The Telus Friendly Future Foundation and CIBC Foundation announced Wednesday a $2-million partnership to launch the multi-year Telus Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation, that will support up to 500 young changemakers from the Black community.
Each foundation is contributing $1 million to the program, which aims to “unlock access to education and career pathways for young Black leaders, whose talents and community leadership are critical for helping solve pressing social issues,” a Telus press release reads.
Bursaries will be awarded to students who are facing financial barriers and are committed to making a difference in their communities, the press release said. Recipients will also benefit from wrap-around support, including mobile and internet access through Telus’s Mobility for Good and Internet for Good programs, free 24/7 access to Telus Health student support for emotional health and wellbeing, access to CIBC’s Best Student Life Bundle and Smart Planner tools to build healthy financial habits, and career learning opportunities through Telus programs.
“This innovative partnership unites two leading Canadian Foundations with a shared vision to expand educational and leadership opportunities for our youth,” said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of Telus, in the release. “Today’s landmark funding commitment by the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation and CIBC Foundation will enable us to further expand our TELUS Student Bursary program, equipping the next generation of leaders with the essential tools to realize their dream of post-secondary education while also effecting meaningful change within our communities. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic workforce in Canada, and creating a friendlier future for all Canadians.”
With applications already received for the 2025/26 academic year, Telus’s partnership with CIBC Foundation will enable more students to receive bursary support starting in fall 2025, the press release said.
“The support from CIBC Foundation and TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has given me the opportunity to focus on my studies and get involved in community work that I’m passionate about,” Kay Palmer, recipient of the Telus Momentum Student Bursary presented at an event held on June 12, said in the release. “My dream is to work in forensic psychology, and this support is helping me become the change I want to see. Together, we’ll keep this momentum going and build a more inclusive tomorrow.”
The Telus Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation, is part of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation’s broader Student Bursary program. Since its launch in 2023, this program has provided bursaries to more than 1,000 students across nine provinces and 93 different schools, with more than 50 per cent awarded to first-generation post-secondary students.
Photo of (left) Kay Palmer, Telus Momentum Student Bursary recipient, pictured with (second from right) Akil Bishop, CIBC senior vice president of retail operations, at the Telus Together for Tomorrow Gala on June 12 following the announcement of the Telus Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation. Also pictured (l-r) are Telus Student Bursary recipients Samarah Maqbool, Yom Jipur and Talia Longo. Photo courtesy of Telus.
