The Cmolik Foundation

The Cmolik Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education. Established in 2008, the foundation aims to provide opportunities for students, especially those who have faced adversity, to pursue their educational goals through scholarships, enrichment programs, and mentorship. It is a registered charity with the business registration number 843622556RR0001.

Mission and Vision

The foundation is rooted in a firm belief in the transformative power of education. It works to sponsor field trips and summer camps for elementary students, support undergraduate and graduate education, and provide mentorship to promote healthy development and success among youth. The foundation’s goal is to help students become responsible and contributing members of their communities.

Programs and Impact

Scholarships
Each year, The Cmolik Foundation awards up to 20 scholarships to graduating high school students from British Columbia who have demonstrated resilience, strong work ethic, and tenacity in overcoming adversity. These scholarships provide financial support up to $50,000, paid over five years, toward post-secondary education. Students eligible for scholarships must show financial need, have lived in Canada for at least seven years, and be full-time students planning to attend a recognized college or university. Graduate scholarships are also available for continuing studies, with three scholarships of $30,000 awarded annually[1][2][5].

Expanding Horizons Program
The foundation’s Expanding Horizons program enriches the educational experience of children attending inner-city elementary schools by offering extraordinary field trips and summer day camps in partnership with Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus. These activities expose young students to career experiences and higher learning opportunities, inspiring their aspirations[1][2].

Mentorship
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the foundation’s approach. Mentors provide guidance, emotional support, and encouragement to scholarship recipients, helping them thrive academically and personally. The community fostering this support network is widely praised for the care and investment in student success[1].

Historical Highlights

• 2008: The foundation was created to provide educational opportunities to youth who have experienced hardship[2].
• 2009: Began awarding scholarships and formalized the Expanding Horizons program at a Surrey inner-city school[2].
• 2011: Increased the number of scholarships awarded and expanded the Expanding Horizons program[2].
• 2012: Developed a career-focused curriculum for students in the Expanding Horizons program[2].
• 2015: Funded The SFU Cmolik Prize for the Best Enhancement in Public Education in British Columbia, a $100,000 award supporting educational innovation[2].
• 2016: Launched the Tuition Passport Program as part of the Expanding Horizons initiative, supporting inner-city students[2].

Recognition and Community

The foundation is recognized for its significant impact on students' academic and social development. Testimonials from scholarship recipients highlight the foundation’s role as a supportive community that fosters self-belief and networking opportunities with successful individuals[1].

The Cmolik Foundation continues to transform lives through education by providing financial support, enriching learning experiences, and mentorship, thereby helping youth overcome obstacles and achieve their potential.