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2023 DONOR IMPACT REPORT MOMENTS OF GRATITUDE. 2 | SAITEVERY MOMENT TELLS A STORY OF IMPACT. One of the best ways to reap the benefits of gratitude is to notice the many things you’re grateful for every day. Gratitude is powerful; simply reflecting on the instances we’re thankful for can have a positive impact on mental health, well-being and our community. It’s also important to share the significance of these occurrences with others, and we want you to know that your impact has created many stories of success for SAIT students. Thanks to your dedication and support, we have many moments of gratitude to reflect on this year. These occasions weave together a story of empowering student well-being , expanding world-class education , building a philanthropic community and moving us forward faster . Every gift made in support of students this past year has impacted them in various ways—whether it is financial stability, top-of-the-line equipment to learn on or helping a student in an emergency crisis— you’ve created life-changing moments and stories of impact for which we are grateful. Thank you!Every gift made to SAIT has an impact on the students who bring this institution to life. Your contributions have the power to transform the lives of students every day. Physical, mental, emotional and social health are incredibly important for students to focus on their studies. Whether it is access to emergency funding, the opportunity to see what post-secondary education offers, or the motivation and encouragement that comes from receiving a student award — your generosity makes all the difference. MOMENTS OF INCREASED STUDENT WELL-BEING. 2 | SAIT.ca2022–2023 Donor Impact Report | 3 Because of his remarkable situation, Drummond qualified for financial support from the I.G. Lewis Student Emergency Fund , a fund that provides short-term assistance for SAIT students who experience a financial crisis that threatens the successful completion of their studies. SAIT’s Lamb Learner Success Centre provided Drummond with grocery store gift cards and even managed to secure him a room in SAIT residence for the completion of his program. “I could have potentially failed my classes, and I was pretty stressed out with the whole situation and being away from my family,” he remembers. “So, it was a massive relief. It helped tremendously. I was able to cook meals for myself and have basic security.” Drummond successfully completed his first apprenticeship intake and is now back in Edmonton with his family, ready to take the next step in his journey towards his Refrigeration Technician ticket. GIVING STUDENTS A LEG UP ON GIVING DAY. For Andrew Drummond (student’s name has been changed for privacy), attending SAIT was part of a career change that allowed him to spend more time with his family. Originally from southern Ontario, Drummond studied Earth Science and Commerce at St. Mary’s University in Halifax before working as a geologist for several years. When an unforeseen life event forced Drummond to sell his company and home and move to Edmonton, he was faced with a difficult career decision. Drummond found a job with an Edmonton-based commercial full-service company and has worked on their HVAC repair and preventative maintenance team for the past two-and-a-half-years. As part of Drummond’s long-term plan to attain his Refrigeration Technician ticket, he looked into refrigeration and air conditioning programs. He found openings in the spring intake for SAIT’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic program. Despite the three-and-a-half-hour drive, Drummond decided to enroll, find a short-term rental in Calgary and make the journey from Edmonton to Calgary every week. But after shopping around, he could not find an affordable place to stay. “I came down thinking I’d be able to find a place to rent,” he says. “But most places wanted crazy amounts of money, so I thought I’d stick it out and stay in my car. It was definitely a bit of overconfidence, but I just thought it’ll be fine; I’ll just sleep in the car.” For the next four weeks, Drummond would attend his courses during the day and return to his car in the evenings. To add pressure to the situation, Drummond wasn’t receiving paychecks while attending the program and knew that if he failed, he would be on the hook for his missed earnings. On top of all that, he was away from his family for most of the week. When he realized he couldn’t keep going in that situation, Drummond reached out to Student Services to see what support he might get.“Thank you very much for the support, I am immensely grateful. I am an architect from Colombia and this award is one less burden for my wife and me for the next semester but also a great incentive that fills me with motivation to give much more of myself. Thanks again!” ERICK ALVARADO ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIES STUDENT 4 | SAIT.ca WORDS OF GRATITUDE2022–2023 Donor Impact Report | 56 | SAIT Since 2018, SAIT’s Turning Points program has helped more than 100 high school youth gain a better understanding of their career options and the post secondary programs offering training for those careers. It helps them see themselves as successful learners, and builds confidence in their own capabilities. TURNING POINTS AT SAIT. “Turning Points supports vulnerable youth in making well-informed and intentional decisions about their futures,” says Rozlynn Wick, SAIT’s Project Manager for Strategic Youth Initiatives. 38 students had never participated in career exploration before 30 students had never visited SAIT 78% “strongly agreed” or “somewhat agreed” their confidence increased79% “strongly agreed” or “somewhat agreed” their motivation increased 100% of students surveyed were “very confident” or “somewhat confident” that they would complete high school What I liked most about Turning Points was I had the chance to experience and try things hands-on. It really helped me understand the importance of going to school and doing my work. It also helped me figure out what I wanted to do after high school.” PROGRAM PARTICIPANT 2022–2023 Donor Impact Report | 7Next >