I would like to highlight an exciting new partnership between UBC and Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), to empower Black Canadian students to achieve their educational goals and career aspirations.
BOF is a partnership between the Black community, businesses, philanthropists, government, and foundations, with a mission of raising a permanent pool of capital to empower the Black community. In celebration of their first anniversary, BOF is partnering with UBC to combat systemic discrimination and anti-Black racism and to promote social and economic empowerment across Canada.
The partnership supports the UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program, launching this fall, to provide access to a range of opportunities for Black students at UBC, from awards to mentorship, internships, leadership conferences and networking opportunities while on campus. Through the participation of the supporters of BOF, students will also have access to opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and the exchange of ideas, both within the program and as they transition into life after university.
To mark the launch of the program, BOF is establishing two full-ride awards for Black students to attend UBC. BOF’s goal is to raise $1.5 billion over ten years to support initiatives that will help address the systemic injustices faced by Canada’s Black communities. As part of the partnership, BOF will also promote giving opportunities through its fundraising efforts to support additional student awards and other program needs at UBC.
Through the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program, and with partners like Black Opportunity Fund, UBC will create a post-secondary destination for Black students in Canada. This is a call to action—we invite others across the country to join us in supporting the next generation of Black leaders.
Learn more about the partnership between UBC and BOF to support access to opportunities for Black students at UBC and beyond.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor