Empowering Disadvantaged Youth
The Schroeder Foundation strongly believes that no individual should be disadvantaged as a result of their cultural background. In communities where we have identified this systemic disadvantage, we have provided the funding and resources needed to do our part in helping these individuals.
To begin this program, we identified schools in Winnipeg with particularly high populations of cultural diversity and poverty. For example, St. John’s High School demographics are 55% Indigenous, 30% Filipino and a high percentage of immigrants. We found that these populations, in particular, are on social assistance and struggle to pay rent, utilities, and clothing. Many live in small houses and share rooms and resources.
The program offered in this school and several others in Winnipeg provide funding and resources to students that will help them both when they are in high school, and in their post-secondary education. We award students for academic performance with bursaries ranging from $150-$300 and recognition in a ceremony with their peers. Students are given bursaries only if their parents are present, demonstrating a family commitment to the students and their education.
The Foundation also provides several scholarships to students looking to attend college or university. Each year, 10 students a year are given a $7,500 scholarship to a 4-year university program. We also provide scholarships for up to 40 students to attend community college and graduate with a trade or business administration degree.
Empowering our youth – especially those that suffer from disadvantages as a result of their cultural background – is a keystone of The Schroeder Foundation, and we are proud of the positive change we can make in these communities.
