End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Research
London Poverty Research Centre
Homes4Women
Teaching
Bridging Educational Gaps: Ivey’s 39 Country Initiative
The 39 Country Initiative is housed in the International Business Institute at the Ivey Business School, which has helped the world’s most under-resourced countries advance their management education by decades. The initiative aims to provide current, relevant teaching materials and pedagogical skills development to higher educators in low-income countries, with the goal of improving the quality of education.
Anti-Poverty Education Course
The Master of Professional Education program offers an Anti-Poverty Education Course that delves into the significant impact of poverty on educational access and academic achievement. It addresses broader themes of social class and economic disparities, providing a framework to understand class privilege and its effects on teaching and learning. Students engage with organizations that assist economically disadvantaged groups and explore partnerships with community initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty.
Financial Literacy Workshop Series
Money Talks @ Western U program delivers free workshops on financial literacy aimed at empowering students with essential money management skills. These workshops cover crucial areas like budgeting, banking, credit usage, and planning for educational expenses and life after graduation. The program seeks to instill responsible financial behaviours that prevent economic hardship and stress, providing students with the tools to navigate their financial future. The importance of financial literacy is especially highlighted by granting recognition for this program on the Western co-curricular record.
Demo Kaltabanis grew up in a low-income household in Markham. At Western he realized his socioeconomic status had once caused him to make false, limiting assumptions about his academic abilities, outcomes, and future. Now a graduate of the nursing program and pursuing further studies with aspirations for medical school, Kaltabanis advocates for students in similar circumstances, sharing his story at a TEDx WesternU to encourage students facing similar challenges.
Western United Way Campaign
Western United Way campaign aims to strengthen communities through donations and volunteerism. In 2023, it raised over $619,000 for United Way Elgin Middlesex, becoming one of the largest university campaigns nationally and the top contributor in the region. 
“Western is committed to our local community. Fundraising and volunteering for United Way Elgin Middlesex are important contributions from our faculty, staff, retirees, and students.” – Western President Alan Shepard
Purple Hands
Purple Hands is a homeless advocacy organization run by students at Western University. They organize annual events such as Purple Hands Winter Outreach, World Homeless Action Day, and Halloween For Hunger to support the homeless by distributing essential items and collecting food for donation to food banks.
Operations
Strategic Investments
Western continues to be guided by the priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan – Towards Western at
150 – and is focused on its commitment to an outstanding student experience, scholarship, research,
and creativity. The dedicated efforts made by all members of our university community have enabled
the university to maintain those commitments as we look ahead to building a stronger university.
The current budget makes additional significant investments in our strategic plan priorities, including:
- Support for enrolment growth
- International student recruitment
- Scholarship/research/creativity
- Student financial support
- Educational partnerships with local organizations
- Infrastructure to accommodate growth
Learn more: Western University Financial Aid Overview 2024-25
Youth in Extended Society Care Program
Western University provides educational access to those who grew up in foster care through the Youth in Extended Society Care program. The support includes covering full tuition costs, ancillary fees, as well as books and supplies. This financial support is meant to recognize the unique circumstances and needs of youth in the Extended Care Society who enrol in postsecondary studies at our institution.
Bursaries and Work Study
Western has multiple bursaries, including:
- The Bursary Program supports students from low-income families by helping them overcome financial and food insecurity for academic success. It covers expenses like tuition, housing, and textbooks.
- The Work Study program provides part-time on-campus jobs that equip students with valuable work experience and training, supporting both their studies and university staff.
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers financial aid to college and university students through grants and loans. These funds can help cover tuition, books, and living expenses. OSAP assesses each student’s financial situation to determine the amount of aid they are eligible for. It also offers programs like the Ontario Student Grant, which doesn’t need to be repaid, and loans with favorable repayment terms. OSAP aims to make post-secondary education accessible and affordable for students across Ontario.
