Thompson Rivers University is looking to give back to its new students, and they are doing this through financial aid.
According to the university, new bursaries and awards for first-year students are being created as a result of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The university aims to raise $50,000 to provide up to 100 students with additional tuition support through the "First-Year Student Resiliency Fund."
The TRU Foundation is set to match up to $25,000 donated to the fund and the Dean of Faculty of Education and Social Work, Airini, is donating $10,000.
“One thing I’ve learned from living in Kamloops is that we give however we can and together, our help adds up to something big,” said Dean Airini. “COVID-19 has affected so many in our communities. TRU offers one way forward, preparing students to be active community members and genuine leaders. If there was ever a time to recognize the potential and resilience of our future students, it is now. We don’t want their pace to slow.”
On average, education and living away from home costs undergraduate students $20,000 per year. Limited financial support has created issues for new students in the past.
“Many students rely on summer savings and part-time work during the school year and both of those opportunities are significantly diminished,” said Gordon Down, director of Student Awards & Financial Aid. “Awards supported by donors are a tangible indication for students that someone cares about their educational journey and is using their own money to invest in them.”
Anyone looking to contribute funds for students struggling financially can do so through here. Donations will be accepted until Aug. 31.
