Imagining where they can be

Dalhousie student Cinera States speaks at the announcement ceremony for the TD Black Student Opportunity Grant (Nick Pearce photo)

And then there’s the question of what they or their parents can afford.

Dal student Cinera States believes students like these—students with potential if not the financial resources—will be able to benefit from a new scholarship for Dalhousie students created with a $1 million gift from TD Bank Group.

The TD Black Student Opportunity Grant is meant to provide support based on financial need and academic potential. Students who qualify for the scholarships will be identified early, in junior high and high school, through their involvement in Dalhousie’s Imhotep’s Legacy Academy.

“I’m surprised every week when the kids keep coming and showing an interest,” says Ms. States, a third year student majoring in biology and psychology. As a mentor with Imhotep, she visits junior high schools to do science-related activities with kids in Grades 7, 8 and 9.

“They’re very keen but a lot of them don’t have the resources to go to university. They may not be able to picture themselves there.

“Which is why I’m there. I’m just like them and I’m at university,” says the 20-year-old student from Windsor, Ont. “Imhotep lets them imagine where they can be.”

Physicist Kevin Hewitt, one of the founders of Imhotep, says the program works to break down the psychological barriers that prevent black students from pursuing careers in science and engineering. Now, with the new scholarships, the financial barriers are also coming down.

The Dalhousie physics professor described himself as “moved” as he attended the announcement. “Getting (Imhotep) going has been a labour of love. And now to see it reach the stage where we can break down financial barriers as well is very encouraging. Hopefully we can make an even bigger difference in the lives of our students.”

The announcement of the scholarship was made Friday at a reception held at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Also announced was a new Black History in Canada Education Guide created by The Historica-Dominion Institute and also sponsored by TD Bank Group. Special guest was Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes, who talked about writing his groundbreaking epic.

As the descendant of slave who bought freedom for him, his wife and his eight children, Mr. Hill says that same determination led subsequent generations of Hills to attend university. His great grandfather attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania at the turn of the 20th century.

“I encourage all of the students here today to pick your path, but go for it, go for it, all the way,” he said.

This article is part of the Dalhousie Difference series, introducing and showcasing some of the 50 innovative projects in development. The first story, "The Dalhousie Difference," explored what the power of philanthropy means to a university like Dalhousie. "All in a Day's work" introduced the new scholarship fund created in the name of Sir Graham Day.