Woodbine Entertainment announced on Monday, Sept. 9 it will be funding two new student scholarships for women in Police Foundations and Broadcast Television/Videography programs at the neighbouring Humber Polytechnic in Etobicoke, Ont.
The $100,000 in scholarship funding from Woodbine will be delivered in $20,000 increments over five years, supporting a total of four students annually. It brings the total of funding from Woodbine to Humber to $500,000 over the last 30 years.
“Woodbine and Humber have been friends and community partners for decades, so conceiving these scholarships was a natural fit,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “We chose the Police Foundations and Broadcast Television/Videography programs because both are critically important areas which support our core racing operations."
“This partnership between Woodbine Entertainment and Humber Polytechnic strengthens our shared dedication to fostering diversity and creating pathways for brilliant future leaders,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Humber Polytechnic. “By providing access to high-quality education and opportunities to strengthen their employability, Humber is committed to empowering students and supporting them to achieve their academic and career goals.”
Woodbine’s security team employs approximately 80 people in various positions across two properties: Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke and Woodbine Mohawk Park in Milton, Ont. Some of its senior staff began in the organization as security guards – an illustration of the opportunities a career in security at Woodbine can provide.
Woodbine's award-winning broadcast team consists of 50 people, also across both properties. Tasked with bringing its live racing to customers around the world, these broadcast professionals do it all with skill and integrity.
As part of its commitment, Woodbine also plans to offer women enrolled in Humber programs hands-on experience in broadcasting and security. This initiative not only provides valuable opportunities for students, but also benefits the horse racing industry by attracting diverse talent to support its core operations.
“Beyond our financial donation, we view this as a genuine partnership that benefits both Humber, its students and the horse racing industry in Ontario. We are always looking to involve more people in this labour-intensive sport, which already supports over 25,000 jobs throughout the province,” added Copeland.
The Woodbine Entertainment Security Leadership Scholarships ($5,000 x2) and the Woodbine Entertainment Broadcasting Leadership Scholarships ($5,000 x2) will recognize excellent students in their final year of study who self-identify as female and have demonstrated passion, aptitude and leadership in their course work.
“Horse racing may be a male-dominated sport, but females have long been present and encompass some of racing’s greatest success stories,” said Kimberley Medeiros, Woodbine Entertainment’s Director of Government Relations and Corporate Citizenship. “We believe strongly in diversity in the workplace, and that also means supporting and promoting the role of women.”
(Woodbine)