Scholarship supports U of GH student’s journey toward becoming a police officer
Second-year Justice Studies student Benjamin Harvey is a recipient of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.) scholarship, and the only University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) student to receive it this year. A.B.L.E. is a non-profit organization that uplifts Black people and people of colour by addressing their needs and concerns in law enforcement and the community.
Receiving the honour of a scholarship will help fund his education at U of GH, which will allow him to one day achieve his goal of becoming a police officer to serve his community.
Harvey applied for the scholarship during summer 2024. When he found out he was one of the 11 recipients from across Canada, he said he felt “grateful and happy” because it’s a strict and competitive selection process. Really highlighting his goal of helping others, he felt, is what allowed him to stand out.
“The whole reason why I want to get into policing is to be able to serve my community. I feel like that probably stood out to A.B.L.E. the most because that's my motivator for why I want to do what I want to do,” Harvey said.
A.B.L.E. itself means “everything” to Harvey for its mission of making space for people of colour in the profession of law enforcement, furthering diversity and representation.
“In the policing space, historically it hasn't been easy for minorities to get a good grab into the realm and to be able to work their way up. A.B.L.E. is a huge network of like-minded minorities coming together to uplift one another,” Harvey said. “It means a lot because it provides lanes for people like me to be able to do it.”
This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in Guelph-Humber's longstanding relationship with A.B.L.E. U of GH students from all programs had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from various fields at the 17th annual Emergency Services Career Fair this past November, the largest event of its kind in Ontario. Police departments, law enforcement agencies, paramedic and fire services, and government organizations filled the atrium, ready to answer questions and provide insights into careers in emergency services. Read more here.
To learn more about A.B.L.E’s scholarship program, click here.
