Ten Centennial College students have been named among the 120 recipients of the prestigious Schulich Builders Scholarships valued at $40,000 towards two-year diploma programs or $20,000 towards one-year certificate programs. More than 1,000 students were nominated, selected from a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada.
The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada's largest foundations, established by Seymour Schulich, who is among Canada's greatest philanthropists. Mr. Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world.
The Foundation's largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarship Program in support of students pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Based on the resounding success of Schulich Leaders, the scholarship model was recently adapted for future skilled trade workers pursuing post-secondary education at leading colleges across Ontario, including Centennial College.
“Schulich Builders Scholarships provide a wrap-around support program at the largest Ontario colleges offering skilled trade programs,” explained David Goodman, Executive Director, The Schulich Foundation. “Recipients benefit from a full-ride scholarship that covers full tuition of their certificate or diploma, multiple four-figure monetary stipends and a completion bonus, as well as intangible benefits such as week-to-week mentorship with a dedicated Schulich Builders resource officer that facilitates job recruitment prep and industry connections to employers.”
"We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” added Judy Schulich of The 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.”
"I'm beyond thrilled to see Schulich champion the skilled trades and offer incredible supports to those wishing to make their mark in this field – especially the ever-increasing number of women who are securing Schulich Builders Scholarships here at Centennial,” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, Centennial’s President and CEO. “But this scholarship goes beyond academic excellence to investing in the future of Canada's skilled trades and technology industries, ensuring that the best and brightest are equipped to lead, shape and drive these industry critical areas."
Meet the Centennial College recipients
Ethan Drummond is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A graduate of Woburn Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Drummond has enrolled in the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program this fall. Drummond was nominated by his high school to apply to this award.
Levi Hidalgo is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A graduate of the Centre for Individual Studies Bowmanville, Hidalgo has enrolled in the Motive Power Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment (Co-op option) program this fall.
Sebastia Kim is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A graduate of Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School in Toronto, Kim has enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Technician program this fall.
Riley Liu is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A North York resident, Liu has enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Technician program this fall.
Hailey Pagett is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A graduate of Courtice Secondary School in Courtice, Pagett has enrolled in the Auto Body Repair Technician program this fall.
Jura Choi is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A resident of Toronto, Choi has enrolled in the Motorcycle and Powersports Product Repair Techniques program this fall.
Daiya Dhaliwal is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A resident of Brampton, Dhaliwal has enrolled in the Truck and Coach Technician – Volvo/Mack program this fall.
Timi Olanipekun is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A resident of Concord, Olanipekun has enrolled in the Truck and Coach Technician – Volvo/Mack program this fall.
Chiara Prince Arakawa is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A graduate of Harbord Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Prince Arakawa has enrolled in the Motorcycle and Powersports Product Repair Techniques program this fall.
Koby Savage is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builder Scholarship. A graduate of TanenbaumCHAT in Toronto, Savage has enrolled in the Electrical Techniques program this fall.