CIBC and TELUS Launch $2M Bursary for Black Youth Empowerment
Bursary Description
The CIBC Foundation and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation announced a transformative $2 million partnership to launch the TELUS Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation. With each Foundation contributing $1 million, this multi-year partnership will fuel momentum for up to 500 young changemakers from the Black community, helping them accelerate their ambitions and impact across the globe.
The TELUS Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation, will unlock access to education and career pathways for young Black leaders, whose talents and community leadership are critical for helping solve pressing social issues. Bursaries are awarded to students who are facing financial barriers and are committed to making a difference in their communities. Recipients will also benefit from comprehensive support, including TELUS’ Mobility for Good and Internet for Good programs, access to the CIBC Best Student Life Bundle and CIBC Smart Planner, which can help create healthier financial habits, free mental health support from TELUS Health, as well as career learning opportunities enabled by TELUS.
Since the launch of the TELUS Student Bursary in 2023, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has already provided bursaries to more than 1000 students across nine provinces and 93 different schools, with more than 50 percent awarded to first-generation post-secondary students. With applications already received for the 2025/26 academic year, this partnership with CIBC Foundation will enable more students to receive bursary support starting Fall 2025.
Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS
This innovative partnership unites two leading Canadian Foundations with a shared vision to expand educational and leadership opportunities for our youth. 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 their communities. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic workforce in Canada, and creating a friendlier future for all Canadians.
Victor Dodig, President and CEO, CIBC
The launch of the TELUS Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation is a testament to both Foundations’ continued efforts in ensuring that our next generation of leaders have access to a brighter, more inclusive future. The bursary will generate momentum for their ambitions to flourish and help them address some of society’s most pressing issues. Together, this new partnership helps us do even more to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their ambitions.
Kay Palmer, recipient of the TELUS Momentum Student Bursary, powered by CIBC Foundation
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. 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.