Future Political Leaders at Trent University Gain More Hands-On Opportunities Thanks to $500K Donation from RBC

June 23, 2023

Experiential learning for political studies students integral to success of groundbreaking Jarislowsky program

Trent University students looking to become the leaders of tomorrow in government, politics and public service will get more experiential learning opportunities, and greater support thanks to a $500,000 gift from RBC Royal Bank. The new funding will support the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership program at Trent University.

The gift, over five years, will further engage marginalized and equity-seeking students, prepare professional certificate programs, and support seminars, conferences, national networking opportunities, co-op education and work placements through the program that aims to build greater trust in public institutions.

“Experiential elements are integral to the success of the groundbreaking Jarislowsky program, and this funding will provide Trent students with an even richer experience when studying politics, fiduciary policy and responsible governance,” says Kevin Whitmore, director, Co-op, Careers, & Experiential Learning at Trent University.

“RBC is proud to support Trent’s Jarislowky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership program – to help young people develop the skills they will need for a career dedicated to public service,” says Marjolaine Hudon, RBC Regional President.

Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Trent's inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, is at the forefront of this first-of-its-kind network of endowed chairs. De Clercy has joined the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences to lead the development of the innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical politics, fiduciary responsibility, and democratic governance. Through the Jarislowsky chair position, she is enriching Trent's strengths in student-centered, research-informed, and interdisciplinary approaches.

The program is supported by a $2 million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation, which was founded in 1993 by prominent Canadian philanthropist and business leader Stephen Jarislowsky. The Foundation's mission is to promote, support and foster excellence and ethics in education, medicine and the arts, and the environment and climate change.

Learn more about supporting the Humanities & Social Sciences at Trent University.