The Peter Gilgan Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to removing barriers to postsecondary education.
The foundation is making an annual donation of $100,000 over the next three years to support initiatives that support participants of Seneca’s Youth to Postsecondary Education (Y2P) program. This includes 15 financial aid awards of $1,000, new laptops for participants and a financial literacy series that will be provided through Career Recharge.
This series will consist of three workshops – budgeting, understanding credit cards and bank accounts – all designed to empower Y2P participants with essential money management skills. By attending Career Recharge sessions, Y2P participants will also gain access to HELIX, Seneca's on campus innovation and entrepreneurship incubator.
This new support from the Peter Gilgan Foundation adds to the emergency fund it established to cover essential costs for Y2P participants, including living expenses, food insecurity and transportation.
“We are #SenecaProud to grow our relationship with the Peter Gilgan Foundation,” said Dean Hughes, Executive Director, Advancement. “This latest gift further demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to help disadvantaged youth who want to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
Launched in May 2015, Y2P helps disadvantaged youth get back into the classroom by providing free academic and life-skills training.
Having taught students in priority neighbourhoods, Luke Gilgan, Manager, Peter Gilgan Foundation, has a deep passion for Y2P.
“Over the last few years, I’ve watched with admiration as the Y2P program has grown to support more students and evolved in response to student needs, like this latest expansion into financial literacy,” said Mr. Gilgan. “I’ve also had the privilege to meet many of the impressive students whose hard work and ambitions have made Y2P the success it is today. It’s clear to me this program will continue to grow and make a real difference in young people’s lives. The Peter Gilgan Foundation is proud to have been part of the Y2P story so far, and I’m so pleased to be announcing a long-term commitment to this impactful program.”
Former Y2P participant Maria Londono is grateful for the support she received through the Peter Gilgan Foundation. When Ms. Londono came to Canada from Columbia in 2007, she did not speak English.
Today, the single mother of two young children is in her second year of Seneca’s Business Administration – International Business advanced diploma program.
Ms. Londono's is one of many student success stories that has been made possible thanks to the support of the Peter Gilgan Foundation.
“For me, everything started with the Y2P program," said Ms. Londono. "It opened the door to my career. The program helped me to become a stronger woman and mother with aspirations for a better future.”
The Peter Gilgan Foundation’s latest contribution will ensure Y2P will continue to thrive in helping disadvantaged students achieve their postsecondary dreams for years to come.