Our Commitment to BIPOC Youth

Young woman talking to participant at an event

Ensuring the leaders of tomorrow have equal opportunity today

On July 6, 2020, RBC announced actions to address the inequity and systemic bias that have disadvantaged Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). As part of our commitment, we are investing $50 million in focused funding through RBC Future Launch to create meaningful and transformative pathways to prosperity for 25,000 BIPOC youth by 2025.

40%

of all summer opportunities at RBC are committed to BIPOC Youth. Starting in 2021, we began establishing and measuring annual internship and new hire goals for Black and Indigenous talent in Canada, the US, and the UK.

62%

of the youth supported by our programming identify as BIPOC. This is 26% higher than their representation in the overall Canadian population.

Featured Community Partners

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We are working closely with our RBC Future Launch partners, including members of BIPOC communities, to deliver on our commitment and make investments that have meaningful impact.

Black Professional in Tech Network (BPTN)

RBC Future Launch is committing $4.5 million over three years to BPTN to create the largest pipeline of young (29 or under), early-career Black tech talent in Canadian history. As a result, more than 1,000 Black early-career professionals will receive full-time placements in Canadian tech and business companies.

Edge Leadership in Diversity

Edge is Canada’s largest student-operated group working to dismantle the barriers hindering the academic and professional success of marginalized youth. RBC Future Launch supports four of their programs that provide support to high school and university students and work to implement systemic change in post-secondary institutions.

ICON Talent Partners

ICON and RBC Future Launch are working together during a three-year partnership (2020 – 2023) to increase exposure and opportunities for Black, Indigenous, Latinxs and People of Colour in competitive sectors such as investment banking, sales and trades, venture capital, private equity, technology/innovation and other areas which can be explored at RBC.

Tech Spark

Canada’s first technology and design school committed to empowering BIPOC students, women, and teachers through innovative education. RBC will support financial literacy for small businesses and entrepreneurs alongside other companies like: TikTok Canada, Shopify and IBM.

Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth

Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth provides Indigenous youth with experiential learning opportunities to cultivate career and life skills by working on community projects. RBC Future Launch helps to provide these youth with paid work opportunities, high school credits and other hands-on educational programming.

York University – The Jean Augustine Canadian Youth Initiative & Data Hub

A $1.2 million gift was made by the RBC Foundation as part of RBC Future Launch to help empower Black youth across Canada through two programs: The Student Support Initiative (SSI) and a Data Hub.

Featured Stories

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Local yoga teacher and aspiring physical therapist receives RBC Future Launch Scholarship

Hear Melissa’s story and how the RBC Future Launch Scholarship is helping her take control of her future.

The “Uusdaadaouw: Let’s Build” Project Fosters Resilience With Youth-Led Creative Interventions

Cree singer-songwriter Angel Baribeau witnessed firsthand how art and creative design can help build strong, healthy and resilient communities.

Advocating for Inclusive Representation Frame by Frame

Emerging Artist Lisa “Alyx” uses the RBC Future Launch scholarship to advocate for equal participation and inclusion in the film industry and…

Local African Nova Scotian social worker and community advocate awarded RBC Future Launch Scholarship

Through the RBC Future Launch Scholarship, Courtney takes the next step in her career and pursues her Master of Social Work.

Stay Up to Date with RBC Future Launch

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June, 15, 2023

RBC announces 2023 RBC Future Launch Indigenous Youth Scholarship recipients

Indigenous youth in Canada play an important role in shaping our future and supporting access to post-secondary education is a priority.

RBC announces 2023 Future Launch Black Youth Scholarship recipients

Twenty young people from across Canada will receive financial support and mentorship from RBC and community partners to further their postsecondary…

The Government of Canada and partners establish a Canada-wide network to support integrated mental health and substance use services for youth

The Integrated Youth Services Network of Networks connects integrated youth service hubs across Canada to create a learning health system to improve…