Indigenous students at Humber College get a hands up from a RBC pledge.
A large, national bank is extending its support for Humber College’s Indigenous students by helping to support two new programs.
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation has gifted $200,000 to continue its peer-to-peer programs while also launching the Indigenous Pre-Orientation Week program and an RBC Indigenous Emergency Fund.
“Recognizing the profound impact of systemic racism on Indigenous communities across Canada, RBC is committed to helping create change,” said Kris Depencier, a Greater Toronto RBC regional president. “By empowering Indigenous students and alumni, fostering inclusion, education, and meaningful opportunities, we’re working together to create a more equitable future.”
Indigenous students can stay at Humber College longer due to RBC funds.
Indigenous Pre-Orientation Week is a week-long camp including a series of gatherings, talks and events to orient new Indigenous students to Humber and build skills to assist in their success while attending college.
The pilot program for Indigenous students takes place in the summer leading up to the students’ first semester at Humber.
The RBC Indigenous Emergency Fund provides support to students who need immediate short-term financial relief because of emergency situations. The funds can be quickly accessed when needed and will help keep students enrolled in their program and focused on their studies.
The RBC Grad-Ready Program supports Indigenous students with specialized career coaching and resources during the final year of their studies and the first year after graduation.
Students welcome the help to finish school and further their education.
Students receive guidance and advice they need to navigate their job search and build relationships with potential employers. It helps industry and business partners build more inclusive and respectful work environments for Indigenous employees.
The Peer-to-Peer Indigenous Support System pairs new students with upper-year Indigenous students to transition into college life successfully.
“The gift from RBC will empower Indigenous students to start a new chapter of their lives with confidence,” said Jason Seright, a Humber vice-president of Inclusion and Belonging. “Indigenous learners need culturally appropriate, Indigenous-aligned resources and the freedom to tailor those resources as they see fit.”
Michael Jenkins, who is Métis, graduated last year from Humber’s Bachelor of Public Relations program and was a member of the Indigenous Peer Mentoring team. He mentored a group of Indigenous students attending Humber, helping them build their network and develop life skills.
“I think it was nice for them to know that someone was looking out for them,” said Jenkins. “It was rewarding helping people navigate a big part of their lives.”
Kara Neveau, who is from Batchewana First Nation, graduated earlier this year from Humber’s Bachelor of Community Development program and served as an Indigenous peer mentor.
“I would 100 per cent recommend getting involved in these programs because they helped with starting my career and the skills I needed for the workplace,” Neveau said.