Coca-Cola supports first-generation students with new bursary

McMaster has added even more support for first-generation students with a new $50,000 bursary funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation.

The Coca-Cola First Generation Bursary will provide financial assistance for up to 35 students who are the first of their family to attend university or college.

First generation students often face challenges while adapting to an academic campus life that students with parents who attended college or university may take for granted. McMaster provides a wide array of programs and services designed to assist such students during their time at the University.

“The challenges I face as a first-generation student are uniquely different from those whose families are familiar with the post-secondary system. Every experience is new, unique, and often challenging,” says Cam Galindo, a fourth-year Political Science student. “Support often comes in many shapes and sizes. In this case, the first-generation bursary helps students like me to engage in social gatherings with my peers. It also creates mentorship opportunities and helps to break down barriers that often discourage first generation students from pursuing their dreams and graduating.

Officials from McMaster, MP Bob Bratina as well as future recipients of the bursary gathered on campus last month to announce the gift.

“We’re very excited about this new bursary,” says Mary Williams, McMaster’s vice-president of University Advancement. “The Coca-Cola First Generation Bursary, along with McMaster’s extensive first-generation student programming, will help even more students realize their academic potential at McMaster. Our sincerest thanks to Coca Cola for making this happen and for their support of our first-generation students.”