New bursary enhances access to experiential learning for equity-deserving students – News and Events

A new TMU bursary has launched to support equity-deserving undergraduate students participate in experiential learning opportunities.

The Pathways to Equity: Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)  Bursary will help offset costs such as transportation, childcare, and supplies, as students engage in unpaid curricular WIL opportunities.

From community and industry research and projects, entrepreneurial WIL, field placements and community service learning, these opportunities provide crucial ways for students to engage in meaningful work, integrate theory with practice and prepare for careers.

Launched by the Experiential Learning (EL) Hub, a resource within the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the bursary aims to ensure that eligible students have reduced financial barriers to participating in these valuable learning experiences. 

“Our vision for experiential learning is one that is equity-led,” said Anita Abraham, director of the EL Hub.

“We have heard time and time again how much financial hardship is placed on our students in order to participate in unpaid EL activities, particularly for those facing systemic barriers,” she continued. “We are grateful to partner with CEWIL and the Office of the Provost to actualize our commitment to increase access to EL for equity-deserving students through this program. We hope this is just one step in continuing TMU’s responsiveness to equity-led experiential learning.” 

The support provided by Pathways to Equity is one way to help level the playing field, making it possible for students to gain the hands-on skills and networks they need for future success.

Many students, especially those from equity-deserving groups, have historically been excluded from fully participating in experiential learning due to associated costs. This bursary will assist in removing some of these financial obstacles. The bursary will also have a lasting impact. Students who benefit from these experiences are better positioned to secure meaningful employment post-graduation.  

Significant step
The domestic stream of the Pathways to Equity Bursary is funded by CEWIL Canada (external link) ‘s Innovation Hub (iHub) and supported by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL). Funding from the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic has made it possible to offer the same support to international students. This one-time bursary is a significant step towards creating an inclusive educational environment, helping students achieve their full potential. 

Applications for the Pathways to Equity: Work-Integrated Learning Bursary are now open, and will close on November 15, 2024. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they can, as bursaries will be awarded to successful applicants on an on-going basis until funding runs out. Students can apply via AwardSpring (external link)  and direct any specific questions to pathwaybursary@torontomu.ca.