Mars Canada launches bursary to support educational opportunities for Indigenous students
BOLTON, Ont. – Mars Canada and Indspire are launching a new partnership aimed at furthering Indigenous education, including a bursary which will provide $450,000 in financial awards to Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education.
Through a three-year partnership, Mars Canada will directly support Indspire’s annual Soaring and Building Brighter Futures programs, advancing career development opportunities and offering needs-based bursaries to Indigenous students to further their education.
"This new initiative will unite Indspire’s mission of educating, connecting, and investing in Indigenous people so they can reach their highest potential, with Mars’ Purpose of building a better world tomorrow, starting today," according to a statement.
“With this impactful commitment, Mars Canada illustrates their steadfast support in creating opportunity and access to education in Indigenous communities,” says, Mike DeGagné, president & CEO, Indspire. “We are happy to have developed a strong partnership with Mars Canada and look forward to working together to champion greater investments in Indigenous Peoples and the future of Canada.”
“At Mars, we’re committed to building a better future where everyone thrives and can reach their full potential,” says Chantal Templeton, general manager, Mars Canada. “There is a significant need to drive greater equal opportunities for Indigenous students especially in access to education in Canada. This partnership and new bursary aim to support this endeavour, helping to create a more inclusive future for all.”
The Mars Canada Award for Indigenous Students is open to students nationally across Canada beginning May 1, 2022.
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources: In 2020-2021, Indspire provided more than $20 million through 6,245 bursaries and scholarships to students across Canada.
Mars, a global, family-owned business, offers a diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, including M&Ms, Milky Way, Snickers, Twix and Orbit, as well as other food, and petcare products and services.
