Released on October 29, 2014
Thousands of Scholarships Awarded Since Program was Launched
Today Advanced Education Minister Kevin Doherty announced $5 million for the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarships (SIOS) program. This amount is to be matched by scholarship funding raised by post-secondary institutions, the private sector and community based partners.
“Our government is providing substantial assistance to students so that they can complete their studies, transition directly into employment and participate in Saskatchewan’s growing economy,” Doherty said. “This scholarship is especially helpful to students in emerging fields of study where innovative work is being done.”
More than 3,900 Innovation and Opportunity scholarships were awarded in 2013-14. The average value of the SIOS scholarship is $2,200 per student.
Nearly 10,000 SIOS have been awarded since the program was launched in 2011. The government has allocated $18 million for this program, with an additional $11 million in matched donations.
The scholarship includes two components: innovation and excellence, and target scholarships with the priorities established in the institution’s strategic plan.
The innovation and excellence component is targeted to students in areas of study where innovative work is being done. This includes welding, mining, electrical, carpentry, biotechnology, environment, engineering, medicine and science programs.
“The Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program assists in making the financial support program for students at the University of Regina one of the best in the country,” University of Regina Provost and Vice President Dr. Thomas Chase said. “On behalf of our students, we say thank you to the Government of Saskatchewan for this innovative funding program.”
To learn more about the scholarship visit www.saskatchewan.ca/live/post-secondary-education/scholarships-bursaries-and-grants/scholarships.
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For more information, contact:
Aimee Pascua
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: aimee.pascua@gov.sk.ca