The University of British Columbia has established a new scholarship program for Black Canadian students. The Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program is the first of its kind in the country, offering an array of awards and programs to build community among Black UBC students. Across UBC's Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, students will have access to panels and events — not to mention scholarships of up to $80,000!

First cohort of recipients in 2021

The first recipients of the Beyond Tomorrow program started at UBC in September 2021. Nejat Alhussan, a science student, was one of the 13 recipients. She moved from Ontario to Okanagan, and hopes to work in medicine upon graduation."

"The Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program has alleviated the financial stress of post-secondary education so I can focus on my studies," she says. "Thanks to the program, I have a support network and feel like I'm not on this journey alone. It feels like I am a step closer to achieving my goal of pursuing a career in medicine."

UBC Sauder School of Business student Burrell Atkinson was another 2021 recipient.

"I'm proud to be a Beyond Tomorrow Scholar, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as a role model to the next generation of scholars," he says.

Supporting the five pillars of success

The Beyond Tomorrow programming is based on UBC's five pillars of success:

• Academics and career readiness
• Leadership
• Community and belonging
• Finances
• Health and wellbeing

Over the next four years, the program aims to support more than 100 students. With a little luck, the program will grow and develop into a broader initiative, with student and faculty support.

The Beyond Tomorrow program was established with the help of donors, including the Black Opportunity Fund, which helped develop scholarship programs for UBC students, and offers opportunities for leadership and collaboration, on- and off-campus.

You can learn more about the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program in the video below, or by checking out the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program page.