Students in Waterloo Region will have fewer financial barriers to post-secondary education thanks to a commitment of more than $3 million from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation.
Divided between Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, the foundation's investment will create the Hallman Foundation Scholars Awards for residents of Waterloo Region who demonstrate financial need.
The awards will be open to students registered in any program at one of the three institutions.
"At Laurier, we are deeply committed to making postsecondary education accessible to students of all backgrounds," said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. "We are grateful for the support of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation. Together, we are creating opportunities for students from Waterloo Region to reach their aspirational educational goals."
"I'm truly grateful for this commitment by the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, who have generously supported the University of Waterloo for 20 years," said President and Vice-Chancellor of Waterloo, Vivek Goel. "The Hallman Foundation Scholars Awards will enable students from our region to pursue their passions and grow as leaders and global citizens. I look forward to witnessing their accomplishments as they create brighter futures for us all."
"We are deeply grateful to the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation for its generosity and commitment to post-secondary education," said Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning's President, John Tibbits. "This support will have an impact on our students as well as our community, ensuring learners gain access to the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers that will drive local prosperity."
The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation has a long history of partnering with local educational institutions in support of student success and wellbeing.
"The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation seeks to support health, education and children's initiatives that inspire and grow individual and community potential," said Jim Hallman, chair of the Hallman Foundation's board of trustees. "We see how much young people are struggling to access the education vital to their future health and wellness. With this gift, we will help break down barriers and ensure equitable access to postsecondary education in Waterloo Region now and in the years to come."
The Hallman Foundation Scholars Awards will be available to students starting in the fall of 2025 and will support them from registration to graduation. Students in Waterloo Region will be eligible for this life-changing award for the next five years.
