$1.2M Gift to Double Number of Trent Students Participating in Community-Based Research
Gift supports hands-on learning with real-world impact that deepens connection between Trent University and local communities
A $1.2-million gift to Trent University – announced immediately after the launch of the new $100 million Campaign for Momentous Change – will support Trent’s community-based research by doubling the number of students and community organizations able to participate in the impactful program.
This four-year commitment to the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) will develop training for students and employers, enhance hands-on learning opportunities, provide funds for primary research, and cover travel and other expenses for students to complete research.
“Momentous change happens when students are not just motivated, but supported, to do outstanding work with local organizations, deepening the connection between Trent University and local communities,” says Julie Davis, vice-president External Relations & Advancement at Trent University. “This generous donation, from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous benefits both the community and students.”
For more than 25 years, the TCRC has facilitated meaningful, and purposeful community-based research projects in Peterborough City and County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, and Northumberland County.
Community-based research brings together the research expertise of Trent University faculty and students with the knowledge and research needs of a wide range of community groups and organizations including municipalities, social service agencies, conservation authorities, and interest groups.
“Thanks to this generous donation, even more students will become engaged in local causes that fuel their passions, and in many cases, shape the trajectory of their life and career,” said Kevin Whitmore, director of Careerspace at Trent. “Community-based research showcases the power of collaborative learning and the value of work-integrated opportunities for students to make a positive difference in their community."
TCRC recently hosted its annual Celebration of Community-Based Research where more than 50 Trent students presented their groundbreaking research projects and showcased the impact of research partnerships between students, faculty, and community partners including Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Brain Injury Association of Peterborough Region.
Learn more about Trent’s community-based research and the Campaign for Momentous Change.
About the Campaign for Momentous Change
The $100-million Campaign for Momentous Change – the boldest campaign in Trent University history – will empower students, enable world-changing research, steward the University’s iconic architecture, and vitalize campuses. Launched in March 2023, the Campaign focuses on academic discovery, as well as the people and places at Trent’s campuses in both Peterborough and Trent University Durham GTA. Through the Campaign for Momentous Change, the University is fundraising for areas such as the Trent Fund to support student wellness, the Trent Lands and Nature Areas, the School of Education, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, the Colleges of Trent, and the School of Graduate Studies. The Campaign also aims to recruit 500 new monthly Trent donors to provide sustainable and reliable support for students, research and learning spaces.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Cara Walsh, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca.