Introducing 2025 RBC Scholarship Recipients

Balancing academics and athletics is a challenging task for most student-athletes. For Beluchi Okeke, a third-year Global Health and Bioethics student and University of Toronto rugby player, she also is already focusing on her next goal: creating sustainable healthcare solutions in developing countries with the United Nations.

“As an immigrant from a developing country, I relate firsthand with experiences of inaccessibility of healthcare,” said Okeke, who moved from Nigeria to Edmonton at the age of six. “With my Global Health degree, I aspire to work with the UN to expand healthcare access, by collaborating with countries to support continuous education and cultivate a sustainable flow of healthcare professionals.

“Beluchi is one of 20 recipients of this year’s RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Black Youth. Along with the RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth, these scholarships recognize students across Canada who are excelling academically while also making meaningful contributions to their communities. Recipients receive up to $10,000 per year for up to four years, designed to help reduce barriers to post-secondary education and training.

Beluchi Okeke smiling. Beluchi Okeke

For Okeke, the scholarship has transformed the outlook of her future.

“My goals that once seemed lofty now feel achievable,” said Okeke. “The RBC scholarship will allow me to pursue my dream of medical school without the heavy burden of debt, and I’m deeply grateful. Beyond financial support, the mentorship and networking will provide invaluable guidance as I navigate my career,” she added.

“In short, I’ve always had a clear vision of my future, but wondered how I would get there. This scholarship is like putting on a pair of glasses for the first time—what was once obscure is now clear as day.”

Kandis Villebrun, a Veterinary School student at the University of Saskatchewan, is one of twenty recipients of this year’s RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth.

Growing up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, the lack of pet care in the city drew Kandis to veterinary school.

“There’s a huge lack of access to veterinary care in the Northwest Territories,” said Villebrun. “With only one vet clinic in Yellowknife and none in any other community within the Territory, I want to provide care not only for my own animals, but for the whole community,” she added. “Animals have always been a big part of my life growing up whether it was wildlife, or pets, so I’ve always felt a connection and wanted that for a future career.”

Kandis Villebrun wearing a stethoscope and standing outside in nature. Kandis Villebrun

For Kandis, the scholarship isn’t only important for her financially, but she also hopes it inspires other Indigenous students to follow her path and become a veterinarian.

“Being recognized with the RBC scholarship means so much to me, and I hope that other young Indigenous students are inspired to pursue this career field,” said Villebrun. “Vets are so needed today, and the only way to get more vets practicing is to inspire youth to pursue this amazing career.”

RBC Scholarship Focused on Green Skills

In addition to the Black and Indigenous Youth Scholarships, RBC also recently awarded their annual scholarship for students seeking to address environmental challenges. The RBC Green Skills Scholarship, now in its third year, offers 40 awards of up to $5,000 each to adult learners aged 25 or older who are starting or returning to post-secondary studies to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.

One recipient of the 2025 RBC Green Skills Scholarship is Chris Cail, an Environmental Science student at Royal Roads University. Working in the environmental industry for the past eight summers, Chris returned to school this fall to complete a condensed, one year program, where he is aiming to strengthen his ability to bring science-based, community-led solutions to conversation challenges.

“Drawing on my fieldwork experience with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, my involvement in invasive species management, and my recent participation in a kelp reforestation project led by Ocean Wise and local Indigenous guardian teams, I hope to create restoration strategies that combine habitat rehabilitation, landowner engagement, and Indigenous knowledge systems through respectful collaboration,” said Cail.

Chris Cail stands in a river Chris Cail stands in a river

For Chris, the RBC scholarship will allow him to fully invest in developing and implementing his ideas to help build a more resilient and sustainable world.

“The scholarship will have a profound impact on my ability to focus my efforts more directly on my education and alleviate the financial strain of returning to University,” said Cail. “Funding in the environmental field is often limited, and as and as a result, many of the wages for pre-degree seasonal positions are modest. The direct impact of this scholarship will be more time invested in my education, which will allow me to excel in my courses and eventually the environmental sector post-graduation.”

What’s Next

Committed to continuing to meet the needs of students and mid-career professionals, RBC will introduce a refreshed scholarship suite in 2026.

Along with financial support, the refreshed scholarships will equip individuals with the technical, vocational, or foundational skills needed to succeed in entry-level roles, while also supporting career transitions and reskilling for those moving into new fields or looking to grow in their current careers.

“As the world of work continues to evolve, helping those within and beyond our workforce develop the skills needed to thrive remains a priority,” said Andrea Barrack, SVP, Sustainability & Impact, RBC. “Through our various scholarship offerings, we’re committed to helping individuals develop the in-demand skills needed to pursue meaningful careers, support career progression, and help improve lives.”

The updated scholarship suite will align with RBC’s new community investment strategy, building on RBC’s Purpose Framework, Ideas for People and Planet TM, which outlines how RBC will do its part to help address societal challenges as well as engage others to be part of solutions.

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