Cambrian College provided approximately 300 students with 300 financial awards, bursaries, and scholarships, with a total value of $300,000 at a ceremony last week.
It’s a portion of the $775,000 Cambrian College is distributing this academic year to approximately 1,000 students.
One of the students who received a financial award was Elysha Devoni of Sault Ste. Marie. Elysha left an abusive relationship and education was a way to get a new start in life. Elysha is graduating and is looking forward to pursuing a career in dental hygiene, in particular oral health promotion.
“Education was a way for me to leave that relationship behind,” said Devoni. “I’ve learned a lot about myself. I didn’t have a lot of support coming to college, so the financial awards mean I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to live month-to-month. I can focus on my studies.”
Another student receiving a financial award was Stephanie Cote Girard of Timmins.
“My employer encouraged me to upgrade my education. I have faced many challenges since beginning this journey last January. The toughest one is being a mother away from my two young children," said Cote Girard.
"I travel every week, a 600-km round trip, between Timmins and Sudbury while working tirelessly to maintain my studies. I have also taken an unpaid leave from work.”
Each year Cambrian College, the Cambrian Foundation, Cambrian Alumni Association, and Cambrian International assist up to 1,000 students with financial bursaries and scholarships.
“The stories our students share with us are absolutely remarkable,” said Angela Gilmore, the Cambrian Foundation Development Manager.
“When we hear of students who have emerged from very challenging circumstances, it is amazing to know that the financial support we are providing is truly making a difference for them. I want to thank all our donors for their generosity. You are helping to change lives and make dreams come true.”
