College and YTC sign agreement

Parkland College is proud to announce a unique partnership with Yorkton Tribal Council. A studentship agreement signed today will provide local First Nations youth with access to up to $300,000 in scholarships over the next five years.

Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) is generously providing a $150,000 scholarship donation to Parkland College for individuals in post-secondary programming. The gift will be managed by the college and allocated each year through 2017. The funds will be matched by the provincial government's Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program, as available, effectively doubling the donation by YTC.

"With partnerships working together to support and recognize the achievements of our students, we help shape them into positive successful individuals," said YTC Education Commission Chief Leonard Keshane.

"This substantial gift will open doors for many young First Nations people," noted Parkland College President Dr. Fay Myers. "We are excited to work with Yorkton Tribal Council and offer these scholarships to provide new opportunities and remove barriers to further education."

These awards will be presented only to applicants from the Yorkton Tribal Council's six member First Nations (Cote First Nation, Key First Nation, Keeseekoose First Nation, Ocean Man First Nation, Sakimay First Nation, and Kahkewistahaw First Nation).

A review committee made up of representatives from Parkland College and Yorkton Tribal Council will conduct thorough assessments of applicants and jointly select the award recipients. Selection criteria will be based on entrance grades and classroom attendance, as well as aptitude, ambition, career aspirations, subject matter interests, and personal supports.

Parkland College will award $20,000 in YTC scholarships in 2013, followed by $40,000 in 2014, and $80,000 in each of the final three years of the agreement (contingent on the availability of the province's matching grant). The distribution of the funds is designed to maximize YTC's agreement and coincide with the opening of the Parkland College Trades and Technology Centre, scheduled for the fall of 2015.

Scholarships will be awarded in increments ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the students' program tuition and materials, transportation costs, and living expenses.