For the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the Yukon University Foundation through the Pierre Lacasse Bursary, and this year’s student awards report reminded me exactly why this work matters.

The Yukon University Foundation just announced the results of its 2025–2026 student awards cycle. Thanks to community support, they were able to offer over 45 diverse awards spanning trades, healthcare, access pathways, and capstone projects, making a real impact on the lives of 49 dedicated students and disbursing over $44,000 in awards.

This year, I’m proud to congratulate Madison Mencho-Melnyk, the recipient of the Pierre Lacasse Bursary, who was awarded $1,500 to support her studies.

Why this matters: Northern students face unique challenges in accessing post-secondary education. Bursaries like this one remove financial barriers and help young people in our community pursue careers in fields the Yukon needs, including healthcare, trades, and beyond. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps shape the future of our territory.

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