PROVINCE LAUNCHES SASKATCHEWAN INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

Released on September 30, 2011

The Provincial Government has committed $3 million in new funding to create the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program for post-secondary students, to match funding raised by post-secondary institutions through private sector and community-based partners.

"This scholarship will provide Saskatchewan students with additional opportunities to access the education and training they need to pursue their career goals and participate in the provincial economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said.

The scholarship has two components: one that focuses on innovation and excellence and one that allows institutions to target scholarships in accordance with the institutions strategic direction.

Scholarships for innovation and excellence will be targeted at students in new and emerging fields of study, or fields where innovative work is being done, including but not limited to: mining; energy; agriculture/biotechnology; environment; science; nuclear medicine; forestry; manufacturing and engineering.

Of the annual funding, $2.4 million (80 per cent) will go to post-secondary institutions that undertake research activities or are entering into innovative partnerships with resource sectors in the province. The institutions include the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).

The remaining 20 per cent ($600,000) will be allocated to the regional colleges, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.

"We are delighted to add the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program to our student award offerings at the University of Saskatchewan," University of Saskatchewan Provost and Vice-President Academic Brett Fairbairn said. "This program will make a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of University of Saskatchewan students each year. Donor support will be multiplied now more than ever and, as a result, we look forward to increased access to scholarship funding and an improved post-secondary experience for our students."

"These are exciting times in our province and indeed on our campus,” University of Regina Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Thomas Chase said.  "The new Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program is a well-conceived response to the needs of today's students, their families, their communities, and the development of a strong, diversified economy.  We are committed to working with partner donors to provide the best possible scholarship support for our students, who represent the future of this province.”

"The new scholarship program will provide welcomed support for SIAST students," SIAST Provost and Vice President, Academic David Walls said. "I'm particularly pleased to see the linkage with research and innovative partnerships. Our strong ties with business and industry have established a solid foundation for applied research activities that involve students and encourage innovation and problem solving. This new fund dovetails nicely with those activities."

"The scholarship funding which matches contributions by private sector companies will make a huge difference in attracting youth into the construction trades and it will reduce the financial burden faced by students," Saskatchewan Construction Association President Michael Fougere said. "On behalf of the Saskatchewan Construction Association and member companies, I would like to thank the government for developing this program and contributing to the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Scholarship Program."

The institutions will determine the amount of individual scholarship awards, giving them the flexibility to attract partner donors and provide assistance to students that is appropriate to the level and field of study.

"We have designed the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship to be responsive and flexible to meet the needs of students, while placing an emphasis on innovation and excellence," Norris said.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Andrew
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170