Energy Scholarships Continue to Help Nova Scotia Students

Nova Scotia students pursuing careers or conducting research in the energy sector can get help from the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program.

"We are helping Nova Scotia students get ahead," said Bill Dooks, Minister of Energy. "This scholarship program will help more Nova Scotia students find career opportunities in our energy sector."

The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program offers as many as 10 scholarships of $10,000 each. The scholarships are renewable over four years -- $2,500 each year -- to students enrolling in university to study business, sciences, or engineering. Graduates may ultimately be recruited by oil and gas employers. Four non-renewable scholarships of $2,500 are also available to students beginning energy-related studies at the Nova Scotia Community College. One scholarship is designated each year for a member of a First Nation or a visible minority.

The program also offers as many as four $15,000 non-renewable Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grants for students conducting eligible research at the master's level.

"This scholarship program grows from our desire to give back to the communities where our team members and their families live and work," said James Kinnear, president and chief executive officer of Pengrowth Corporation. "Our involvement in the Sable project has been good for us and for Nova Scotia. This scholarship program allows us to find another way that Sable benefits all Nova Scotians."

Established in March 2005, the scholarship program is a partnership between the province of Nova Scotia and Pengrowth of Calgary, one of the owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project. Pengrowth contributed $1.5 million to the fund and the province added another $500,000. Pengrowth's contribution has been invested in Pengrowth Energy Trust Units. Monthly distributions from the units provide the required scholarship funding.

A selection board will choose the 2006 scholarship recipients from applicants recommended by their high schools.

More information, applications and a list of 2005 recipients are available on the Department of Energy website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy . Applications are also available from high school guidance counsellors. The deadline for all applications for the 2006-07 academic year is Monday, May 1.