HSBC Canada is partnering with Ottawa and a pair of charities to boost efforts to fund aboriginal education programs to the tune of $1 million.
The bank announced June 20 it’s donating money to two programs designed to provide aboriginal youths with more education opportunities.
The bank will provide $300,000 — matched by the federal government — over three years for the HSBC Indigenous Business Award. Another $400,000 from HSBC will pay for the Pathways HSBC Indigenous Educational Attainment Fund over three years.
Indspire and Pathways to Education Canada will deliver the programs.
The business award will be given to 188 aboriginal undergrads over the next three years.
“We are thrilled that HSBC is demonstrating their support of Indigenous education in Canada with such a strong commitment to Indspire,” Indspire president Roberta Jamieson said in a statement.
“This award will give many indigenous business students the financial support they need to complete their studies, be well positioned for the job market, and contribute to Canada's economy."
Education levels among aboriginals fall behind the rest of the country. While 27% of non-aboriginals go on to university, just 10% of First Nations people attain an education from a post-secondary institution.
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