A wave of new donor-funded awards reduces barriers to education

Baneet Hans is the first recipient of the new Scotiabank Scholarship for Law students. As a first-generation Canadian, Baneet’s decision to pursue law is connected to her Punjabi Sikh identity. “My community has faced a lot of tragedies and atrocities, and the resilience and perseverance of my people is a large motivator for me,” says Baneet.

Baneet says this scholarship will help her build a career that supports marginalized groups and combats racism. “It takes the pressure off and makes it easier to pursue the avenues of work that I’m passionate about,” says Baneet. “There’s many ways to serve, but activism work is calling my name.”