What we do
The Help Our Students Program provides $1,600 awards to hard-working students living in difficult financial circumstances in order to help them graduate high school. The recipients, selected by school officials, receive $160 per month from September through June directly into their RBC bank account, with 100 per cent of all donations going directly to support students. All work is done by volunteers and all administrative expenses are paid by the Board of Directors.Â
Each student is asked to write a letter at the end of the school year, describing how the award has impacted their lives and, generally, how they spent the funds. We know from the letters that the recipients use the money to buy food for themselves and their family, for school supplies and field trips, and to help with other family expenses.
How you can help
Donate
Despite Ottawa being a wealthy city, there are far too many students who struggle to stay in school due to their difficult financial circumstances. Supporters love that the students receive the award funds directly into their own bank account and need to learn how to plan and manage their money.Â
Potential donors can choose to support a particular school or a particular area of the city. The recipients’ letters clearly make our donors aware of the significant impact of their donation on the students’ lives.
Volunteer
We have introduced the School Ambassador Program. Each Ambassador will represent the Help Our Students Program in four to six schools in a specific geographical area. Ambassadors will follow-up on the selection of students and the securing of their RBC bank account. This is a volunteer position requiring only a few hours per week. Contact us at hostprogram@rogers.com if you are interested.Â
This article first appeared in the 2025 Giving Guide produced by the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in its digital edition below.
To learn more about this charity, please visit the latest issue of the Giving Guide:
