Empowering futures: The impact of the Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship

Imagine opening an email to discover you’ve been awarded the largest scholarship in TMU history—$100,000. That was the life-changing reality for four outstanding students: Mithursha Arulmohan, Preethi Kamalakkannan, Varnica Balamurali and Ishnu Suresh, who have each received the Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship from Rogers. 

What sets the Legacy Scholarship apart is its renewable nature, valued at $25,000 annually for up to four years. It is awarded to students with financial need who are starting a STEM-focused degree at one of six Canadian partner universities, including Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). This scholarship is given to students who demonstrate academic excellence, community leadership and financial need, with preference given to equity-deserving individuals. As many students know, expenses don’t end after the first year—the costs of living and education continue to rise.

For Computer Engineering student Mithursha Arulmohan, the scholarship brought relief and new confidence in her career choice. “Receiving the scholarship from Rogers gave me more confidence in my choice to pursue Computer Engineering at TMU,” says Arulmohan. “I didn’t believe it at first!” 

Now, with fewer financial worries, she is focused on her goal of working in a major tech company in Toronto. Through her volunteer work at a community centre, Arulmohan helps youth explore their interests and hopes to become a role model, empowering more young women to pursue STEM. 

“Before, community work gave me a sense of accomplishment, but receiving this award made me realize I can have an even bigger impact,” says Arulmohan.  “And it’s not just about the money — it’s opened doors I didn’t know existed.” 

Equipped with a new laptop purchased with part of the scholarship funding, Arulmohan has already expanded her network opportunities by joining the TMU IEEE (opens in new window)  chapter.

“My parents immigrated from Sri Lanka, and they didn’t get to finish their education so this feels like such an accomplishment — not just for me but for them,” says Arulmohan.

Another Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship recipient, first-year Computer Science student Varnica Balamurali, says the scholarship has reshaped her expectations. 

“It changed my entire perspective on what life could be,” she says. “With financial pressure lifted, I can concentrate on my studies in AI and cybersecurity without distractions. Now I can focus on what I truly want to do.” As a first-generation student whose family fled Sri Lanka’s civil war, receiving the award felt surreal. “It’s validation,” she adds. After completing her degree, she hopes to lead workshops and introduce women to robotics and coding. 

“It’s about breaking barriers and opening doors,” she says. “While being a woman in STEM can be challenging, I feel validated and supported at TMU. It feels like we’re all in it together.” 

Rogers delivers corporate Canada’s largest scholarship program through the Ted Rogers Scholarships (external link) , which includes the Legacy Scholarship ($100,000 over four years), the Future Leader Scholarship ($26,800 over four years), both in partnership with six universities and one-time Entrance Scholarships for those starting university, college or a trade school program.

The Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship is transforming the lives of these students and shaping the future of STEM at TMU. The scholarships are increasing representation in technology fields at TMU while supporting exceptional students who also give back to their communities. 

Asked what she would say to Rogers, Balamurali, brimming with gratitude, broke into applause to show her appreciation. 

“Thank you,” she says with a huge smile. “Honestly, it makes such a big difference.”