Three Richmond youth received the Standing Tall Education Award presented by Coast Capital in B.C. this year.
They were among 44 individuals across the province who were recognized for their resiliency to pursue post-secondary education.
The award is given to students who may not have access to funding through traditional sources such as parents or loan programs.
Each student received $3,500 to help with increasing costs of tuition and living expenses.
H.J. Cambie Secondary graduate Priya Mahil was one of the three Richmond youth who received the award.
"Winning the Standing Tall Education Award helps support the long educational journey I have ahead of me," said Mahil.
"Thanks to Coast Capital, I look forward to one day paying it forward through the work I will do in healthcare, servicing under-resourced communities across B.C. to promote growth and prosperity.”
Mahil is pursuing a career in medicine at Langara College with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist in remote communities across the province.
The goal of the award is to provide "equitable access" to education and training for people, according to Maureen Young, vice president of social purpose at Coast Capital.
"We recognize that access to post-secondary education is not always within financial reach due to systemic inequalities and believe that small steps can help to move the needle," said Young.
"We are committed to contributing to that shift through programs like our Standing Tall Education Awards.”
