Assiniboine opens applications for Ignite Bursary

As we celebrate and recognize Black History Month, Assiniboine is pleased to officially launch the Ignite bursary. The bursary is designed to support Black Canadian students with financial need. The Ignite bursary is among the college's commitments to foster diversity and inclusion, recognizing the importance of Black History Month, and supporting the growing Black population in Manitoba.

The bursary was made possible through the proceeds generated from Assiniboine Community College’s 2023 Foundation Legacy Gala Dinner, held annually at the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts.

“Assiniboine recognizes the importance of Black History Month, the legacy and the future of Black Canadians. This fund and the financial support for students that it will provide is one important step toward supporting Black excellence,” said Mark Frison, President at Assiniboine.

There was a more than 57 percent growth in the Black population in Manitoba from 2015 to 2019, with a 132 percent growth in Southwest Manitoba and 97 percent growth in Brandon during that time.

The bursary aims to address the needs of Black Canadian students pursuing higher education and will foster an environment that celebrates diversity and ensures equitable opportunities for all.

To be eligible for the $2,000 award, applicants must self-identify as Black Canadian and have a demonstrated financial need.

In recent years the Legacy Gala has given proceeds to financial support for Mature Student High School students (2017), Indigenous students (2018), Early Childhood Education students (2019), emergency student needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) and students in healthcare programs (2022).

To learn more about the Ignite bursary and how you can apply visit assiniboine.net/awards.