Feature Article

 

Investing in People is an Investment in Your Community

Studon Scholarships are Life-changing

“It’s important that we have companies out there ready to support students,” says Kevin Collins, a 2nd year Electrical student and recipient of the Studon Electric & Controls Apprenticeship Scholarship.

While Collins knew scholarships were available, he had no idea where to start. “I didn’t have to worry because I had good help.” At the beginning of his first year, an advisor from the Student Funding & Awards Office outlined the support available for trades students in one of his classes, and encouraged him to apply. 

Collins’ scholarship, awarded at the end of his first year, was based on several criteria – academic standing, financial need and community involvement. 

“Studon can see the big picture,” says Collins. “They realize that by donating money for improved training, labs and supplies, and by supporting trades students with scholarships, they’re bettering the system. That helps RDC turn out better tradespeople.”  

A lab for RDC electrical apprentices has been named the Studon Electric & Controls Electrical Lab. Studon has contributed a total of $250,000 to the Building Communities Through Learning Campaign for both facilities and student support. Don Sutherland, CEO and President of Studon, is also a RDC alumnus

The power of support

Two Studon scholarships were first awarded last November. As soon as Collins received his $2,000 award, he transformed it into further learning by registering for his second year. “Instead of having to work and wait a full year, I could return earlier. I sped up the process by going back in May, not in September.” 

Originally from Calgary, 26-year-old Kevin and his wife Stephanie are excited about the future. “We plan to start a family soon so that’s my drive. I want to finish my in-class training before there’s a baby in the house.”

According to Collins, increasing awareness about financial supports is a positive move, whether through donor appreciation events, newspaper articles or hands-on help from the Student Funding & Awards Office. “Raising awareness lets students know more about their options, and lets everyone know about the power of a supportive community.”

An opportunity to connect

Charity Tonkin, Interim Student Funding and Awards Coordinator, says that without support, “we would lose an opportunity to connect with students and to celebrate their success.” 

In today’s economy, financial support is more valuable than ever. “Scholarships have an important role to play. In our time of greatest need, government funding programs are under constraints, which means students will see more loans and fewer non-repayable supports,” she explains. “Without scholarships, they’ll graduate with higher debt loads.”

Tonkin, who coordinates a total of eight part- and full-time staff in the Student Funding & Awards Office, says that demand for all services is high, from scholarships and bursaries to loans. “We served the same number of students in the first week of January 2010 as we did in the entire month of January 2009. We’re busy!” She’s worked in the office for nine years and recognizes the challenges our economy can create. “There’s always lots happening in our office, but working with this great and knowledgeable team makes my job easier.” 

Participate and lead

Scholarships offer more than financial aid to RDC students; scholarships have an impact on a student’s learning experience. While some are based purely on academic levels, others require evidence of community participation or leadership skills. “I’m in awe when I read through applications and discover the amazing breadth of initiatives our students are involved with,” Tonkin says. “It’s important to celebrate the volunteering and mentoring our students are doing.”

Tonkin’s greatest job satisfaction is in knowing that everything achieved through her office will continue to support success. “I hope that scholarships encourage students to strive for excellence in all areas – in the classroom, in their volunteering and in overcoming barriers to reach their goals.”

Thanks to generous support, RDC will be awarding over $500,000 in scholarships and bursaries in 2009/2010.

 

Photo (L to R): Don Sutherland, Kevin Collins, Damian Zapisocky, Louie McCullagh