Bursary addressing financial barriers to experiential learning for students from equity-deserving groups returns
The Pathways to Equity bursary is designed to improve access to work-integrated learning opportunities
A TMU bursary program is being offered again to support equity-deserving undergraduate students participating in experiential learning opportunities. The Pathways to Equity: Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Bursary will help offset costs such as transportation, childcare, and supplies as students engage in unpaid curricular WIL opportunities. From community and industry research and projects, entrepreneurial WIL, field placements and community service learning, these opportunities provide crucial ways for students to engage in meaningful work, integrate theory with practice and prepare for careers.
Offered in partnership by the Experiential Learning (EL) Hub and the Faculty of Community Services, the bursary aims to ensure that eligible undergraduate students from all TMU faculties have reduced financial barriers to participating in these valuable learning experiences.
"An equity-led approach drives our vision for experiential learning," states Anita Abraham, Director of the EL Hub. "By embedding financial support in EL opportunities, we are addressing some of the barriers that have historically confronted equity-deserving students and affirming that all students deserve to learn, contribute, and thrive as they develop the skills and readiness for the world that awaits them. That's why we are thrilled to partner with CEWIL and the Office of the Provost. This collaboration is a part of a broader movement toward systemic change in how we define and deliver inclusive experiential learning.”
The support provided by Pathways to Equity is one way to help level the playing field, making it possible for students to gain the hands-on skills and networks they need for future success. Many students, especially those from equity-deserving groups, have historically been excluded from fully participating in experiential learning due to associated costs. In 2024, the Pathways to Equity bursary supported 177 students, providing $311,800 in funding. This bursary is intended to continue removing some of these financial obstacles and also have a lasting impact. Students who benefit from these experiences are better positioned to secure meaningful employment post-graduation.
“This program enriches the experience of WIL for all stakeholders, and it does so by putting equity considerations first.”
“The financial support provided by this program enables students to participate in WIL,” says FCS Dean Gharabaghi. "It allows them to put their best foot forward and optimize their learning, knowing that there is support for the many other responsibilities they have, including care for children or elders and generating income for rent and food. There is also a benefit for our placement partners, including grassroots community organizations that worry about our students investing their time without being able to provide compensation. This program enriches the experience of WIL for all stakeholders, and it does so by putting equity considerations first.”
The domestic stream of the Pathways to Equity Bursary is funded by CEWIL Canada (external link) 's Innovation Hub (iHub) and supported by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL). Funding from the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic has made it possible to offer the same support to international students. This bursary is a significant step towards creating an inclusive educational environment, helping students achieve their full potential.
Applications for the Pathways to Equity: Work-Integrated Learning Bursary are now open, and will close on October 31, 2025. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they can, as bursaries will be awarded to successful applicants on an on-going basis until funding runs out. Students can apply via AwardSpring and direct any specific questions to pathwaybursary@torontomu.ca.