advancement Officer, Major Gifts at KPU; Executive Director, Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at KPU; Jenifer Lee, District Vice President, Greater Vancouver South, Scotiabank; and Stephen Gaskin, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Region, Scotiabank.
Through its community investment initiative ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank is renewing its support for KPU with a $240,750 donation to fund the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program for two years.
Dual credit allows grade 11 and 12 students to take post-secondary courses and receive credit toward high school graduation and post-secondary credentials at the same time. The KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program specifically provides support for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) youth and students from low-income families and those facing academic and social challenges.
"We're proud to see the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program providing more opportunities for students in our community to graduate high school and increase their participation in post-secondary education," says Jenifer Lee, District Vice President, Greater Vancouver South, Scotiabank. "I am proud that this program has meaningfully impacted over 200 students and that our continued support through ScotiaRISE will see the program expand to additional school districts in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley."
"We are so grateful to Scotiabank for investing in students," says Randall Heidt, CEO of the KPU Foundation and Vice-President of External Affairs for KPU. "Dual credit empowers students to explore post-secondary studies and to consider career possibilities. Generous support from Scotiabank's ScotiaRISE program ensures underrepresented students have greater access to those opportunities."
Administered by the Future Students' Office at KPU, Strive will support up to 315 students in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, in partnership with Lower Mainland school districts that open doors for learners to the program.
"Thanks to Scotiabank's generous support, Surrey Schools students are experiencing the life-changing benefits of the Strive program. In partnership with KPU, this initiative expands access to post-secondary education while helping students strengthen their self-confidence, resilience and aspirations for the future," says Paul Bruce, Career Development Facilitator at Surrey Schools.
Students in the KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program have access to dedicated academic supports, including tutoring options, literacy help, student mentors and assistance from the KPU Learning Centres. These supports are designed to create a safe, comfortable learning environment, encouraging students to be more involved, more willing to share and more inclined to seek help when needed.
"KPU is committed to helping all students find their place in higher education and find success. The KPU Scotiabank Strive Dual Credit Program is particularly important because it breaks down barriers for learners who otherwise might not see themselves attending university," says Zena Mitchell, Vice-President of Students at KPU.
ScotiaRISE's renewed commitment follows an initial gift of $200,000 that launched a pilot program in 2022. Since then, more than 200 learners have been supported by the Strive program.
