Macey Michaud has had a passion for cooking and baking since before she could reach the kitchen counter, and with help from UFV and Coast Capital, she's on track to turn her passion into a career.
Coast Capital is a significant supporter of UFV Trades and Technology. With a strong belief that supporting students is an investment in the future of communities, Coast Capital recently contributed $125,000 to the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies to support an Inclusion and Equity Strategy that allows students to focus on their studies and reach their full academic potential.
Macey, who's enrolled in the Professional Cook Level 1 and 2 program, is grateful to Coast Capital and UFV for believing in her and every student who comes through the doors of the UFV Chilliwack Trades and Technical Centre (TTC).
"After school, my idea of relaxation was baking with my mom, and those moments sparked my love for all things culinary. But as a teenager, I thought it would just be a hobby," she says. "I'm so glad I was wrong. My dream is to start my own private chef business, and I believe that with the knowledge and skills I've gained from the incredible chefs here at UFV, I can turn this dream into a reality."
UFV's Inclusion and Equity Strategy addresses the needs of non-traditional students in trades and technology programs, with a focus on attracting and retaining underrepresented people, and supporting students through mentorship, networking, financial support, and dedicated personnel. At a time when UFV students face increasing pressure around finances, housing, and food security, Coast Capital's support frees Macey and her peers to focus on their studies.
"Coming to class every day feels more like fun than work," says Macey, who plans to eventually obtain Red Seal certification.
The TTC was buzzing on Oct. 17, the day the funding announcement was made. It coincided with an opportunity fair presented by Coast Capital, which saw students connecting with representatives from several organizations. There were 28 prospective employers at the fair, including manufacturers, construction firms, government, and unions, demonstrating the strong demand for graduates from UFV's Trades and Technical programs. Dr. Teresa Kisilevich, Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies celebrated Coast Capital's ongoing partnership, and said their contribution plays a key role in supporting students throughout the faculty.
"This incredibly generous gift means there's $40,000 available for emergency bursaries, so our students don't have to choose between food and coming to school. This is empowering UFV students to pursue their passions without the burden of financial strain," she enthused.
Tara Walter, Manager, Social Purpose Ecosystem at Coast Capital, says her organization is proud of its 15-year relationship with UFV, and excited to provide students with the resources and tools they need to succeed.
"We understand that a successful post-secondary journey requires much more than just attending classes and studying," she said. "Many students face financial and socio-economic barriers along the way, and we're proud to join UFV in tackling these challenges head on."
To learn more about UFV trades and technology programming, visit: https://www.ufv.ca/trades/.
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