Funding to double student participation in Be World Ready program that cultivates globally minded, world-ready graduates
A $2 million donation from long-time supporters Keith and Sharon Segal and GuardMe International Insurance is helping Niagara College make global learning experiences more accessible for students seeking international opportunities.
Announced at the College’s 33rd annual gala on April 5, the donation will expand participation in the award-winning Be World Ready (BWR) program, allowing more students to gain valuable experience abroad through study exchanges, internships, and field studies.
“This impactful donation strengthens our Be World Ready program by giving more students access to hands-on international experiences that shape both their education and careers,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “The Segal family and GuardMe International Insurance share Niagara College’s commitment to global learning and the transformative effect these experiences have on students, their communities, and beyond.”
Be World Ready is a one-of-a-kind program that combines academic learning with real-world global experiences. It offers short-term field studies, study abroad exchanges, summer institutes, and work opportunities abroad. In 2024, a new course was introduced to prepare students with the global competencies and intercultural skills they need to engage meaningfully with new cultures and make the most of their experiences overseas.
“We deeply believe in offering students global experiences that help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an interconnected world,” said Keith Segal, President and CEO of GuardMe International Insurance. “Cultural understanding is no longer optional; it is a necessity. We are proud to help graduates prepare to work across borders, engage with diverse communities, and navigate global challenges.”
Since 2008, Keith and Sharon Segal, along with GuardMe International Insurance, have been instrumental in supporting NC students. They have provided access to global experiences through Be World Ready student bursaries, funded scholarships and learning resources, and supported the creation of the Segal Family International Centres at both the Welland and Daniel J. Patterson campuses. These centres provide services and support to international students while anchoring the College’s commitment to global engagement.
Through Be World Ready specifically, more than 1,500 students and employees have participated in life-changing experiences across 33 countries since 2012. The program is central to NC’s commitment to providing students with meaningful global learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom education.
For many of these students, participating in the program has been possible because of the support from donors like the Segal family and GuardMe International Insurance.
Third-year BRFT student Sierra Maurice visited Sevilla, Spain, in March for an International Field Study through Be World Ready.
“The funding and Be World Ready opportunity genuinely changed my life,” said Sierra Maurice, who is graduating in June from the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program and who received a Be World Ready travel bursary. “This wouldn’t be possible for most students from a financial standpoint. And to think we might have missed out on something we’ll hold on to for the rest of our lives just because of money shows how important this funding is.”
From February 22 to March 2, Maurice traveled to Sevilla, Spain, on an International Field Study hosted by NC’s partner, EUSA Centro Universitario. There, she and other School of Media students explored the world of Spanish broadcasting, film, radio, and television through site visits and hands-on learning.
BRTF classmates and friends Celeste Skye-Ruiz, Lyka Yatco, Sierra Maurice, and Zoe Smith explored international media operations during their Be World Ready trip to Sevilla, Spain. All four graduate this June.
“I’m lucky to have worked in another country and made incredible workplace connections. Creating content about football with the 2026 World Cup coming to Canada is a valuable experience that I know I will bring with me into the industry,” added Maurice.
Fostering graduates like Maurice, who will contribute to an increasingly globalized world, is at the heart of Be World Ready and the partnership between NC and the Segal family. This commitment also aligns with NC’s goal of becoming Canada’s leading global college by nurturing international partnerships, enhancing global learning opportunities, and developing graduates who are equipped to thrive in diverse and dynamic environments.
To further this objective, the latest donation contributes to NC’s Together campaign, a multi-year, $50 million initiative aimed at graduating more global citizens through diverse learning experiences. Other priorities include addressing critical workforce shortages in skilled trades and healthcare, making education more accessible, and fostering research, creativity, and innovation to help close Canada’s productivity gap.
Community partners and donors are invited to explore the priorities of the Together campaign and learn how they can contribute to enhancing educational opportunities for students at niagaracollege.ca/together.
