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February 27, 2025 – HALIFAX, N.S. –  The Johnson Scholarship Foundation (JSF) announced today a transformative gift of $1,050,000 to Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Engineering that will strengthen its efforts to diversify the field of engineering.

The gift supports the Faculty’s Inclusive Pathways to Engineering Careers Program (IPP). Launched in 2023 through consultation with community partners and knowledge keepers, the program aims to remove barriers and increase access to engineering education among equity-deserving groups. The program will develop custom pathways and supports for each equity-deserving group. The two initial pathways are specifically for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian and Black students at Dalhousie

“We’re honoured to partner with Dalhousie on this innovative program," said Robert A. Krause, Johnson Scholarship Foundation CEO. "Dalhousie’s dedication to empowering deserving Indigenous and African Nova Scotian and Black students to graduate as engineers through this program aligns with our mission to help people prepare for and obtain a college degree. We look forward to seeing how this program will promote equitable access to engineering degrees."  

The gift builds on a long-standing partnership between the university and JSF, which provides grants for scholarships and other support to non-profit organizations that serve students with disabilities, students Indigenous to Canada and the United States, and students from low-income families. Working with the university, JSF has helped create scholarships that have benefitted 160 students with disabilities and the Health Sciences Pathway Initiative. 

“This donation is more than just financial support – it is an investment in the future of our students and the strength of our community,” said Dr. Kim Brooks, president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie. “It reaffirms our shared belief that education should be accessible to all. We are incredibly grateful to the Johnson Scholarship Foundation for their generous commitment to support the Inclusive Pathways to Engineering Careers Program.”

In addition to scholarships that reduce the burden of accessing post-secondary education, IPP will provide Indigenous and African Nova Scotian and Black engineering students with wraparound supports, such as mentorship and career coaching, to ensure they succeed professionally. This will help foster a more diverse engineering workforce that reflects and develops innovations that benefit the communities it serves.

“The program is being thoughtfully developed to provide tailored learning opportunities, mentorship, tutoring, co-op placements, scholarships, and the establishment of a dedicated advisory council to help guide its future,” said Dr. John Newhook, dean of the Faculty of Engineering. “What truly defines this program is the strength of our partnerships. This is more than an engineering initiative; it is a program built on trust, relationship-building, healing, and strengthening community connections.”

The program welcomed its first cohort of Indigenous students in September 2024 and will welcome a second cohort of African Nova Scotian and Black students in September 2025. By 2029, the program will graduate at least 40 additional Indigenous and African Nova Scotian and Black students. These first five years will lay the groundwork for increased representation of equity-deserving groups at Dalhousie and in engineering.

"Starting my upper-level chemical engineering courses, I was the only student that looked like me,” said Isatou Badjie, a Dalhousie Chemical Engineering student. “Now, in my final year, I am one of two students in my entire class. The pathways program will create a sense of belonging, boost confidence, increase opportunities, and empower Black students to thrive in and contribute to a more inclusive engineering community. I am excited to see this program enhance the engineering experience of students that look like me."

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Media Contact:
Emm Campbell (they/them)
Advancement Writer
Office of Advancement
Mobile: 782.641.0215
Email: emm.campbell@dal.ca