The commitment with the national Indigenous registered charity includes two annual $5,000 bursaries, an annual $2,500 grant to support Indspire’s Soaring event for Indigenous high school students and volunteer work by HOK’s employees.
HOK’s Canadian practice, including offices in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary, has announced a new partnership with Indspire, a national charity investing in the education of Indigenous students across Canada.
Indspire delivers educational programs, shares resources and disburses financial awards to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. Its goals include breaking the cycle of generational trauma, increasing the graduation rates of students and helping them achieve their highest potential.
HOK worked with Indspire and its clients to determine the charity’s needs and where HOK can provide the most value to Indigenous youth.
“We are pleased to have partnered with HOK to deliver on this multi-year investment in Indigenous learners,” said Indspire President and CEO Mike DeGagne. “This includes high school students ready to start their post-secondary journey to those already embarked. I thank you for your support.”
HOK’s initial five-year commitment includes the Building Brighter Futures bursaries: two annual $5,000 bursaries for Indigenous students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year post-secondary educational institution, or a trade or technical school. The bursaries are available for students based on financial need and will be matched by Canada’s federal government.
The five-year commitment also includes $2,500 each year for Soaring, Indspire’s annual event for Indigenous high school students to learn about careers and post-secondary education options.
To further support Indspire and the Indigenous community, HOK staff will help Indigenous students through portfolio reviews, networking, skills building and training for careers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.
“Supporting Indigenous Peoples is crucial to developing a more inclusive environment and preparing young people for successful futures,” said Tanya Piazza-Hughes, HOK’s senior human resources manager in Toronto. “HOK is honored to establish this partnership with Indspire to support Canada’s Indigenous students. We hope it inspires other organizations to address the needs of Canada’s Indigenous community.”
The partnership is part of HOK’s larger commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion led by the firm’s Diversity Advisory Council. The Council collaborates with HOK Impact, the firm’s corporate social responsibility program. Together, they work to extend HOK’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion into the communities where the firm’s people live and work and across the AEC industry.