UBC sets ambitious funding targets

UBC wants to raise $100M in Vancouver, Kelowna for students

UBC is aiming to raise $100 million across both campuses in Kelowna and Vancouver over three years to provide financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students.

The Blue and Gold Campaign for Students will support a range of student awards, including scholarships, bursaries and experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

The awards will support students in need, students from under-represented communities and leadership-based awards.

“Donors in the Okanagan have already played a crucial role in building our campus and shaping what it is today,” said Deborah Buszard, depute vice-chancellor and principal of UBC Okanagan. “We are equally committed to building greater supports for students to ensure the best and the brightest from near and far have access to world-class education right here in the Okanagan, regardless of financial circumstances.”

Tushar Dave, a third-year medical biochemistry and molecular biology student at UBC Okanagan was a recipient of the Deepak Binning Foundation Community Builder scholarship, the type of donor-funded award the campaign will support.

“The biggest factor for me was getting a UBC education here at home,” said Dave. “Scholarships allow me to focus on what matters most: my studies. It’s important to continue supporting students so that we can give back to our communities.”

UBC is matching funds up to $5 million for donations to Blue and Gold campaign priorities, including bursaries, entrance awards for students with high academic standing and for outstanding students recognized for achievement and leadership with financial need.

The campaign will also focus on graduate students, including opportunities to pursue research in collaboration with community partners and organizations.

For more information about the fundraising campaign, go online to support.ubc.ca/blueandgold.