Education

We support education in many ways, and promotes the advancement of individual and collective knowledge, especially with regards to financial literacy1. More specifically, Desjardins promotes:

  • financial security, asset management and insurance
  • skills development
  • research, innovation and productivity
  • economic development

We are also actively involved with many Quebec university foundations

  • HEC Montréal
  • Bishop's University
  • Université Laval
  • Université de Sherbrooke
  • Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
  • Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)
  • Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

A few of our partnerships

Université de Sherbrooke

With a $2.5 million contribution from Desjardins Group, Université de Sherbrooke was able to launch 2 projects: Accélérateur Desjardins en entrepreneuriat and Chaire Desjardins en finance responsable. Both projects provide students with an exceptional environment that stimulates entrepreneurship and help them learn more about the social and environmental impact of financial decisions.

Université du Québec à Rimouski

Desjardins is pleased to announce a partnership with UQAR. The agreement, representing a total donation of $1,350,000, was struck as part of UQAR’s 2013-2018 major financing campaign and is a way for Desjardins to continue supporting the university’s mission and research in eastern Quebec and in Chaudière-Appalaches.

University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa students now have access to new financial aid following Desjardins Group’s $250,000 donation, which led to 2 funds that focus on entrepreneurship and help future graduates with a way to stay in school and test their innovative ideas on experienced entrepreneurs. A new scholarship will also provide financial aid to undergraduate students with aptitudes for leadership and community involvement.

Bishop's University

Desjardins is pleased to announce a $250,000 donation to Bishop’s University Leading the Way campaign to set up a Desjardins Scholarship Program that will support Bishop’s students and local entrepreneurs.

OSEntreprendre

Desjardins presents the OSEntreprendre Challenge, which fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among youth. It's also a way for Desjardins Group to support regional economic development since, thanks to this initiative, new businesses will be established throughout the province of Quebec.

Learn more about the OSEntreprendre Challenge - External link. This link will open in a new window..

Forces AVENIR

Desjardins is a proud partner of the Forces AVENIR program at the high school, CEGEP and university levels. Forces AVENIR recognizes, honours and promotes young people's contributions to society and spirit of entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Forces AVENIR (site in French only).  - External link. This link will open in a new window..

David Suzuki Foundation

The David Suzuki Foundation works through science and education to develop innovative solutions to protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life, now and for generations to come.

Through this partnership, we wish to be an agent of change and help businesses develop business strategies that include performance measurement related to sustainable development issues, including climate change.

Learn more about the David Suzuki Foundation - External link. This link will open in a new window..

Équiterre

Équiterre is dedicated to building a citizen's movement by promoting individual and collective choices that are both environmentally and socially responsible. Since its incorporation in 1993, the organization has been constantly growing. The goal of Desjardins Group's partnership with Équiterre is more specifically to expand the outreach of the "Nature Challenge" campaign to change Quebecers' consumer behaviours and raise awareness about consumer ethics.

Learn more about Équiterre - External link. This link will open in a new window..

Place aux jeunes en région

Since 1990, Desjardins has supported Place aux jeunes en région, an organization that promotes the migration, establishing and maintaining of many young graduates aged 18 to 35 in outlying regions.

Learn more about Place aux jeunes en région (site in French only) - External link. This link will open in a new window.

1. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's definition: "Having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions."