The 2015 recipients of the 50 Schulich Leader Scholarships are heading off to universities across Canada to pursue undergraduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).
Created by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich in 2011, this scholarship program encourages high school graduates to embrace STEM disciplines in their future careers. This year, there were a record-breaking 1,250 high schools that each submitted a Schulich Leader Nominee, all competing for the 50 coveted scholarships. To date, these scholarships have been awarded to 170 students across Canada, distributing more than $11 million.
Two scholarship recipients are selected at each of the 20 participating universities, with five of these universities receiving an additional two scholarships for attracting the most applications. Twenty-five undergraduate scholarships, valued at $80,000, are given out to students pursuing engineering degrees. The other 25 scholarships, valued at $60,000, are reserved for students pursuing degrees in science, technology or mathematics.
"Fostering leadership in STEM fields is vital to Canada's economic prosperity," said Schulich. "It is immensely important to invest in the next generation of technology innovators as they develop and hone their minds and skills to contribute to our national and global community. This country has already produced exceptional Schulich Leaders since its founding in 2011."
Each year, every Canadian high school and Cégep can submit their Schulich Leader Nominee based on their student excelling in STEM subjects and demonstrating at least two of the following attributes: academic excellence, outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership and financial need. Universities then select their recipients from the Nominees that apply to their school. Nominations for the 2016 program will be accepted starting in September 2015.
For more information
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