WESTLOCK — A new scholarship fund will help Westlock students pursue post-secondary studies and research.
The Westlock Community Foundation (WCF) recently announced a $26,800 donation from the Westlock Educational Scholarship Society will help establish the scholarship fund aimed at supporting local students who wish to pursue post-secondary education or engage in research.
The fund will provide financial assistance to students from Westlock who are entering post-secondary institutions or pursuing research projects.
Westlock Community Foundation’s executive director, Katie Robertson, said they are excited about the opportunities this fund will create and noted that it reflects the community’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting Westlock youth in their academic and professional endeavours.
"We are profoundly grateful to the Westlock Educational Scholarship Society for this significant donation. It marks a momentous step forward in our mission to support the educational aspirations of our community's youth,” said Robinson. “Together we are opening doors for those who dream of furthering their education. This fund is not just an investment in individual futures. It's an investment in the future of our community as a whole."
Tina Viney, treasurer of the Westlock Educational Scholarship Society, shared her thoughts on the impact of the collaboration between the two organizations, and noted that although the Westlock Educational Scholarship Society is in the process of winding up, it has existed for several years. They wanted the program to continue and chose the WCF to steward the legacy.
“Education has the power to change lives and through this fund, we are delighted to play a part in nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers,” said Viney. “Our society believes in the importance of giving back and supporting our community, and we see this donation as a way to do just that."
Robertson noted the scholarship fund is a new category of funding available to the community, that residents will be able to apply for, starting next year.
“It’s really exciting that this particular fund allows for the legacy of the Westlock Educational Scholarship Society to continue, making that impact by supporting those who are seeking post-secondary education opportunities and research opportunities,” she said, noting the scholarship is currently administered through R.F. Staples School, they hope to expand the opportunity to other schools in the region.
“One of the great things about starting this fund is that in the future it’ll be able to open up to students from other schools, eventually,” explained Robertson. “This particular fund will specifically support and enhance educational opportunities for students living in this region.”
Further details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information or to donate to one of the WCF’s funds, visit www.westlockfoundation.ca.
