AWP25 Student Support Fund
This fund will directly support graduate students in the Animal Welfare Program with demonstrated financial hardship to continue their critical research activities.
Project Description
Launched in 1997, UBC’s Animal Welfare Program’s (AWP) mission is to improve the lives of animals through research, education and outreach. AWP is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022-2023! During these 25 years, faculty and students of the program researched animal welfare with 26 different animal species and published hundreds of scientific articles helping to inform and influence real improvements in animal care.
We ask for your help in creating a special fund that will allow us to provide graduate students with support in times of special need so that the students can continue to engage in research crucial in improving animal lives.
Students are facing an affordability crisis today more than ever. Housing, transportation and food security issues create real barriers to student success. While AWP graduate students receive scholarship support or modest graduate student funding, this is not always enough to meet their financial needs. Increasing costs of living are contributing to these financial challenges.
With your support, students will be ready to help move the world forward. Please give generously.
Limited match funding is available through UBC’s new affordability initiative. Double the impact of your gift. Give now to the AWP25 Student Support Fund to receive 1:1 match while funds last.
Challenges and Impact of Your Support
The new AWP25 Student Support Fund is being established to support current Animal Welfare Program graduate students who have demonstrated financial need as they conduct research to improve the lives of animals. The cost of living in the Lower Mainland is extraordinarily high. Expenses that students often face include:
• Moving expenses and set up costs at the beginning of their studies
• International students face costs related to student visas and other application fees
• Monthly accommodations can cost from $1,500 – $2,500
• Increasing costs of groceries that can be hundreds of dollars per month
• Increasing costs of caring for pets
About the AWP25 Student Support Fund
Launched by faculty, current students and with interest from alumni, this fund is being driven by those who understand the financial hardships experienced by current graduate students. The program’s success is reflected in its over 100 graduate student alumni (MSc and PhD), who have moved into careers and community work where they improve the lives of millions of farm, laboratory, companion, and wild animals across the globe.
Visit our website to read research stories and alumni profiles about specific contributions made by alumni:
• As staff and founders of non-profit organizations;
• Through animal welfare policy in Canada and abroad; and
• Through the development of best practices that have been adopted in welfare and humane care of animals in agriculture, research, animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation.
By supporting current students, you can help ensure they achieve similar success and continue to contribute to improving the lives of animals.