The panel symposium discussed partnerships between The Cmolik Foundation (TCF), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and BCIT to invest in British Columbia's youth through education. TCF has awarded over $2.4 million in scholarships since 2008, helping 92 students attain post-secondary degrees, with a focus on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Research is exploring the impact of TCF's programs on expanding students' career aspirations and encouraging wise choices through high-impact learning experiences and community support. Next steps discussed creating a common vision and actionable partnerships between the organizations.

1. RELATIONSHIPS: PARTNERSHIPS WITH PURPOSE
Panel Symposium
Dr. Elisa Carlson, TCF, Dr. Michelle Nilson, SFU, Jackie Jacob, BCIT

2. Partnerships:
Purpose, People, Passion, Power

3. Our Mission: Investing in BC’s Youth Through Education
Cohort Retention Rate:
2016 100% 2011 77%
2015 100% 2010 100%
2014 100% 2009 75%
2013 100% 2008 71%
2012 73%
Total Sc holarships
Awarded by Year
2016 14 2011 13
2015 13 2010 07
2014 10 2009 08
2013 09 2008 07
2012 11
TheCmolik Foundation issomuch morethan a financial
scholarship; it buildsa senseof community, a support network of
studentsand mentorsthat helpfacilitatea positiveexperiencein a
post secondary environment. TCF hashelped megrowintoa
strong, accomplished individual and it hasinspired metoachieve
thegoalsthat I set my mind to, giveback tomy community, and
appreciatethekindnessof thosearound me. Ashley, TCF Student
Total Dollars
Awarded in
Sc holarships
$2,419,950
28
Alumni
92 Post-
Secondary
Scholarships
Awarded Since
2008
As at December 31, 2016, the aggregate value of
investments held by The Cmolik Foundation and Ocean
Park Foundation total $20.7 million.
What is the highest level of edu-
cation our students’ parents
achieved?
Most of our students’ parents do
not have post-sec ondary de-
grees. Forty-three percent have
either a high school diploma or
less. Twenty-two percent have
some credits, certific ate, or di-
ploma program. Twenty-six per-
c ent have ac tual degrees.
TCF 2016-2017 ANNUALREPORTHIGHLIGHTS:
0
2
4
6
8
10
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21
Scale1-10
Alumni
PerceivedStandard of Living
Before& After University
After University
Before University
C ommunity S upported
Volunteers: 150
Mentors: 52
Sponsors: 13
Major
Partners: SFU, UBC, BCIT,
Peac e Arch
Hospital,
Surrey Fire
Department

5. Simon Fraser University Cmolik Prize

6. Purpose

7. A quality education grants us the ability to fight the war
on ignorance and poverty.
Charles B. Rangel

8. Our Goal
• To provide high
impact, high quality
learning experiences
• To expand student’s
career aspirations
• To encourage wise
choices

9. Expanding Horizons

10. People

11. Board of Directors
Chair: Russ Cmolik
Vice Chair: Ellen Cmolik
Robert Coventry
Nicholas Saklas
Kari Walker
Student Selection
Chair: Kirsten Evanish
Past Chair: Ellen Cmolik
Robert Coventry
Kari Walker
Febe Galvez-Voth
Gavin Fisher
Kody Taylor
Alumni
Acting Chair -
Kirsten Evanish
Mentorship
Chair: Ellen Cmolik
Director: Debbie Coventry
Gail Beszedes
Recruitee
Awards Dinner
Chair: Denise Brown
Past Chair: Ellen Cmolik
Kirsten Evanish
Barbara Estey
Marcie Gillette
Expanding Horizons
Chair: Russ Cmolik
Robert Coventry
Denise Brown
Recruitee
Finance
Chair: Russ Cmolik
Nicholas Saklas
The Cmolik Foundation
Elisa Carlson – COO
Monitors all
committees &
ensures observation
of protocol

12. Passion

13. Power

14. What are we finding?

15. What are we doing in the research?
Dimensions Single survey Longitudinal research
Able to measure changes
in students over time
No Yes
Able to account for
historical influences (e.g.,
Olympics, Stanley cup)
No Yes
Able to account for
contextual influences (e.g.,
job action)
No Yes
Cheap Yes No
Quick and easy Yes No
Purpose Snapshot in time, no
understanding of why
Deepening understanding
of why and can see trends
over time

16. • About the influence of the field trips
– While post-secondary interest remains high (80%),
drop in college aspirations for females after field
trips. Increase in initial interest in healthcare and
aviation related careers.
• About longitudinal qualitative research
– Researcher relationship with participants
(students) matters: “Us: Have you spoken to
anyone about your aspirations? Student: Yes,
you!”

17. Stay Curious
Stay Connected
Create Champions
Powerful Partnerships: Leverage Talents

19. Next Steps
• What might be your *common* vision?
• Who might be your possible partners?
• What might be your next steps?
• Can you leave with an actionable item?
• Can you create supportive connections in this room?

20. How do you change the world?
One room at a time.
Which room?
The room that you’re in.
Peter Block

21. Contact Information
Dr. Elisa Carlson
elisa@thecmolikfoundation.com
Jackie Jacob
Jackie_Jacob@bcit.ca
Dr. Michelle Nilson
mnilson@sfu.ca