LOYALIST COLLEGE
Loyalist College student awarded CICan's Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary

Every day is a balancing act for Loyalist College student and Stirling-Rawdon resident Taylor Dumont. Between caring for her children, managing a full course load in the college's Paralegal program and serving as an advocate for her peers on Student Government, she rarely has a moment to catch her breath - yet her determination to build a brighter future for herself, her family and her community doesn't waver.

Her resolve has earned Taylor national recognition as one of the Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary recipients from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The $5,000 award recognizes students who overcome significant barriers to pursue post-secondary education and demonstrate community involvement. 

"As a mature student, I've immersed myself in both my studies and the college community to set a positive example for my children," says Taylor. "I wanted to show them that it's possible to pursue their goals at any stage in life."

Along with managing the demands of academic and family life, Taylor has emerged as a student leader at Loyalist College. As the Student Government Vice President, Academic, she advocates for her peers, working closely with class leaders and collaborating with college administration to help create a more supportive learning environment. 

"At Loyalist, the strength of our small, interconnected community comes from individuals who understand that their actions - big and small - create ripples of impact all around them," says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. "Taylor is one of those individuals, steadily working toward her own growth, while also uplifting everyone around her. This bursary recognizes her hard work, and we are deeply grateful to Paul and Gerri Charette and the CICan selection committee for their support of students like Taylor."

Inspired by her experiences juggling academic demands with her commute and her children's schedules, Taylor is also working with Loyalist's Tutoring Services team to help develop a virtual tutoring initiative. The project will help students access academic support from home, making it easier for learners with competing priorities to succeed. 

"When students are empowered with resources, opportunities and a support system that nurtures their ideas, they are capable of driving incredible change in our communities," adds President Kirkpatrick. "Taylor's leadership and co-curricular involvement at Loyalist are a perfect example of that."

The Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary, administered by CICan, provides financial support to students facing financial need and barriers to completing post-secondary education. 

For Taylor, the bursary is a step toward turning her vision of helping others through accessible legal services into reality.

"After graduation, I plan to continue advocating for others and empowering people with the tools to navigate legal challenges," says Taylor. "This support strengthens my confidence that I am on the right path. I can achieve my academic goals, contribute positively to my community and inspire others facing similar obstacles." 

Learn more about the Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary.