Giving back
Meet three inspirational students breaking barriers, changing lives
Dec 6, 2024
The TELUS Student Bursary helps young changemakers pursue their dreams of building a better Canada.
In an era where nearly three-quarters of students struggle with financial instability, the TELUS Student Bursary is changing lives across Canada.
Launched in 2023 with a $25 million endowment from TELUS and expanded through an additional $25 million fundraising commitment from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, the bursary provides crucial financial support to Canada’s most inspirational changemakers to ensure they have what they need to pursue their dreams. Bursaries are valued at $5,000 for bachelor degree students and $3,000 for diploma students in any field of study or trade.
Bursary recipients are also given access to free mobility and discounted internet plans through
TELUS’ Mobility for Good and Internet for Good programs
, as well as mental health support through the TELUS Health Student Support app, mentoring, networking and other career development opportunities throughout their schooling and post-graduation.Meet three remarkable students whose resilience, determination and generous community giving have earned them a place among the nearly 1000 post-secondary students across Canada to have been awarded the TELUS Student Bursary to date.
The TELUS Student Bursary helps young changemakers like Areef Patel (pictured above) pursue their dreams of building a better Canada.
1. Areef Patel, 19: Engineering Dreams Despite Adversity
After losing his family home at age 11, Areef watched his father work six temporary jobs across six cities just to maintain a basement apartment. Today, he's pursuing an electrical engineering degree at the University of BC in Kelowna, while volunteering at Age-Link Society to combat senior isolation.
"These events benefit all ages," Patel shares of his volunteer experience. "Hosting a 'Chat and Chill' event helps students learn about their elders' life experiences, creating long-lasting friendships that bridge both age and cultural gaps."
The fund supports young Canadians like Chelsea Martins-Ezeifeaku, pictured above.
2. Chelsea Martins-Ezeifeaku, 19: Breaking Barriers in Healthcare
After losing her mother early in life, Chelsea's path to higher education seemed uncertain. Now at Wilfrid Laurier University, she's pursuing a health sciences degree with a focus on neuropsychiatry. As founder of Black Medical Network (BMN), she's creating opportunities for other Black students in healthcare and professional fields.
"Black people are significantly underrepresented in higher education professions," she explains. "By uplifting black youth, we can increase representation across industries to benefit the community as a whole."
The TELUS Student Bursary supports students like Indie Dufour, pictured above.
3. Indie Dufour, 20: Championing Diversity Through Art
At 17, this Metis student, identifying as queer and non-binary, left rural Manitoba to pursue their dreams at the University of Winnipeg. As co-president of the UW's Queer Students Association, Dufour works tirelessly to showcase 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and create inclusive spaces.
"I believe in helping those around me, and my dream is to become a museum curator with a special focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ artists," says Dufour. "I have worked very hard to make visible changes in my community."
Help support the next generation of deserving, socially-minded changemakers. This year alone, 76 per cent of the TELUS Student Bursaries were awarded to equity-deserving groups including Black, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and refugee or newcomer youth. Additionally, 50 per cent are the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education.
The TELUS Student Bursary application window opens in Spring 2025. Learn more or donate at
friendlyfuture.com/bursary
.
