TRU creates First-Year Student Resiliency Fund in response to pandemic financial strain

KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University has stepped forward to create new bursaries for first-year students dealing with financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced today (July 28) in a release, TRU says it aims to raise $50,000 for the First-Year Student Resiliency Fund, which will provide up to 100 first-year students with tuition support.

The TRU Foundation will join in the effort and match up to $25,000 donated to the fund, and the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work, Airini, is also donating $10,000.

“One thing I’ve learned from living in Kamloops is that we give however we can and together, our help adds up to something big” states Dean Airini in the release. “COVID-19 has affected so many in our communities. TRU offers one way forward, preparing students to be active community members and genuine leaders. If there was ever a time to recognize the potential and resilience of our future students, it is now. We don’t want their pace to slow.”

According to the release, between education and living-away-from-home costs, students can spend around $20,000 per year.

The university says students who are in dire financial need or unable to accumulate debt, non-traditional learners and those who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary school are especially vulnerable during the economic crisis. TRU adds that many may feel they have to put their eduction on hold, or cancel plans to attend university.

Anyone can contribute by visiting tru.ca/limitless and making a donation by Aug. 31 so awards are available for the fall term.