Students enrolled in Cambrian College programs related to the skilled trades have a new opportunity to earn thousands in scholarship money to help pay for their education.
On March 18, the Sudbury-based college announced its students may be eligible for some of the $300,000 being offered as part of the Schulich Builders Scholarship program.
Under the initiative, Cambrian will offer five individual $20,000 scholarships for students in one-year certificate trades programs, and five individual $40,000 scholarships for students in two-year diploma programs in the trades.
Kristine Morrissey, Cambrian’s president, welcomed the announcement in a news release.
“Three hundred thousand dollars in scholarships is a jaw-dropping amount of money and demonstrates that leading organizations like the Schulich Foundation know that the success of our country’s economy is dependent on the skilled trades,” Morrissey said in the release.
“To see support on this level for students in the North is truly remarkable and is a true investment in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
Established in 2011 by Canadian businessman Seymour Schulich, The Schulich Foundation is a charitable organization that provides funding to educational, health-care and Jewish charities.
Last year, it announced it would establish the Schulich Builders scholarship program to help train more people in the skilled trades, with a target of awarding 120 scholarships annually.
Schulich Builders scholarships will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Priority will be given to students nominated by their high school. Students may also apply directly through Cambrian College.
“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career
path,” said Judy Schulich, executive vice-president, The Schulich Foundation, in the release.
“Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities. Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”
The organization is also contributing $25,000 per year towards college resources helping to advance the careers of each Schulich Builder selected at Cambrian.