IG Wealth Management empowers Indigenous students to thrive at RRC Polytech
Last January, the first cohort of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship recipients received some life-changing news: they’d received an award from IG Wealth Management to support their futures.
“The scholarship changed everything. It gave me stability, let me focus on school, and even helped me buy a car,” said one recipient.
The program officially launched last January, after its initial announcement in January 2024. While the scholarship and career development opportunities are a key component, the IG Empower Your Tomorrow program focuses on strengthening support for the broader Indigenous student population at RRC Polytech.
Through the partnership, more than 300 Indigenous students per year benefit from enhanced services and programming, anchored by the IG Empower Your Tomorrow Navigation Coach. This role provides dedicated, culturally-informed guidance, helping students navigate their academic journeys, connect with resources, and build confidence and belonging throughout their time at the Polytech.
Building on that foundation of broad student support, the partnership also includes targeted opportunities for 10 students per year. These students receive scholarships and participate in tailored career development experiences, including work-integrated learning in business, technology, and creative communications fields.
The first cohort began their work-integrated learning experiences in May, and the second cohort has now officially begun their post-secondary journeys.
For Jordan Fontaine, the program provided more than financial support – it gave him the confidence and motivation to transform a hobby into a career.
“I’ve always been interested in figuring out the ins and outs of technology and how things work,” said the IT Operations student. “Prior to schooling, I had hands-on experience with taking apart my own computer and other devices then putting them back together. When asked to set something up for family tech-wise, I would enjoy figuring it out.”
Fontaine’s goal is to seek employment in the IT field and to take the knowledge and experience gained through the program to make a living where he can support himself.
The partnership with IG empowers RRC Polytech to do the work it does best: providing students with an exceptional education and meaningful supports that extend across the Indigenous student community, while also creating intensive opportunities for a smaller cohort of scholarship recipients.
In turn, IG receives the opportunity to deepen its journey of Truth and Reconciliation, working alongside RRC Polytech Elders-in-residence and Knowledge Keepers, while supporting a robust and growing pipeline of Indigenous talent through sustainable pathways in business, technology and creative communications sectors.
The IG Empower Your Tomorrow program provides both financial support and work-integrated learning experiences. Seven students completed internships at IG Wealth Management in summer 2025.
Stacey McComb works as a Program Facilitator, IG Empower Coach at RRC Polytech, providing navigation support to students throughout their journey, while collaborating with IG to optimize the students’ experience.
“The program is creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous students through hands-on learning and cultural supports that help them feel connected through their journey,” she said. “It’s not just about preparing students for careers; it’s about building confidence and a sense of belonging that supports future success.”
Work-integrated learning is crucial for the students, who are looking to gain real-world experience before graduation.
“Besides the financial support and motivation, the program gave me first-hand experience in the industry as I was given a one-month position at IG Wealth Management, working as an intern in the data science department,” said Fontaine. “From that I gained some useful knowledge I will take with me as I one day will work in the industry.”
The program has achieved considerable reach across RRC Polytech’s student community, engaging more than 300 students through various cross-program activities, including orientation sessions, panel discussions, direct support services, and engagement events accessible to all students.
“I would just like to thank IG for the great experience, opportunities and support that was provided during my educational journey at RRC Polytech,” said Fontaine. “I was given a lot I can take with me as I move forward in life.”