By Andrew Hiebert, MBCI Physics Teacher
The Canadian Schulich Leader Scholarship is an undergraduate entrance scholarship for students intending to enroll in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) areas of study at a participating university. The Schulich Leader Scholarship was launched in 2012 by Seymour Schulich and administered by UJA (the United Jewish Appeal) Federation. Last year across Canada, the UJA Federation gave out 25 scholarships of $80,000 for students entering engineering, and 25 scholarships of $60,000 for students entering science or math faculties. There are currently 21 Canadian universities participating in this scholarship; the University of Manitoba is one of them. The participating universities often select only two applicants to become a ‘Schulich Leader’: one to their engineering program, and one to their science or math programs. Every secondary school in Canada is able to submit ONE applicant. This applicant earns the right of being a ‘Schulich Nominee’. Even being nominated for this prestigious scholarship is a great honor. The selected applicants can apply to one or more of any of the participating universities. In Manitoba alone there are 319 secondary schools , each one able to submit an applicant. Thus, a successful applicant has to outshine all of their peers within their school, and all the other ‘stars’ from the literally hundreds of other high schools.
At MBCI selecting our single applicant is a difficult task that is done in consultation with several science teachers, the guidance counselor, and the principals. To have a student win this scholarship once is a major reason for celebration.
I am humbled and deeply grateful to say that the quality of students we teach and develop here at MBCI are consistently remarkable. Their characters, their initiative, their love for science & engineering, and their work ethic are outstanding. This is due in no small part by their parents. In the last four years that the Schulich scholarship has been offered an MBCI student has won this extremely prestigious award three times!
The scholarship enables the Schulich Leader the opportunity to pursue their dreams and become the next global pioneers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, without the financial barriers that may have prevented those dreams.
Christopher Dyck ('15)
Winning the Schulich Leader scholarship was a life changing experience that I was extremely fortunate to have had last school year. Upon receiving the phone call from the U of M, I was overwhelmed by the amazing fact that I had not only received such a large scholarship, but, more importantly, every dream I have for my future could be realized. In reflection, it truly was astonishing to see the amount of passion that my teachers had to help me in my academic career by nominating me for this scholarship. Presently, I am only beginning to see the amazing benefits of being a Schulich Leader, as I am still connecting with the vast amount of resources the university has, which have been opened to me through this incredible scholarship. I look forward to the future opportunities which this scholarship will open for me, all the while remembering how fortunate I was to have this scholarship awarded to me through the remarkable care of the MBCI community.
Alex Czehryn ('14)
Receiving the Schulich scholarship was unexpected and has impacted my life in numerous ways which I am extremely grateful for. After receiving the news that I had been awarded this scholarship I was in shock and only after truly internalizing the truth did I realize how truly blessed I was to have people care so deeply about my academic success. Primarily, this scholarship has granted me the privilege of focusing on my university career, immerse myself in extracurricular activities such as engineering student council and the University of Manitoba’s concert band and has granted me the time to compete in the Manitoban, Western and Canadian engineering competitions. Furthermore, I have been fortunate enough to interact with other Schulich leader’s at the University of Manitoba which has led to the formation of a tight-knit community which I am glad to be a part of. This award is an incredible honour and I am humbled to have been the recipient.
Alexa McAdam (‘12)
The Schulich Scholarship has given me the freedom to fully invest in my studies and access incredible opportunities. In addition to these things, I am especially grateful for what it has taught me about stewardship. I have often considered what I have to offer as I listened to the stories of classmates, youth and friends whose future is not as secure as my own. I am learning that I can be a good steward by holding this scholarship and my education as gifts I can use to work alongside these people to overcome the injustices that color their lives. This led me to join a research project addressing water quality in First Nations communities and will continue to direct my plans as I graduate with my Bachelor of Science this year. I could never have done this alone and am deeply grateful for the support of the Schulich Foundation, my family, friends and teachers.
