CIBC supports equity-deserving students, Milton students with $350,000 STEM-focused gift to Laurier

Oct. 22, 2024
For Immediate Release

CIBC is generously supporting the creation of two new student awards to help foster the success of equity-deserving students at Wilfrid Laurier University and help build the foundation for Laurier’s new Milton campus, while also encouraging the study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Through a gift of $300,000, the newly created CIBC STEM Entrance Award will support full-time undergraduate students entering their first year at Laurier who are part of the following equity-deserving groups: Black students, Indigenous students and students living with disabilities. An additional gift of $50,000 from CIBC will support the CIBC Milton Founders Entrance Scholarship, designated for incoming undergraduate students at Laurier’s new Milton campus. For both awards, preference will be given to students in STEM programs.

“We are grateful to CIBC for this generous investment in the next generation of innovators and leaders at Laurier,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “This support opens doors to STEM programs and strengthens Laurier’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment on our campuses.”

CIBC and Laurier have been working together for decades to support Laurier students, with a focus on business and entrepreneurship. Highlights of CIBC’s past support include the CIBC Finance Scholarship, which supports women studying finance, and the CIBC Leaders in Entrepreneurship Award. CIBC has also been a sponsor of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics Integrated Case Exercise (ICE) Week, which challenges students to present a business solution to a real-world problem a company is facing.

“CIBC aims to create a world without limits to ambition. We’re committed to removing barriers that all too often stand in the way of success for many students from underserved communities,” said CIBC’s Akil Bishop, SVP, region head, Ontario west. “We're proud of our longstanding partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University and our shared commitment of building more inclusive communities. The CIBC STEM Entrance Award and the CIBC Milton Founders Entrance Scholarship will not only improve access to education and careers in STEM, but will empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers to make a lasting impact on the world.”

CIBC’s gift aligns with areas of strategic focus for Laurier: creating a thriving, inclusive community and preparing students for the challenges of the future.