Schulich Leaders grow to 100 annual scholarships - $5.25m to be awarded in 2015

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Jan 08, 2015, 12:54 ET

Foundation Shares Best Practices to Win Award

TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Canada's largest undergraduate technology scholarship program just got even bigger.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships will increase the number of awards it gives out to 100 in 2015. Funded by a $100 million endowment, over $15 million has been awarded since 2011, making this program the largest undergraduate, technology focused scholarship program in Canada. These scholarships are for graduating high school and CÉGEP students pursuing undergraduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).

"It is immensely important to invest in the next generation of technology innovators as they develop and hone their minds and skills to contribute to our national and global community," said Seymour Schulich, the Canadian business leader and philanthropist who created the scholarships. "This country has already produced exceptional Schulich Leaders since it was founded in 2011. It is our goal to help even more graduating student leaders realize their dreams through the pursuit of a university STEM degree."

Since its launch in 2011, every high school and CÉJEP in Canada can nominate one graduating student for Schulich Leader Scholarships. Nominees then apply directly to any of the 20 participating Canadian universities. In previous years, two scholarship recipients were selected at each of the 20 Canadian universities - one undergraduate scholarship, valued at $80,000, designated for a student pursuing a degree in engineering and a second valued at $60,000, awarded to a student pursuing a degree in a science, technology or mathematics. Now, in 2015, the number of Schulich Leader Scholarships will grow to 100 with 50 being awarded in Canada.

To date, 120 students from across Canada have benefited from this large and prestigious scholarship program.

Every High School and CÉGEP must select their Nominee and submit their application by Monday, February 2, 2015. Nominees will go on to apply at any of the 20 participating universities by February 23, in order to be selected as a Schulich Leader by June 15, 2015.

The following chart shares key insights for nominees in pursuit of a Schulich Leader scholarship.

David Goodman Executive Director, Schulich Leader Scholarships	Sherry Wong 2014 Schulich Leader, York University
Make your case: Become your school's nominee Align your application with Schulich Leader objectives Apply to participating universities where you think you have the best odds of winning	When it comes to extracurricular, have a few activities that you are proud of and that you can write an essay about - it's about quality over quantity Incorporating numbers, such as how much money was raised during an extracurricular activity, can help you stand out and provide a concrete idea of what you have achieved It is never too early to start preparing
Sandy McFadden Manager, Admission and In-Course Awards Programs, Queen's University	Natashya Shewchuk Department Head of Student Services, Strathcona High School, Edmonton, AB
Understand the eligibility criteria Have your guidance counsellor review your application - they are an excellent resource and are here to support and guide you through the application process Select referees that can support your application with personal examples that demonstrate why they feel you are an excellent candidate	Talk to successful candidates and previous winners - look to them as examples Sell yourself and stand out of the group - explain what makes you unique Demonstrate superlative writing skills, and don't forget to edit, edit, edit

About Schulich Leader Scholarships
Schulich Leader Scholarships are large and prestigious entrance scholarships available to high school graduates enrolling in an undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program at participating universities in Canada and Israel.

Launched in 2011 by businessman and philanthropist, Seymour Schulich, this $100 million scholarship fund ensures future Schulich Leaders are among the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation. Schulich Leader Scholarships currently award 100 scholarships annually in Canada and Israel.

HIGH SCHOOLS AND CÉGEPS MUST SUBMIT THEIR SCHULICH LEADER NOMINEE BY FEBRUARY 2, 2015.

SOURCE Schulich Leader Scholarships