Empowering Generation Possible: Ted Rogers Community Grants Foster Growth of Thousands of Young Canadians

Strategic Insights -

Rogers Communications has awarded Ted Rogers Community Grants to 90 organizations across 40 communities, providing critical supports to help young people achieve their highest potential. Through programs in education, skills training, mentorship, job skills, and community leadership, these organizations are making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of Canadian youth. The grants have expanded to include funding for programs supporting older youth in their 20s who faced educational and employment challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ted Rogers Community Grants program has awarded nearly 400 grants since its inception in 2017, with 90 organizations receiving grants in 2021-2022 across 40 communities.
  • These grants have a significant impact on the youth they support, with organizations like The Learning Disabilities Society in Prince Rupert, B.C., transforming the lives of students through programs that help them catch up to their peers by half-a-grade level each year.
  • Rogers is proud to support Generation Possible by removing barriers, including those faced by equity-seeking communities, to help youth achieve their possible.
  • The program has expanded grant criteria to include funding for programs that support older youth in their 20s who faced educational and employment challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • According to Statistics Canada, the disruption caused by delayed or cancelled courses, field placements, and hands-on work will impact this generation for at least five years after the pandemic.
  • Each grant partner has a unique story, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC, which received a 2021-2022 Ted Rogers Community Grant to support their youth programming.
  • Organizations like Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) and Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) are also supported through the program, focusing on immigrant and refugee youth.
  • The YMCA, through support from Rogers, will connect young Black, Indigenous and Youth of Colour with local BIPOC leaders who will provide guidance through a one-day conference and a six-month mentorship opportunity.

Statistics:

  • Rogers has awarded nearly 400 Ted Rogers Community Grants since 2017.
  • 90 organizations received grants in 2021-2022 across 40 communities.
  • Over 1,800 Ted Rogers Scholarships have been awarded since 2017 to students attending post-secondary education.
  • The Jays Care Rookie League helps over 14,000 kids facing barriers develop life skills through the power of baseball.

Sources:

  • "Empowering Generation Possible: 2021-2022 Ted Rogers Community Grants help thousands of young Canadians discover their highest potential," Globe Newswire, Nov. 15, 2021.
  • Rogers Communications media release, Nov. 15, 2021.
  • Quotes from Joe Natale, President and CEO, Rogers Communications; Sevaun Palvetzian, Chief Communications Officer and lead for corporate responsibility at Rogers Communications; Tim Bennett, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC; Eva Szasz-Redmond, Director of Programs, Calgary Immigrant Women's Association; Seeba Wahabi, Teacher & School Liaison, Homework and Education for Youth, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba; Lily Lumsden, YMCA Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford; Moncef Lakouas, Executive director of BGC Moncton.