Carlton Trail Regional College (CTRC) will be offering $17,000 in scholarships for the upcoming school year, more than triple the $5,000 that was offered this past year.
The meteoric rise in scholarship funding is a direct result of a fundraising campaign launched by the CTRC board in December 2012. Funds raised from businesses and individuals were complemented by various events, including steak nights and dress down days.
The provincial government's Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship Program then matched all contributions. There are a total of 24 scholarships being offered for the 2013-14 school year; amounts vary from $500 to $2,000.
"The businesses and individuals who have supported scholarships recognize the importance of attracting new students and retaining local students within the region for education, training and future employment. They realize the academic, social and economic advantages that are created in investing in education and training," said Dr. Ivan Yackel, the college's CEO.
The money will be distributed in two ways: as traditional entry scholarships for new students, or as a merit-based award for a current student who has excelled while at CTRC. The majority of the scholarships will be given to full-time students enrolled in the college on a full-time basis, though CTRC marketing facilitator Val Koroluk said the school is hoping to eventually offer scholarships to part-time students as well.
A critical component of the scholarship program is to attract and retain local students.
"If they stay here for their education and training, they are more likely to stay here during their working life," Koroluk said. She added that the increase in scholarship dollars would help to attract those local students.
Another strength, according to Koroluk, is that the college can offer programs that graduate students with the same qualifications as schools in other, larger cities. She cites the paramedics program as an example.
The college's fundraisers aren't going to sit on their laurels, either; plans are already afoot to launch another round of fundraising this school year.
The school's fall and winter program guide will be arriving in mailboxes all across the region either later this week or early next week.
