Pengrowth-N.S. Energy Scholarship Gets $1 Million Boost

More Nova Scotia students will have a chance to make their mark in the province's energy industry, thanks to Pengrowth Energy Trust and the Government of Nova Scotia.

Premier Rodney MacDonald was joined today, Oct. 4, by Pengrowth president and CEO Jim Kinnear as the premier told participants at the Core Energy Conference that Pengrowth and the government are putting an additional $1 million -- $500,000 each -- into the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship program. Today's investments bring the total value of the scholarship trust to $3 million.

"By expanding the scholarship fund, we are demonstrating our confidence in our energy industry and our commitment to encouraging young Nova Scotians to pursue careers in the province's flourishing energy sector," said the premier.

"Our involvement in Nova Scotia's offshore continues to be very rewarding for Pengrowth and for the people of Nova Scotia, which is why we are proud to be able to invest more in the province," said Mr. Kinnear. "The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship program is helping to foster strong energy careers for Nova Scotians. We're proud to partner with the province of Nova Scotia in a joint mission to help ensure a secure energy future for the province where Pengrowth team members and their families live and work."

Energy Minister Bill Dooks welcomed the announcement. "There are many opportunities in Nova Scotia's energy industry," he said. "The additional $1 million will open the door for even more of our province's bright students to explore what our energy sector has to offer."

The new investments will help create six additional trades scholarships for Nova Scotia students. It will also help create a Visiting Scholars program that will bring international experts to Nova Scotia to address critical areas related to the local oil and gas sector.

The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Fund was created in 2005. Pengrowth Corporation, one of the owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project, initially contributed $1.5 million to the fund and the province added $500,000. The goals of the program are to award scholarships and research grants to Nova Scotia students pursuing undergraduate degrees, college-level trades and technology programs at Nova Scotia Community College and graduate research at Nova Scotia universities.

The premier and Mr. Kinnear recently announced the winners of the 2006 scholarships. The winners are: Evan Bridson-Pateman, Annapolis Royal, Annapolis Co. Christopher Cloney, Brookfield, Colchester Co. Gillian Fung, Lower Sackville, Halifax Co. Malcolm Gillis, Margaree, Inverness Co. Danielle Glenn, Antigonish, Antigonish Co. Ashley Hill, Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Co. Amy Ingram, Liverpool, Queens Co. Beth MacEachern, Westville, Pictou Co. Kevin MacIsaac, Westville, Pictou Co. Corey MacNeil, Cole Harbour, Halifax Co. Cody Rawding, Caledonia, Queens Co. Scott Smith, Halifax, Halifax Co. Mark Staples, Halifax, Halifax Co. Daniel Verner, Coxheath, Cape Breton Co.

The deadline for the 2007 undergraduate and trades scholarships is April 27. For application forms or for additional information on the scholarships or petroleum innovation grant, please visit the Nova Scotia Department of Energy website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .