For two high school students who connect to House of Friendship programs in Waterloo Region, a substantial grant from the Lyle S Hallman Foundation will make the dream of a Grebel residence experience and a University of Waterloo degree a reality. Youth from community centres and family resource programs run by House of Friendship might not consider applying to UWaterloo if they can’t afford it. Even if they are able to cover tuition, living in residence is often out of the question.
The House of Friendship Leadership Scholarship will cover four years of tuition and related fees (like co-op, books, and supplies) and will enable students to live for two years at Grebel. It will also fund two work terms in a House of Friendship program.
“The idea is to promote the possibility of post-secondary education in families that may not consider it because of the related costs,” said Grebel’s Director of Advancement, Fred Martin. “We want to give youth something to shoot for and encourage them to volunteer to improve their leadership experience so they can qualify for this generous award. Getting good grades is also part of the equation, as they need to be accepted to a Waterloo program.”
Grebel’s new Strategic Plan includes a commitment to increase needs-based financial assistance. “This new award is a great step towards this goal,” said Grebel President Marcus Shantz, noting that the College currently distributes close to $500,000 in student awards per year and regularly welcomes refugee students through World University Students Canada (WUSC).
“This is a dream come true for youth in our communities,” said Dauda Raji, Community Development Manager at House of Friendship. “We have so many young leaders in the communities we serve who are brimming with potential, and this will help them overcome the financial challenges they face. We know that lives will be changed as a result of the House of Friendship Leadership Scholarship—and we can’t wait to witness that.”
“Our Student Services team is excited to see how this scholarship award will expand our community,’ said Director of Student Services Beverley Fretz. “We believe this comprehensive award will attract people to Grebel who may not have otherwise been able to be a part of the community.”
“We are really happy to partner with Grebel and the University of Waterloo to make an impact in the communities where House of Friendship is working,” noted Laura Manning from the Lyle S Hallman Foundation.
See the Award Page for more information.
