A $250,000 donation from RBC is going towards the empowerment and success of Indigenous students at Humber College. 

RBC’s donation will support two new programs at Humber: The Grad-Ready Program and Peer-to-Peer Support System. 

The Grad-Ready Program offers specialized career coaches and resources in a student’s final year of studies and into their first-year post-graduation. 

The support will include guidance and advice for students and graduates as they start their job search and the networking it takes to succeed in today’s job market.  

The program will also connect new grads with potential employers. Industry and business partners will then learn to build more inclusive and respectful work environments for Indigenous employees. 

“RBC’s gift will further prepare Humber’s Indigenous students and graduates to enter the next chapter of their professional and personal lives while also becoming role models for many Indigenous peoples,” said Jason Seright, dean of Indigenous Education and Engagement. 

The second RBC program, Peer-to-Peer Indigenous Support System, is focused on mentorship. 

High-risk students are paired with upper-year Indigenous students to help with the transition into college life. Mentors will connect new students with supports and resources they need to be successful in their academic endeavors - and in life beyond college. 

“We are committed to creating meaningful and transformative pathways to prosperity for young BIPOC Canadians, with investments in areas such as skill development and mentoring, so we are thrilled to partner with Humber,” said RBC’s regional president for Greater Toronto, Kris Depencier. 

Mentors will be trained to execute early interventions, and triage more serious mental and health issues. The mentorship program will give new students the tools to be prosperous and to be effective in their personal lives. 

The $250,000 donation is in support of Humber’s first-ever fundraising campaign, Unlimited.