INNISFAIL – The town will be awarding four post-secondary scholarships annually from a new $2,500 program to graduating high school students with each recipient receiving $625.
That is a change from the town’s original proposal for its new Post-Secondary Scholarship Award Policy that was presented last Jan. 25. That plan was for three scholarships, with two being for $1,000 and a third for $500.
The amended scholarship plan was presented to town council at its regular meeting on July 25.
“We did go through the policy and make some changes,” said Erica Vickers, the town’s director of corporate services, who presented the amended Post-Secondary Scholarship Award Policy. “That will be awarded each year. Funding will not be carried over. If it's not given out it will go away.”
The scholarship program idea was first introduced by Coun. Don Harrison during council’s 2022 budget deliberations last November. Council set aside $2,500 in the 2022 operating budget for the initiative.
The award honours the achievements of students who are entering their first year of full- time post-secondary study at college, university, polytechnic institute, or an equivalent.
When the draft program was first presented to council on Jan. 25, changes were sought, particularly on the scholarship amounts as there was a request to have all successful applicants receiving equal amounts.
As for applicant deadlines, Vickers’ amended plan proposed that applications must be completed in full and submitted no later than July 31 of each calendar year.
After considerable discussion it was decided that beginning in 2023 there would be a June 30 deadline for applications, July 31 for grades and Aug. 15 for a decision.
However, for this year special deadlines were created due to the lateness of the program’s final approval from council.
Vickers said for this year only the deadline for applications and grades is Aug. 31. A decision for successful applicants will come about two weeks after in mid-September.
For students to be eligible for the program they must be a resident of Innisfail with at least one parent being a local taxpayer.
Students must have completed their high school education in a school in either Chinook’s Edge School Division or Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
They must provide proof of being registered in their first year of study at a recognized post-secondary institution.
There are no restrictions on the program of study or discipline. The program must be a minimum of two years in duration.
Applicants will need a letter outlining their goals and objectives in pursuing post-secondary education.
They will also have to detail their contribution to the community, which may include areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and volunteer services, businesses, sports, arts, leadership, environment, or any other area that contributes to the advancement and well-being of the community.
Applicants must include a brief resume outlining their employment experience.
They should also detail their community involvement, including volunteer and recreational activities. They are also asked to provide two letters of reference that must come from non-relatives, such as an employer or a teacher.
Students must provide their official transcripts showing Grade 12 marks. Applicants are asked to submit a graduation photo that will be used for Town of Innisfail promotions.
