Increased cost of education and decreased high school graduation rates are barriers for Canadian Indigenous students to post-secondary education or training.
Currently only 44% of Indigenous youth (age 18-24) have completed high school, compared to 88% for other Canadians1. Access to post-secondary education and training is often limited, creating a negative ripple effect for individuals and their communities, including income ceilings, decreased confidence as well as the risk of this pattern continuing to the next generation.
During the 2021/22 school year Canadian students, enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs, paid 1.7% more than the previous year2 for their education.
"With unprecedented increases in the cost of living and education, we are proud to announce the 2022 cohort of RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth recipients," said
Read the journey of
More about the Scholarship: RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth has been awarded to Indigenous youth each year since 1992 (Previously known as the RBC Indigenous Student Award). To date, more than
- Awarded To: Self-identifying First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth (15-29) who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have applied to or are currently attending an accredited post-secondary institution
- Scholarships Available: 20 each year (valued at up to
$10,000 per year, for up to four (4) years) - Funds For: Tuition and other academic/life expenses
- Students awarded the scholarship will also receive access to additional resources in the form of mentorship and internship/networking opportunities.
"I am honoured to be on the steering committee for the RBC Future Launch Indigenous Youth Scholarship. Indigenous young people are sometimes faced with roadblocks to success in the education system, so having a program that alleviates financial stress, champions their accomplishments and supports wellbeing is so important," said
Youth can apply or be nominated by community partners for these scholarships, to learn more or view full eligibility requirements, visit: rbc.com/futurelaunchscholarships.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
1. | |
https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2018/01/quality_education.html | |
2. | Stats Canada, The Daily (2021) |
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210908/dq210908a-eng.htm |
SOURCE RBC
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