Overview
Help ESP Students Stay on Their Path to Success
At the Centre for Initiatives in Education (CIE), we believe that access to higher education can change lives. Through the Enriched Support Program (ESP), we open doors for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend university — offering them the guidance, community, confidence, and skills they need to thrive.
But for many ESP students, the path to success can be interrupted by unexpected financial hardship. A single setback — a broken laptop, a missed paycheck, an urgent trip to the dentist— can threaten their ability to stay in school.
The Background
That’s where the ESP Emergency Fund makes a difference. This fund provides immediate, short-term financial support to students facing personal emergencies. It helps them cover essential expenses such as food, housing, childcare, textbooks, and medical costs — giving them the stability to continue their studies and reach their goals.
“Every year we see ESP students who experience financial hardship and poverty. For students on a low income, it doesn’t take much to create an unexpected setback or unplanned expense that can cut into their food budgets or make it difficult to afford textbooks. Some emergency bursary funding at the right time can really improve their learning conditions and ability to pursue their goal of getting their university education.”
— Jennifer Gilbert, Director, Centre for Initiatives in Education
The Rollout
Your support can have an immediate impact. With your help, ESP students can focus on learning — not on choosing between paying rent and buying textbooks. Your donation can provide:
- Nutritious food and stable housing
- Childcare for student parents
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Medication, dental, and medical care
- Warm clothing for Ottawa winters
The Impact
ESP students have already overcome significant barriers to reach university. By contributing to the ESP Emergency Fund, you help ensure that financial hardship isn’t the reason their journey stops here. Together, we can give every student the chance to succeed — and to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
What our students have said:
“The funds I received helped so much and encouraged me on my academic journey! Knowing people invest in education really warms my heart.”
“Thank you for your donation, it is an honour to receive… ESP has changed my life and I look forward to being a part of its continued success.”