Giving back
The TELUS Student Bursary aims to break down barriers to education so that young people like James Svoboda can reach their full potential.
Dec 2, 2024
Story as it appears in the
Toronto Star
on November 14, 2024 Major life obstacles haven’t stopped 19-year-old James Svoboda from tirelessly pursuing his dreams and trying to make the world a better place.
Svoboda, a first-generation Canadian, grew up watching his single mother struggle to pay the bills and care for him and his 11-year-old brother.
Yet, Svoboda, a second-year criminology and law student at Toronto Metropolitan University, credits these hardships for building his resilience, fostering determination, and inspiring his passion for rich community involvement, which includes a role as a youth advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
That drive and commitment to give back are big reasons why Svoboda is among the nearly 1000 post-secondary students across Canada to date to be awarded the TELUS Student Bursary, which honours student changemakers experiencing critical financial need.
Svoboda’s long-term goal is to improve mental health research and education, and create low-barrier, stigma-free avenues for those in need of legal advice.
With the support of the bursary — which provided Svoboda $5,000 toward his tuition and other costs related to post-secondary education — he is one step closer.
“My life experiences have made it challenging for me to attend university,” said Svoboda. “The bursary meant that I could attend university with some weight taken off my shoulders. I can focus on my studies. Having TELUS recognize the work that I have done was a strong motivator for me to continue my youth advocacy and mental health research, and my university education.”
Svoboda is among the nearly 1000 post-secondary students across Canada to date to be awarded the TELUS Student Bursary
We are the change
The TELUS Student Bursary, the largest national student bursary fund in Canada, was launched last year through a $25 million endowment gift from TELUS and a $25 million commitment in fundraising from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. Bursaries are valued at $5,000 for bachelor degree students and $3,000 for diploma students in any field of study or trade. In addition, 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.The TELUS Student Bursary is in direct response to growing financial challenges impacting Canada’s youth. A
2024 Maru Public Opinion survey
, released earlier this year found that 65 per cent of Canadian post-secondary students define themselves as financially unstable and 45 per cent are currently unable to adequately cover basic needs such as food and housing. This grim reality often forces students to consider dropping out, negatively impacting their future, families and the health of our communities.
As a fierce advocate for mental health and the rights of youth, Svoboda sees education as a means to further his ability to bring about positive change. At CAMH’s Collaborative Learning College, Svoboda is part of the National Youth Advisory Council, a diverse team that examines mental health literature to better shape research. Among his community work outside of CAMH, he volunteers within other mental health projects as an advisor through SickKids, and the University of Calgary and Alberta, as part of his commitment to change.
With support through the bursary, he hopes to further enable youth to believe in themselves and give back to build stronger, healthier communities. “It is easy to get down on ourselves and feel as if we have limited opportunities,” said Svoboda. “But we must remember that we do not climb the mountain of life alone, even when we feel like we are. Somewhere along the way to the top of the mountain, we will meet people who see our spark and recognize how we are the change.” The next application window will open in Spring 2025. Support even more students like Svoboda in achieving their dreams. Learn more and donate at
friendlyfuture.com/bursary
. 
