Bow Valley College is celebrating a donation from TC Energy that will help empower women pursuing career paths in innovation and entrepreneurship, and provide food security to Indigenous students through the Iniikokaan Centre. Our diverse student population is comprised of 69 per cent women and includes nearly 500 Indigenous students.

The impact of this donation will extend beyond the generous financial support, with a true community partnership forming. The initiatives will see TC Energy employees actively participating and engaging with our students, faculty and staff through mentorship, volunteering, networking and speaking opportunities.

“Investing in education is key to empowering the next generation of energy problem solvers. By equipping young minds with the knowledge, skills and tools they need, we’re not only addressing today’s energy challenges, but also fostering innovation for a sustainable future, says Trevence Mitchell, Manager, Social Impact for TC Energy. “We believe that helping students succeed helps communities succeed. Our partnership with Bow Valley College will empower women in business and technology, provide mentorship, help develop a diverse talent pipeline, and support the Iniikokaan Centre and their food security program.”

This partnership will also complement TC Energy’s “Nourishing our Neighbours” campaign taking place this September, which aims to combat food insecurity in our local communities. Through its social impact program, Build Strong, TC Energy supports causes and organizations that create shared value and prosperity between our communities and our business.

To help kick off the partnership, TC Energy volunteers joined us to welcoming back students to campus by handing out Bannock and socializing with them at the Iniikokaan Centre.

The Iniikokaan Centre works to prioritize the health and wellness of Bow Valley College’s Indigenous students and believes worrying about running out of food and having limited access to a healthy variety shouldn’t be a barrier for Indigenous Peoples’ academic success during tough economic times.

“Thanks to the gift from TC Energy, we’re working together to address food insecurity with a stocked pantry, emergency grocery gift cards and hot meals throughout the week” says Keestin O’Dell, Indigenous Student Engagement Strategist for the Iniikokaan Centre. “These community partnerships are essential to meeting basic needs to support Indigenous students’ success, as they define it each step of the way.”

We are grateful to TC Energy for sharing in our vision to ensure student success with career-focused educational opportunities, and for being our partner in ensuring a healthy campus community.

‍