When Shell Canada Ltd. made its latest gift to Queen’s University, the company had more than just a simple donation in mind.
Shell’s relationship with Queen’s stretches back more than a decade. “Shell has been an important part of Queen’s history and we are proud of our longstanding relationship—a relationship based on mutual respect and mutual desire to enrich the quality of Queen’s student learning experiences”, says Dr. Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “Shell understands that as future leaders, it is important for students to have diverse and interactive learning opportunities, helping them think beyond traditional boundaries.”
This year, the company also decided to align their philanthropic commitment with their desire to build the workforce of the future. Their gift of $300,000 over three years will fund programs that they have traditionally supported and they will also focus their efforts on new diversity initiatives which include aboriginal students and women in technical roles.
“Shell is looking to invest in the workforce of the future, and they see Queen’s students as an important source of that workforce”, says Queen’s Western Regional Manager, Office of Advancement, Karlyn Roberts.
Shell is investing a significant portion of its donation in two initiatives in the Aboriginal Access to Engineering (AAE) Program, which encourages Aboriginal students to study engineering at Queen’s and supports them through culturally appropriate tutoring and mentoring while they’re here.
One of the AAE initiatives that Shell is investing in is aimed specifically at young Aboriginal women, since Shell’s future vision also involves hiring more women in technical roles. The gift also includes funds for Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) to support the group’s annual Dinner with Industry, which brings engineering students together with successful women scientists and engineers.
The rest of the donation will create opportunities for students to participate in field schools, conferences and workshops, including the two-day Oil & Gas Speaker Series. And as they have in previous years, Shell will continue to support the Shell Experiential Learning Fund and Technology, Engineering and Management (TEAM), a program that gives fourth-year students the opportunity to work as consultants on projects for industry partners.
In addition to the monetary gift, Shell wants to engage with Queen’s students and faculty in the classroom, at events and in mentorship programs. Shell has agreed to send representatives to speak at Queen’s events and take part in mentorship programs to continue to strengthen its bond with Queen’s.
