Highlights 

  • TELUS Friendly Future Foundation and Belonging Network launch a CAD 1M bursary partnership 
  • Ten-year program will fund more than 200 bursaries for youth from foster or government care 
  • Initiative expands the TELUS Student Bursary program with wraparound services 
  • Partnership addresses the significant post-secondary education gap faced by youth from care 
  • Program integrates digital access, mental-health support, and career development opportunities 

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation (TSX:T) and the Belonging Network have unveiled a CAD 1M, decade-long partnership aimed at transforming post-secondary access for youth from foster or government care across Canada. The new TELUS Orca Student Bursary, powered by Belonging Network, marks a major expansion of the existing TELUS Student Bursary program and is designed to help close the gap in educational opportunities for a uniquely underserved group. 

Youth from care face significant challenges in pursuing higher education—research shows they are half as likely to enroll in post-secondary programs compared to their peers. Through this long-term collaboration, the two organizations aim to reduce these barriers by delivering both financial and non-financial support. 

Supporting Educational Pathways Through Holistic Resources 

The initiative is built on a model that goes beyond financial assistance. Recipients will gain access to a broad suite of wraparound services that address the complex needs of youth transitioning out of care. 

These include TELUS Internet for GoodTM and TELUS Mobility for GoodTM, which provide affordable connectivity solutions—critical tools for modern learning environments. Students will also benefit from mental health resources through TELUS Health Student Support, helping them navigate academic pressures and personal challenges. 

Juggy Sihota, Senior Vice-President and Chair of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, emphasized that the partnership reflects TELUS' commitment to equal opportunity for all youth. By combining digital access, emotional support, and career exposure, the program aims to nurture a supportive environment where students can build confidence and pursue long-term success. 

The Belonging Network brings deep experience working with youth in and from care, including through AgedOut.com, a platform that offers guidance on housing, legal matters, life skills, and community programs. Their existing BC Orca Bursary, launched in 2022, laid the groundwork for scaling this new nationwide initiative. 

A Decade of Impact for Canada’s Youth from Care 

The partnership will fund more than 200 bursaries over ten years, creating a reliable pathway to higher education for vulnerable youth across the country. Leaders from both organizations note that what began as a small grassroots effort in British Columbia has grown into a national program poised to generate lasting change. 

With over 1,600 students supported since the TELUS Student Bursary’s inception in 2023—and more than half being first-generation post-secondary students—the expanded reach enabled by this collaboration is expected to further accelerate educational access for underserved communities. 

Conclusion 

The CAD 1M TELUS Orca Student Bursary partnership illustrates how coordinated, long-terminvestmentcan meaningfully change the trajectory of youth facing systemic challenges. By combining financial support with connectivity, mentorship, and life-readiness tools, TELUS and the Belonging Network are creating a durable framework for educationalequityand empowerment across Canada. 

TELUS Friendly Future Foundations’ shares closed at CAD 18.71, marking a 0.69% decrease from the prior session. 

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