The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), an independent school for girls in Toronto, has announced a transformational $6.1 million donation from philanthropist, business leader, and five-time Grey Cup champion Stu Lang. The substantial gift will establish the Lang Scholar program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering leadership among young women—a significant step forward in advancing girls’ education in Canada.
The Lang Scholar program will focus on cultivating leadership skills in select students through innovative programming and mentorship opportunities. Central to the program is the integration of athletics, which Lang believes is key to developing qualities such as confidence, resilience, teamwork, and determination. These attributes, gained through both academic and athletic experiences, are seen as critical to nurturing well-rounded leaders.
“Teaching girls to be great leaders has been a core part of our mission since the beginning,” said Dr. Angela Terpstra, head of school at Bishop Strachan. “With Stu Lang’s incredibly generous gift, we can continue to develop the leadership potential of our students and foster the next generation of empowered female leaders through the BSS Lang Scholar program.”
As a former professional athlete, university football coach, philanthropist, and director at CCL Industries, Lang has witnessed firsthand the powerful combination of athletics and academics in shaping great leaders. According to a 2018 study by Ernst & Young, 94 percent of women in C-suite roles are former athletes—a statistic that reinforces Lang’s commitment to this initiative.
Lang also recognizes the pressing need for more female representation in leadership roles. Historically, only one woman has held the office of Canadian Prime Minister, and a mere 6 percent of Nobel Prize winners are women. Lang believes these figures can improve with the right support, mentorship, and resources for young women.
“It’s essential to invest in creating leadership opportunities for women across all industries,” said Lang. “I am proud to support BSS in shaping the next generation of empowered female leaders. My hope is that this program becomes a catalyst for social change, inspiring further investment in female leadership to break down barriers and unlock opportunities for all women.”
The first cohort of Lang Scholars will be selected in March 2025. Graduates of the program will be expected to pass on their knowledge and inspire future generations of Lang Scholars, ensuring the program’s impact continues to grow.
“We are excited to see the influence Lang Scholars will have in the world,” said Sarah Robertson, executive director of Advancement at Bishop Strachan. “Stu Lang has set a new standard for the investment girls deserve, highlighting his belief in the power of women to lead.”
