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Creating Opportunities. Changing Lives.
future for all students.
We envision a future where all students, regardless of background, have equal access to the tools, opportunities, and support needed to grow, learn, and lead in their communities and beyond.
John Abbott College Foundation exists to support the College’s mission and statement of purpose. Through fundraising activities, the Foundation allows the College to respond to the steadily increasing demands for its services, while ensuring that the education students receive and the environment in which they learn are second-to-none. With these collective contributions, we aim to protect and nurture our most valuable resources – students and teachers, so that they may continue to raise the bar of academic excellence.
A Legacy of Growth & Giving
Since its founding in 1999, the John Abbott College Foundation has evolved alongside the College itself—expanding support, launching transformative campaigns, and responding to the changing needs of students. This timeline highlights key milestones that have shaped who we are and where we’re headed.
The John Abbott College Foundation is established to support students through financial assistance and fundraising.
A large-scale campaign is launched to renovate facilities and expand scholarship opportunities.
Major investment begins for the Library Renovation Campaign with government and private support.
The College celebrates its 50th anniversary with the creation of the Hall of Distinction.
Over $220,000 in direct student support is distributed, marking a 10% increase over the previous year.
Leadership
The Foundation Board members adhere to the highest standards and are committed to ensuring that the objectives of the Foundation are met.
Mary Samios
Cynthia Aboud
Aisha Ayinde
Josef Azam
Barbara Baudinet
Teresa Berghello
Arianna Fedele
Arianna Fedele
John Halpin
Roy Halpin
Roy Halpin
Carol Heffernan
Philip Mariani
Philip Mariani
Rod Matheson
Gary Sims
Dennis Waide
Lorraine Cooper
Debbie Cribb
Guy Lallemand
Transportation & Bookstore
Campus Food Support (JAC Pantry)
Registration & Course Fees
Family Support
Making a Difference, Year After Year
Despite the many scholarships and bursaries available to John Abbott College students through our Financial Aid Services, there are times when some of our students need a little extra help in overcoming dire financial circumstances. To help students bridge the gap between their finances and educational goals, the Foundation has developed The Student Assistance Fund as an additional source of funding and is currently developing the Alumni Fund.
Holiday Appeal
John Abbott College has been part of the community and a part of employee and student lives for 50 years. We have no way of knowing how many of our students come to class hungry because their cupboards are empty. We do know, however, that the number of requests for help is growing every year. Students, some with young children, are seeking help to try to make ends meet. School fees, groceries, textbooks, many of the day-to-day necessities that most take for granted, remain out of reach for a growing group of JAC students, our students.
The Student Assistance Fund, created by faculty & staff many years ago, exists to help those students, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to complete their studies, regardless of their financial situation.
The Holiday Appeal is one of the most important fundraisers of the year for our students in need.
$7,064
raised thanks to donor generosity in 2024-2025
The Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund was created to ensure that every one of our students has equal opportunity to complete their studies and achieve their goals. Our student population is a diverse one, and while some of our students can afford tuition, books, food, transportation, rent and heating bills, many struggle to cope with these basic living expenses. The reasons for this are varied: some of our students are dealing with challenging circumstances at home; some are single parents trying to balance their studies and work while supporting a child; some are recent immigrants without sufficient resources. This fund helps provide a quality education to students who want to better themselves, but just do not have enough money to do so.
The 2022-2023 Student Assistance Fund provided
$29,652.92
to our students over and above any bursaries they received.