Samit & Reshma Sharma Foundation Establishes Endowment to Support Student Excellence
June 18, 2026
The Holland College Foundation is pleased to announce a significant gift of $200,004 from the Samit & Reshma Sharma Foundation. This gift, which will be invested and held as a permanent endowment, will fund four annual awards recognizing exceptional students in Culinary Arts, Applied Sciences, Health Studies, and Industrial Technology & Trades.
Samit Sharma, Director of the Kingston, Ontario-based Samit & Reshma Sharma Foundation, grew up in India and came to Canada to pursue engineering graduate studies. Motivated by a strong desire to give back, the Sharmas founded their personal foundation in 2023, with a primary focus on providing financial assistance in education. Today, the Samit & Reshma Sharma Foundation generously supports colleges, universities, and high schools across Canada.
Samit Sharma noted Holland College’s strong ecosystem and its critical role in serving PEI industries and communities as inspiration for the gift.
“Holland College's strengths in the areas of health studies, culinary arts, applied sciences, and industrial technology and trades align closely with the needs of a growing economy,” said Samit Sharma. “We saw an opportunity to help nurture excellence in these fields.”
The unique value of the $200,004 gift reflects its deeper cultural significance. In Indian tradition, odd numbers are considered favorable, and adding them to a charitable gift symbolizes a seed for future growth and good fortune. One dollar was added to the gift for each of the four awards.
The Samit & Reshma Sharma Endowment at the Holland College Foundation will equally fund the Samit & Reshma Excellence Award in Culinary Arts, the Samit & Reshma Sharma Excellence Award in Applied Sciences, the Samit & Reshma Sharma Excellence Award in Health Studies, and the Samit & Reshma Sharma Excellence Award in Industrial Technology & Trades. The awards will provide educational opportunities for students who have demonstrated exceptional overall achievement in their first year of study, combining academic excellence, leadership, financial need, volunteerism, peer collaboration, and personal growth.
“These awards will provide meaningful recognition and encouragement at pivotal moments in the educational journeys of students for years to come,” said Jo-Ann Campbell-Boutilier, Executive Director of the Holland College Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Samit and Reshma Sharma for investing in the success of students at Holland College.”
FoundationRelated News
Samit & Reshma Sharma Foundation Establishes Endowment to Support Student Excellence
June 18, 2026
Holland College Names MacDonald Centre for Student Wellness and Academic Success
June 15, 2026
Holland College Launches FutureWorks PEI to Strengthen Workforce and Business Innovation
May 25, 2026