Many young learners in Manitoba have aspirations of graduating College but are unable to due to financial hardships. This is especially true over the last year – because of COVID-19 our Student Awards and Financial Aid office has seen an increase in students who need support to graduate. These are students who have lost their jobs, had a partner lose their job and have to choose between paying their tuition or paying their rent.

With this new opportunity from the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MSBI), you can help more students succeed in their educational goals. Any new or additional student award donations made before March 31, 2021 will receive an equal match by MSBI.

You have three options on how to designate your new/additional donation:

• Both the new/additional donation and the matching funds will be directed to the general Red River College bursary fund – preference will be given to students who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. (All donation levels)
• Your new/additional donation and the matching funds will be directed to your award fund to provide assistance to a student (or students) who is experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, and studying in the program area supported by your award fund. (Donations of $1,000 or more)
• Your new/additional donation and the matching funds will be directed to your award fund to increase the award value for existing recipients of your award; divided amongst the 2020/21 recipient(s) of your award. (Donations of $1,000 or more)

All new and additional donations must also be distributed for students who qualify for financial assistance in the 2020/21 academic year – meaning your gift will make an impact right now.

Please call 204.619.0139 at your earliest convenience to discuss which option would work best for you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you to everyone who has already made the commitment in supporting more students!

“I would like to express my gratitude upon receiving this bursary. Being a full time nursing student and a mom of three young children is very challenging, but thanks to your generosity, it makes my pathway much easier and allows me to concentrate on the program. On behalf of my children and my spouse I want to thank you again!”

-Ana, award recipient 2020