The pursuit of a post-secondary education will soon be made easier for Island high school students, as a result of new scholarships announced by the PEI Department of Education. The money, totaling $12,000, will be awarded to 24 individuals who maintain a predetermined grade average, and who are not eligible for any other significant award. In addition, students participating in the 27th annual Interchange on Canadian Studies will receive monetary support to help defray their costs.
Funding is being channelled from the yearly L.B. Pearson College Scholarship, which provided substantial assistance to one Island student. Through the redirection of financial resources, numerous people throughout the province, who might otherwise face too many obstacles, will be able to continue their studies at university or college. Furthermore, under this initiative, all Island high schools - ten English, 2 French - will be recognized through the allotment of cash awards.
"I am very pleased with the new scholarship plan for Island high school students," said Honorable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education. "Each high school on PEI has graduates who go on to post-secondary study. Through the redefined allocation of funding, many deserving students will be able to compete for these awards, which will be applied against their post-secondary tuition. The recognition of every Island high school, in such an equitable manner, will most certainly instill a stronger sense of 'community' pride amongst our high school youth, as they vie for scholarships."
Each high school will award 2 - $500 scholarships, one of which will go to a student planning to attend UPEI; the other will be won by somebody who will study at Holland College. For those students graduating from Evangeline and Ecole Francois-Buote, tuition prizes will be used for UPEI or (Univ. Of Moncton/Ste. Anne), and Holland College or (College de l'Acadie).
1998 also marks the 27th anniversary of the Interchange on Canadian Studies program, in which high school students participate in a unique cultural and scholastic exchange. This year, twelve students from PEI will receive grants from the Department of Education to help with their expenses.
"Participation in ICS has become an expensive undertaking," said Elaine Noonan, Deputy Minister of Education." This year, the one-week program will cost $650, so a $100 per delegate grant will prove to be a welcome contribution. By reformulating how the former Pearson Scholarship is utilized, the Department is able to help close to 40 high school graduates, as they continue on to a post-secondary institution. This move is a positive step towards ensuring that the process of lifelong learning continues for many more Islanders."