The Manitoba government will increase the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative by $500,000 for the 2024-25 academic year, with a focus on increasing awards for Indigenous students and those facing financial barriers to accessing post-secondary education, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced on April 12.
"By working with partner organizations such as the Manitoba Business Council through their Indigenous Education Awards, we will deliver more scholarships and bursaries to Indigenous students, increase equitable access to training and educational opportunities, and prepare students for successful careers," said Cable.
The Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative is a long-standing partnership between the Manitoba government and partner organizations, which sees government match private donations for student awards programs. The goal of the initiative is to award scholarships and bursaries to Manitoba students based on merit and financial need and to remove financial barriers to education. This investment of $500,000 will increase government's commitment to $10.5 million for 2024-25.
"Meeting our province's current and future economic needs, including those of our Indigenous communities, requires a diverse and educated workforce," said Bram Strain, president and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba. "This increase in funding to the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative will ensure the Manitoba government and the Manitoba Business Council can continue to support Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities across Manitoba."
By investing in more scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students, Cable noted the Manitoba government is also investing in the socioeconomic development of Indigenous communities in the province and responding to its commitment to promote economic reconciliation as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' post-secondary calls for justice.
