New Scholarship For Energy-Related Studies
There's a new scholarship available to help students looking for a career in the energy sector. The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program was launched today, March 22.
The scholarship program is a partnership between the Nova Scotia government and Pengrowth Corporation of Calgary, one of the owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project.
Pengrowth will contribute $1.5 million to the fund and the province is adding another $500,000. The scholarships will be paid for by interest income generated by the fund.
"Pengrowth is showing commendable corporate leadership, working with us to create this fund," said Premier John Hamm. "Their generous contribution will help open the door to significant opportunities for careers for Nova Scotians in our growing energy sector."
"Our involvement in the Sable project has been good for us and good for Nova Scotia," said James Kinnear, president and chief executive officer of Pengrowth Corporation. "Creating the scholarship program allows us to find another way that Sable benefits all Nova Scotians."
The scholarships will be available beginning with the academic year in September 2005. They will be offered to students entering university or community college after completing Grade 12 at a Nova Scotia high school.
At least 10 scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, will be awarded annually to students pursuing energy-related studies at a Nova Scotia university. One additional university scholarship will be designated each year for a member of a First Nation or a visible minority. All university scholarships are renewable for four years, based on academic performance.
The program will also offer at least four non-renewable $2,500 scholarships for first-year students pursuing energy-related trades and technology programs at the Nova Scotia Community College.
The program also includes research grants for students pursuing studies at the master's degree level. As many as four grants, worth up to $15,000 each, will be awarded every year to graduate students conducting eligible research.
"We've been able to design a very flexible program that makes a career in our energy sector more accessible," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "I'm especially excited that we now have another opportunity to fund graduate research as this will help us understand more of the complexities of our offshore geology."
A selection board will choose the scholarship recipients from applicants recommended by their high schools.
More information is available from high school guidance offices and on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy . The deadline for applications this year is Friday, May 20.