For students who dream of working in health care, the chance to pursue that path often depends on more than passion.
For some, it's a question of financial means.
At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), many of those dreams to become nurses, midwives and other frontline professions are about to come true - thanks to a major investment aimed at reducing financial barriers and strengthening Canada's health-care workforce.
On April 28, TMU and the McCall MacBain Foundation announced the creation of the McCall MacBain Community Health Awards at TMU, a $10 million scholarship program for TMU students in high-demand, patient-facing fields including nursing, midwifery, social work, public health and nutrition.
The McCall MacBain Foundation's gift is the largest single investment in student scholarships in the university's history.
Filling a critical gap
The funding comes at a critical time: Canada is facing a serious health-care shortage. In Ontario alone, nursing job vacancies have tripled over the past five years. Thousands of families can't access midwifery care each year. Demand keeps rising, but there aren't enough trained professionals to meet it.
This scholarship is designed to help change that.
"Through this generous gift, the McCall MacBain Foundation will significantly strengthen the health-care ecosystem"
Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor, TMU.
"Nurses, midwives, social workers, nutritionists and public health professionals together with physicians represent a model of inter-professional, integrated care. By supporting the educational development of these key players, the McCall MacBain Foundation's investment is contributing to an increase in the capacity for comprehensive care," Lachemi continued.
Alexandra Conliffe, chief executive officer of the McCall MacBain Foundation, says the goal is to clear the path for talented students who are committed but facing obstacles.
"We hope this program will ease pathways for committed students to pursue clinical excellence and build thriving careers as health-care leaders to meet the growing needs in their communities," she said.
Renewable funding
Each year, the awards will support more than 30 new students in health-related programs, with renewable funding to help them complete their studies.
In the program's first 10 years, it will reach over 300 students.
After that, the endowed fund will continue to support new students annually indefinitely.
Support 'lets people achieve their dreams'
Jamilah Uddin, a 20-year-old third-year nursing student at TMU, knows what financial support can mean.
"The cost of university often prevents people from going to university. Having financial aid lets people achieve their dreams without the constant worry of the 'how,'" says Uddin.
"It gives me a sense of relief," she continued. "Instead of worrying about working, or the need to find a job right after graduation to pay student loans, I'm able to focus on the present."
Lujain Yasin, a second-year TMU nursing student who has also benefitted from financial support, echoes Uddin's sentiment.
"Scholarships like this reduce financial stress, but they also create space for students to focus, to learn deeply and to be fully present with the people they're caring for," she said.
"That kind of support doesn't just benefit students, it ultimately strengthens the quality of care future patients receive."
Additional donors welcomed
The McCall MacBain Foundation gift also includes a $700,000 matching component to encourage new donors to join the drive to improve the capacity of care. For a limited time, new contributions to scholarships in these disciplines will be matched, effectively doubling their impact. Please visit the FCS giving page to designate a gift.
By investing in students today, the McCall MacBain Foundation is helping TMU build the pipeline of future health-care professionals that Canadian communities will depend on for decades.
