MacEwan University is partnering with the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to launch a new bursary designed to empower youth from low-income backgrounds to build a successful future, beginning with a post-secondary education.
The Dare to Dream bursary is designed to benefit a MacEwan student demonstrating financial need who has previously participated in the United Way's All in for Youth, a program that provides supports to reduce barriers for school-aged children experiencing poverty. The idea behind the Dare to Dream bursary is to continue to provide support as those students graduate high school and enter MacEwan University, allowing them the financial stability needed to succeed as they pursue post-secondary studies.
Dare to Dream was officially launched earlier this month at a virtual event with Eastglen High School, where MacEwan President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee spoke to students about the bursary.
"In our 50th year it is more evident than ever that we are a university focused on our community, and our support of the All in for Youth program is just one example of that," said Dr. Trimbee. "Post-secondary education opens possibilities and there is a place at MacEwan for all who want to reach their potential."
MacEwan employees and students can contribute to the bursary by making a donation at point-of-sale transactions through MacEwan retail and food services locations across campus until November 5. They can also sign up to make one-time or recurring donations.
Dr. Joanne Minaker, Associate Dean, Academic, of the Faculty of Arts and Science and the chair of MacEwan's United Way committee says that the goal is to raise enough money this year to support at least two $1,000 bursaries in 2022. "I encourage everyone to consider the impact their donation could make in the life of a young person embarking on their post-secondary journey," says Dr. Minaker. "As we work together to grow this new fund, trust that our dollars are directly contributing to making a student's dream of post-secondary education a reality."
