Red River College has launched a number of new bursaries and awards aimed at supporting Indigenous learners, those committed to social justice, and those pursuing studies that support the environment.

Last year, a total of 2,300 financial awards ­­— worth more than $1.5 million — were distributed to students enrolled at RRC.

“Many of our students benefit from access to the awards, bursaries and scholarships made available through the support of local businesses, industry partners, and community organizations and individuals who have made an investment in our students,” says RRC President Paul Vogt.

“This type of an investment not only benefits our students, it helps continue to support the province’s economy, as Manitobans are able to access the skills and training they need to join the workforce.”

In addition to support from donors and industry partners, student awards are also made possible through investments from the province, including matched funding amounts provided to participating post-secondary institutions.

“Manitoba’s economy relies on the success of our students — as about 98 per cent of our alumni live and work here after graduation — and financial awards help alleviate the pressures that many students face,” says Vogt. “This is one of the ways we support student success, which is a key strategic priority at the College.”

Students who are considering applying for a financial award are encouraged to explore the full list, which includes eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

New scholarships and bursaries available this year include:

Richard (Asher) Webb Social Justice Activist Memorial Award

($750 annual award; open to all full- and part-time students at Red River College.)

This award was established by the family of Richard (Asher) Webb, an RRC alum and community activist who worked tirelessly for social justice, equality and dignity for marginalized people.

After graduating from Computer Programming in 1986, Webb worked at the Village Clinic and coordinated Winnipeg’s first public conference on HIV/AIDS. He went on to serve as the executive director of the Osborne Village BIZ, a project coordinator for the B’nai Brith Human Rights Awards, in various capacities within Winnipeg’s arts ad LGBTT communities, and as a leader in former mayor Glen Murray’s political campaigns. Years later, he returned to RRC to study Business Administration.

Award recipients will have demonstrated the ability to lead, organize and engage other students or members of the community to work for systemic change on issues of social justice, including but not limited to antiracism, public health, human rights, discrimination, anti-poverty, and LGBTT issues. Financial need may also be a consideration.

Application deadline is Feb. 16, 2018.

Frederick David Taylor IV Memorial Award

(Minimum $500 annual award; available to students in RRC’s Greenspace Horticulture Diploma program.)

This award was established by family and friends of Frederick David Taylor, IV, a 2014 graduate of RRC’s Greenspace Management program. Always passionate about the environment and the outdoors, Taylor’s post-RRC career saw him launching Sustainable Organic Solutions, a landscape maintenance provider that focuses on organic soil health amendments. This award was created to honour Frederick’s legacy, and to support students who share similar qualities.

Award recipients will be selected by RRC faculty based on their commitment to the environment and to sustainable horticultural practices, along with exemplary teamwork and leadership in the classroom.

Cindy Petrowski and Phillip Marsh Helping Hands Bursary

(Minimum $500 award; available to a full-time First Nations or Metis student attending any program at Red River College.)

This bursary was created by RRC alum Cindy Petrowski (Stenography, 1982), who chose to attend the College because of its reputation — then, and today — as a post-secondary institution offering instruction in current and high-demand skills that are recognized and required by employers. Petrowski and partner Phillip Marsh created the bursaru to support First Nations or Metis students with their academic aspirations, and to help ease the financial strain of obtaining a post-secondary education.

Application deadline is Jan. 15, 2018.