TORONTO, ON — While Canada’s reputation for education is recognized around the world, access to post-secondary education remains a challenge for many aspiring students. Of the many barriers facing students in the pursuit of higher education, some include financial, those from families with no prior history of attending post-secondary education, and those living with disabilities. 

Students often struggle with the cost of tuition, living expenses, limited availability to earn income, on top of balancing studying and extra-curricular activities and volunteering. Add to this the seemingly insurmountable debt that can accumulate, and it’s sometimes enough to discourage learners from pursuing higher education. 

CST Foundation aims to improve access to higher education with financial support tools including awards and bursaries that can lighten the financial and emotional burden for students. 

For Brett Scott, a recipient of a Founders’ Award, this means that he can realize his dream of completing medical school at McMaster University. “The time that I’ve needed to dedicate to studying has meant that that I am unable to bring in a sustainable source of income. This award will be invaluable in helping me pay for and complete my studies. I will be better able to focus on developing the skills and expertise needed to be a great physician.”

Sara Wiens received a bursary this year and is beginning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Calgary. Sara tells us about the unique challenges she faces as the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education: “To be the first person in my family to go to university is truly a really big achievement for me. I think with my cultural background, people don’t consider post-secondary education. I am setting a great example for people in similar situations.”

CST Foundation Vice President Peter Lewis feels a sense of pride in the students selected to receive the awards: “I continue to be inspired by the stories and perseverance of these students. I am delighted that our initiatives are helping young Canadians realize their full potential.” 

Thirty-five students from across Canada will receive a total of $250,000 in funding this year from CST Foundation.

 

Recieving a 2022 Founders' Award: 

Alina-Gabriela Helciug, Maitrise en travail social, Université de Sherbrooke

Brett Scott, Doctor of Medicine, McMaster University

Camryn Stang, Masters of Science in Oceanography, University of British Columbia

Claire Breton-Di Paolo, Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Lakehead University

Etinosa Oliogu, Masters of Arts/PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Toronto

Harpreet Jaswal, Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology), University of Toronto

Maheen Khalid, Masters of Science in Planning, University of Toronto

Miehad Omar, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Western University

Rishi Thangarajah, Masters of Medical Sciences, McMaster University

Vivian Chu, Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto

 

Recieving a 2022 Bursary: 

Ariele Ullrich, Faculty of Science, Medicine, University of Manitoba

Brianna Rowntree, Psychcology, Western University 

Divya Lad, Commerce, McMaster University

Ella Lutz, Social Sciences, University of Victoria 

Feaven Tsehaie Blate, General Sciences, University of Alberta 

Gurleen Dablair, Business Management (BComm), Toronto Metropolitan University

Hai Xin Wu, Medical Science, Western University 

Jayce Ohara, Collaborative Nursing BScN, St. Clair College/University of Windsor

Jenny Le, SSE Bachelor of Social Work, Toronto Metropolitan University 

Kennedy Burrell, Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology and Psychology, Saint Mary's University 

Kylie Kharazi, Business Administration, Wilfred Laurier University

Lily Pearl Currie, Bachelor of Arts in Aquatic Resources, St. Francis Xavier University

Mackenzie  Dawson, Bachelor of Child and Youth Care, University of the Fraser Valley

Manreet Sandhu, Faculty of Science, Neuroscience, University of British Columbia

Najma Sultani, Engineering Science, University of Toronto

Nihal Aulakh, Pre-Health Science, Fanshawe College

Prabneet Gill, Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University 

Raghad Hairab, Neuroscience, University of Toronto (Mississauga)

Salman Alsehh, Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Regina

Samuel Mark Lawrence Roy, Bachelor of Nursing, University of New Brunswick (Saint John)

Sara Wiens, BSc in Engineering, Civil Engineering, University of Calgary

Sarthak Tyagi, Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University

Zara Rahman, Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science COOP Program, University of Ottawa

 

The CST Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to helping Canadian families access post-secondary education. For over 60 years, CST has been delivering on its mission through its advocacy and philanthropy initiatives as well as two wholly owned subsidiaries, CST Savings Inc. and CST Spark Inc.  CST has helped over 800,000 students achieve their post-secondary dreams. For further information on CST’s mission, visit cstfoundation.ca.