"We don’t have the generational and historical ties to higher education as Indigenous people. Connecting weekly with other Rankin Foundation Scholars kept me going during the times I didn’t think I could do it anymore."
First-generation Rankin Foundation Scholar Ruth Hallows (Ksm Lx’sg̱a̱n) knows firsthand the power of community support. Her path to higher education wasn’t linear. She spent years balancing coursework with the demands of family, overcoming systemic barriers that make it difficult for Indigenous students to access and complete their degrees. With the support of the Rankin Foundation Scholar Grant, Ruth was finally able to focus on her education while caring for her children.
Today, Ruth is pursuing a degree in Nutritional Sciences, committed to using her education to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. Like so many Rankin Scholars, she is not just changing her own life—she is paving the way for future generations.
Rankin Scholars don’t just graduate; they pay it forward. Many Scholars choose to give back through monthly donations, volunteering, and mentoring the next generation of nontraditional students. Ruth is a member of the Rankin Scholar Advisory Board that helps shape organizational strategy and decision-making to give Scholars an experience that supports them financially, academically and personally. Their success is proof that this model works—and with your support, we can continue to break barriers and build brighter futures.
With a monthly donation, you ensure that more Scholars like Ruth have the financial support they need to succeed, as well as access wraparound services like case management, emergency funding, and community support. Just $10, $25, or $50 a month provides tangible, lasting impact.
Together, we transform lives—one Rankin Scholar at a time.