Nova Scotia IB Students Win $3.6 Million in Scholarships
When Carolann Mroz enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) at Cole Harbour District High School two years ago, she was looking forward to being challenged personally and academically. She also wanted university recognition for excelling in one of world's most respected pre-university high school diploma programs.
The Grade 12 student was not disappointed. She won four individual scholarships, including the $36,000 President's Scholarship to Saint Mary's University -- a first for Cole Harbour District High.
"It has definitely been a rewarding experience," said Ms. Mroz, one of 325 students graduating from Nova Scotia's IB program this year. "IB really helped me reach my full potential and I have been rewarded for all the hard work I put into my education.
"It has been amazing. I have ended up with huge scholarships that I didn't even know existed before the program."
This year marks the largest group of graduates from Nova Scotia's IB program with 13 high schools authorized to offer the program. In 2007, the Department of Education increased the number of schools offering the program from two to 12, representing one of the most aggressive expansions of International Baccalaureate Diploma programs in the world. École du Carrefour was added in 2008.
Ms. Mroz, who will study engineering, is one of more than 230 IB graduates receiving almost $3.6 million in scholarships and bursaries this year. The awards range from entrance scholarships covering first-year tuition, to a $124,000 scholarship at the Ivy League Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
"Our Nova Scotia IB graduates have done themselves, their teachers and their schools proud," said John Messenger, the Department of Education's head of the Provincial IB Diploma Program. "Nova Scotia's IB graduates are clearly in demand by universities."
Canadian universities regularly offer IB graduates early acceptance, advanced standing and eligibility for special IB scholarships, as well as traditional university scholarships.
IB credits earned at high school also count as credits toward a university degree.
"IB students bring a focus and an intensity to their work that benefits the entire university community," said Acadia University president Ray Ivany. "They possess leadership traits that not only enrich their own experience, but the experience of others, and that's important to every university."
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is an internationally recognized, advanced liberal arts program designed for ambitious students in grades 11 and 12. The diploma emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, writing and oral communication, creativity, community service, sophisticated reading skills and an understanding of global issues.