“I Found My Path.”
Gloria’s Story: From refugee newcomer to full-ride scholar
Where It Started
Gloria arrived in Canada in 2019 as a refugee from Congo. Navigating high school during the pandemic was difficult, so was adjusting to a new culture, language, and educational system. She connected with FYI, where she found community, mentorship, and one-on-one post-secondary guidance.
How FYI Showed Up
FYI helped Gloria complete her volunteer hours, prepare university applications, and secure financial aid. Through the post-secondary team, she accessed scholarship opportunities, including the FYI Future Fund and the Pinball Clemons Foundation Scholarship, which now fully funds her education.
“Getting the scholarship felt like a miracle. Attending university would not have been possible without FYI."
How Support Took Shape
University & scholarship application support
Post-secondary mentorship and 1:1 advising
Academic tutoring and community connection
Gloria is entering her second year studying criminology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her goal is to become a lawyer and use her degree to uplift her African community.
Where She Is Now
FYI helped Gloria secure the funding and guidance she needed to pursue her education.
Program Highlight: Post-Secondary Education Support
$25,000 in scholarships and bursaries awarded
76 youth received post-secondary application support
24 PSE workshops delivered, including scholarship writing and OSAP guidance
