INNOVATION PLACE COMMITS $50,000 TO ABORIGINAL STUDENTS IN THE SCIENCES

Innovation Place showed its commitment to aboriginal students involved in science and technology today by announcing a $5,000 annual scholarship to be awarded for the next 10 years.

The first scholarship will be presented this year, coinciding with the Innovation Place 25th Anniversary celebrations.

"This investment in the youth at our universities can only be beneficial for both the students and the many companies that will be looking to hire skilled employees in the next few years," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "It is in the best interest of all Saskatchewan people to encourage our aboriginal students to pursue careers in science and technology."

"We are sponsoring these scholarships to encourage aboriginal students to look at a field they have not been traditionally involved in," Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation President Doug Tastad said. "Our clients are looking for highly skilled young people and we want to support those students that choose a science education."

To be considered for the scholarship, students must be in their second year of studies or higher, be of aboriginal descent, be active in the fields of the sciences or engineering, have not received other scholarships or bursaries from other donors in that year and have a minimum average of 70 per cent or higher. The University of Saskatchewan will review the applications and choose the scholarship winner.

A similar scholarship will also be awarded through the University of Regina, bringing the total commitment from the Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation to $100,000 over the next 10 years.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Austin Beggs Innovation Place Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-7464