Prince George, B.C. – Rio Tinto is expanding longstanding partnerships with both the University of Northern British Columbia and School District 91 (Nechako Lakes) with new initiatives aimed at empowering youth in northern B.C. to pursue post-secondary education.

Through a $250,000 commitment over four years, Rio Tinto is supporting UNBC’s Active Minds Integrated Youth and Student Engagement Initiative to expand youth programming in communities across the Nechako Watershed. In addition, Rio Tinto is providing $150,000 over the next three years to School District 91 (SD 91) to strengthen long-running youth engagement programs.

The initiatives will focus on Indigenous youth, culturally-safe learning experiences and preparing students for a successful transition into higher education and the workforce.

“This continued investment from Rio Tinto significantly strengthens our ability to provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that meaningfully engage students and foster a deeper connection to the land and waterways that surround them,” says SD 91 Superintendent Anita McClinton. “By reaching students early – particularly those who may face systemic barriers to post-secondary pathways – we are helping to expand access, inspire curiosity and create new possibilities for their educational and career futures.”

The initiatives focus on developing and delivering regionally-based, science-focused programming in collaboration with community partners to ensure the content meets the needs of students, families and communities.

“We’re proud to continue deepening our partnership with UNBC and SD 91 to support youth in the region,” says Rio Tinto Senior Advisor Community Social Performance Lianne Olson. “Education is one of the most powerful tools for positive change. This initiative will help young people, particularly Indigenous youth, build confidence, gain valuable skills and see themselves as future university students and leaders in their communities.”

The programs will introduce students to post-secondary education and career pathways, while building core competencies for success.

“At UNBC, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that reflects the communities we serve,” says UNBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams. “The funding support from Rio Tinto will allow us to reach youth early; provide educational opportunities shaped by cultural context and community values; and support the development of critical skills that lead to success in post-secondary education and beyond.”

This latest collaboration builds on a strong foundation between UNBC and Rio Tinto, with a history of joint efforts in research, education and community-based projects. 

The funding announcement was made during the annual juvenile sturgeon release at Riverside Park in Vanderhoof – an event hosted by the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative that brings together hundreds of students from across School District 91 and is supported by all three levels of government, local First Nations, non-profit organizations and Rio Tinto.

Earlier this year, UNBC appointed two Research Chairs with $1.75 million in funding support from Rio Tinto to advance ongoing research into the impacts of climate change on water security and freshwater fishes in the Nechako Watershed.