2025 LGBTQ2S+ Scholarship Awarded
Strike’s scholarship program is part of our commitment to helping break through barriers and create a positive impact on the community at large. We believe that everyone has a right to education, and we are committed to providing people in historically underrepresented groups with financial aid.
Annually, we are offering a $2,000 scholarship for an LGBTQ2S+ student living in Western Canada. The 2025 Scholarship was awarded to Jonathan Berger.
Jonathan is entering his first year of the Engineering program at the University of Saskatchewan. He has a goal of pursuing a career in robotics engineering, so that he can help the community through the creation of new technologies, advancing agriculture, assisting with the creation of affordable housing, and improving access to basic needs such as clean water.
He gives back to his community in many ways, including:
- For the past two years, he has spent 2–6 hours per week volunteering at the Victoria Hospital, contributing over 128 hours. He has supported staff with events and paperwork, and most importantly, spent time with patients and residents.
- Contributed by making over 100 “Tender Loving Hearts” for premature babies in the NICU. These hearts help transfer a mother’s scent to her baby and vice versa, encouraging bonding and recovery.
- While volunteering at the hospital, he often saw people experiencing homelessness. This inspired him to spend 8 hours at the Bernice Sayese Centre creating honorariums for unhoused individuals.
- As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he has also focused on helping others feel seen and supported. Standing up for friends at school and in public, participating in Pride parades, and being active in his school’s GSA club.
I’ve worked hard to educate my family and be honest about who I am, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s hard to be yourself when you’re not accepted, which is why I try to create space for others to feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are.
— Jonathan Berger
Jonathan’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. Despite the challenges he has faced, he continues to embrace his identity, pursue dreams, and channel experiences into building a more inclusive and compassionate world. His determination to use engineering as a tool for social good shows not only his drive to succeed but also his commitment to uplifting others.
Strike wishes Jonathan all the best with his educational journey and future endeavors!