Page 30 - 2024 October

GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES (8) d. Policy considerations
A red-lined copy of the Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program Policy Statement had been circulated. The proposed changes cap the amount that can be awarded to full-time and part-time students per semester. For full-time students, the maximum award will be $2,000 per semester for those earning at least a 2.0 GPA and $3,000 for those with 3.0 or higher. For part-time students, the highest award will be $1,000 per semester for those with at least a 2.0 GPA and $1,500 per semester for those with a 3.0 or higher. This issue came about during a recent desk audit at one of the schools.
There was a brief discussion about whether these awards are based on need or merit. They are based on need. Those with higher GPAs are eligible for more funding, which is something the school representatives have said they wanted. The policy states that JSF will consider modifications for exceptional situations upon written request.
The Committee approved changes to the Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program Policy Statement that limit the scholarship amounts that can be awarded to recipients per semester.
Rick left the meeting.
e. Martin Family Initiative (MFI)
Lisa introduced Chloe Ferguson, CEO, and Griffin Marsh, Economic Well Being Program Director for MFI. The following materials had been circulated: a proposal seeking a 1:1 matching grant of $950,000 CAD over 3 years for 3 Indigenous-specific entrepreneurship and financial literacy resources supporting students in middle and high school as well as adult education settings; a report from a July 24, 2024 site visit to MFI; and a JSF summary of applicant financial information.
In September 2022, JSF approved a grant of $1,200,000 CAD over 4 years for MFI’s Indigenous Business Programs. In November of that year, MFI notified JSF that federal funding was unexpectedly made available to MFI, and the approved JSF funds were consequently not needed at the time. This request is a revised version of that application.
Chloe has been with MFI for 11 years. Headquartered in Montreal, the organization has grown to 45 permanent employees across Canada. Griffin joined the organization 8 months ago and is based in Vancouver. MFI also recently began a transition from a family-run to a family-governed organization. Another shift is that the organization now views its education and economic programing through the lens of overall well-being. Griffin explained that MFI offers a 5-part series of economic well-being programs. The Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy programs are offered to students in grades 6-9. The high school program for grades 11 and 12 is known as the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program (IYEP). It is divided into 2 parts: an Introduction to Entrepreneurship course and an E-Commerce course. At some schools, these are considered elective courses. Both courses are designed to be culturally relevant and can be delivered in a flexible format. They also help students develop soft skills, like business communication and public speaking. For the teachers, financial support and training are provided, along with funding for field trips and seed money for businesses. MFI has also developed supplementary materials tailored to 3 sectors – tourism, food services and advanced engineering. The programs have served more than 90 schools covering 8 provinces and 2 territories, and more than 5,000 students have been impacted. The IYEP completion rate is more than 85 percent.
The request to JSF is for supplemental funding for the high school course. While federal dollars pay for teacher salaries and operating costs, the grant will support and strengthen the program in 4 ways. First, the funding will enhance the financial literacy resources, including the development of
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