Jacey Pollard | Student Success

When Students Are Supported, Communities Thrive

Education is the foundation of strong communities, and for Jacey Pollard—a member of the Skidegate Band Council—financial support helped turn her dream of working in education into a reality. With help from the Indigenous Student Scholarship and Bursaries, Jacey was able to pursue Early Childhood Education and is now an Education Assistant at SD50 Haida Gwaii.

What’s Jacey’s Story

Jacey’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when First Nation students are given the opportunity to thrive. With the financial support from the program, she was able to focus on her studies and build the skills she needed to enter the classroom—and the workforce—confidently.

Now working with youth in her home community, Jacey is living proof that when students are supported, they give back in meaningful ways. Her story reflects the broader impact of investing in education: it builds stronger Nations, stronger leaders, and stronger futures.

As she shares in the video, “Being able to study and return to support my community as a teacher’s assistant means everything.”

Why Investing in Students Matters

The Indigenous Student Scholarship and Bursaries helps ease the financial barriers that often stand between students and their post-secondary goals. Whether attending college, university, or a trade program, students receive the crucial support needed to stay focused and succeed.

In 2024, more than 250 students across BC received funding through this program—building not only careers, but capacity within First Nation communities.

About the Indigenous Student Scholarship and Bursaries

This program provides non-repayable funding to First Nation students in British Columbia pursuing full-time post-secondary education. It supports a range of programs—from trades to graduate studies—and is designed to reduce financial strain and promote long-term success