The Schulich Foundation has unveiled a game-changing scholarship program, Schulich Builders, dedicated to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Centennial College is one of 10 Ontario public colleges that will distribute more than $3 million to deserving students in eligible programs.
In its inaugural year, Schulich Builders is committed to address skilled labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada. In addition to financial support, the program also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.
"We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path," said Judy Schulich, Director, Schulich Foundation. "Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities. Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand."
Schulich Builders will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program this fall. Priority will be given to students nominated by their high school. Each college, including Centennial, will award 10 scholarships per year:
- five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
- five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.
"The Schulich Builders scholarship will be a gamechanger for so many students, and supports our government's ongoing work with business, labour, colleges and universities to attract more young people into the skilled trades," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford at the launch event on February 9. "We're bolstering our skilled workforce to build the roads, highways, schools and hospitals our growing population needs."
Among the presenters at the launch was Malcolm Matwijec, a Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician apprentice from Centennial College who earned a bronze medal at the WorldSkills Competition in his category in Salzburg, Austria, recently. Matwijec had previously won gold at the Skills Ontario and Skills Canada competitions to qualify for WorldSkills, making him one of the best young apprentices in the world. He was accompanied by Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College.
"Schulich exemplifies higher education philanthropy, helping to build institutional capacity, realize a student's full potential and publicly validate education," Dr. Stephenson said. "Against the backdrop of the new Schulich Builders program, I am utterly delighted to witness the Schulich Foundation now partnering with colleges to promote scholarship opportunities to prospective students seeking a postsecondary education that will lead to fulfilling, well-paying and in-demand jobs".
Centennial College offers almost 40 full-time programs that are eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship, ranging from Automotive Service Technician to Energy Systems Engineering Technician. For more information, visit Centennial's Schulich Builders webpage.
About The Schulich Foundation
The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada's largest foundations, having donated in excess of $350 million. Seymour Schulich established and funded The Schulich Foundation. He holds Canada's highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, and is among Canada's greatest philanthropists. Having benefited greatly from a scholarship that enabled him to do his MBA, Mr. Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world.
The Schulich Foundation has endowed university faculties of business, engineering, medicine, law, education, music, chemistry, nursing and dentistry; libraries, dormitories, courtyards, medical health centres, lecture and music halls. Over 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students in Schulich Schools. The Foundation's largest initiative is the $200-million Schulich Leaders Scholarship Program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education.