November 15 is National Philanthropy Day, and two of RRC Polytech’s most prolific supporters are being celebrated for their years of philanthropy in Winnipeg and across Canada.

RRC Polytech, along with the University of Manitoba, are pleased to have nominated Walter and Maria Schroeder for the 2023 AFP Awards in the Outstanding Philanthropist category. The Schroeders received the award at a ceremony this afternoon.

“Walter and Maria Schroeder’s work has truly been transformative, and today RRC Polytech is so proud to celebrate their contributions with our community as Manitoba’s 2023 Outstanding Philanthropists,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. 

“The Schroeder Foundation has awarded hundreds of full post-secondary scholarships to institutions in Winnipeg – including more than 180 to RRC Polytech – which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports. The Schroeder Foundation students now also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.”

The Schroeder Foundation donates millions of dollars to organizations every year, with a focus on improving healthcare, providing economic education, and empowering youth and Indigenous communities across the country. The Foundation currently invests more than three million dollars annually in Winnipeg alone.

The Schroeders grew up in Winnipeg with a lifelong belief in helping others. In 1976, Walter founded a Canadian-based bond rating agency called Dominion Bond Rating Service, which became one of the world’s premier agencies. After selling their company, the Schroeders focused their energy on philanthropy and The Schroeder Foundation was born.

However, their journey of philanthropy originally began in 1955, when Maria came to Canada as a refugee after escaping across West Germany’s border. As a grade 11 student, Maria told her teacher at Daniel McIntyre High School that she was making the difficult decision to leave school to work and support her family. Her teacher then relayed the story to the school principal, who showed up at Maria’s home one evening and convinced the family to send her back to school. Over the course of the year, he provided financial support which empowered Maria to complete her education.

This story served as inspiration for the Schroeders’ own commitment to giving back. Since 2018, they have directly impacted a total of 194 unique students at the University of Manitoba and RRC Polytech. They have also provided scholarships to 67 students of the Sisler High School CREATE program to attend Vancouver Film School, and provided merit awards and scholarships to students at St. John’s High School and Sisler High School – amounting to more than 700 individual awards per year.

Brittany Smith, RRC Polytech’s 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipient and graduate of the Legal Assistant Certificate Program experienced financial hardship and homelessness and described feeling as if her dream was slipping away until she received a lifeline in the form of a full tuition scholarship to attend RRC Polytech from the Schroeder Foundation.

“At the time, I could barely afford to eat so without the generous support of the scholarship I was granted, there was simply no way I would have been able to even think about attending post-secondary. I was so excited and felt so much relief when I was offered an option to work my way out of the tough spot, I was in. It motivated me to keep going and I cannot thank Walter and Maria enough for the impact they’ve made in my life.”  

The Schroeder Foundation provides fully-paid scholarships to RRC Polytech, which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports. The Schroeder Foundation students now also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.

“The first day, I remember being stressed out and I was even worried about getting there on time, but someone immediately recognized me and my stress went from 100 to zero in seconds,” said Jileen Easter, current Pathway to Business student and recent participant in the Transition to College program. “I didn’t have to worry about getting lost because everything was explained to me. I think if I had started college without the program, I wouldn’t have my student ID or know where I could go for lunch or anything,” she said.

“Schroeder students” begin their post-secondary journeys with the confidence that they have Walter and Maria’s support, along with an entire community cheering them on.

To date, The Schroeder Foundation has donated more than $2 million towards six previous cohorts and helped support more than 180 RRC Polytech students achieve post-secondary success.

RRC Polytech has previously honoured Walter and Maria Schroeder with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in October 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth.