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Aurora College

For more information on educational opportunities in the North, which includes scholarship, bursary and award opportunities, please visit the Aurora College web site at http://www.auroracollege.nt.ca.

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Northern Science Award

Administered By
Aurora Research Institute, Aurora College


Objective 
The science community of the Northwest Territories is interested in strengthening mechanisms that directly encourage and support young northerners to enter the environmental sciences as a career.

The following scholarships will be awarded annually:

  • One $5,000 merit scholarship for university or college students
  • One $2,500 scholarship for university students
  • One $2,500 scholarship for college students

Funding Sources 
The initial scholarships were made possible through the generous donations of Terriplan Consultants, Dillon Consulting, Gartner Lee Limited, Gaea Consulting and MacDonald Environmental Services. Each firm has a long standing presence and interest in the NWT and a commitment to the advancement of northern science capacity and talent.


Eligibility 
Selection is based upon the future aspirations of the applicants for a career within the Northwest Territories and academic record.

  1. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university environmental sciences program. The area of study must be based on western and/or traditional knowledge science
  2. First year students are not eligible. Minimum eligibility is for second year of studies, both at a university and college level. 
  3. In the event that applications are not received from qualified undergraduate students the scholarship may be awarded to graduate students.
  4. Applicants must have been resident in the Northwest Territories for a minimum of four years.
  5. Applicants must show a demonstrated interest in preparation for a career in the Northwest Territories.
  6. A recipient may apply for a second award of the scholarship in subsequent years of study.
  7. The scholarships are independent of, but complimentary to any other existing financial supports available to northern students.
  8. The scholarship will not be awarded each year if applicants do not meet the selection criteria.

Selection Criteria

  1. Academic standing: a minimum of a B+ (or equivalent) cumulative average, as well as a B+ (or equivalent) average in the past academic year.
  2. Enrolled in the second or subsequent years of full-time studies.
  3. Enrolled in an environmental sciences program at a recognized post-secondary institution.
  4. Demonstrated interest in a career in environmental sciences in the Northwest Territories. 

Selection Process
Applicants will provide the selection committee with: 

  1. A letter of a minimum of 250 words outlining their area of study, the applicability to environmental sciences in the north and their career goals in the Northwest Territories.
  2. An official transcipt (with an institutional seal) showing past courses and associated grades as well as current courses. If your transcript does not show current courses, you must also include a letter from your department stating your program name and current course load.
  3. Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of continued registration for the second portion of the scholarship to be released in January.
  4.  A letter of reference from an Instructor and/or Professor at the applicant's post-secondary institution who has direct knowledge of the applicant's academic achievement, strengths and enthusiasm.

Selection Committee 
The selection committee will consist of the Research Advisory Council (RAC) of the Aurora Research Institute. The RAC will recommend applicants for approval to the Board of Governors of Aurora College.


Scholarship 
Three scholarships will be awarded annually:

  • One $5,000 merit scholarship for university or college students
  • One $2,500 scholarship for university students
  • One $2,500 scholarship for college students

The scholarships will be distributed with one cheque for half of the full amount in the fall and a second cheque for one half of the full amount in January. If the student does not attend college or university or ceases to attend during the academic year, the scholarship or unissued portion of the scholarship reverts to Aurora Research Institute.


Announcement Process

  1. Photos of the recipients will be made available to the funders for publication in corporate newsletters, annual reports, etc.
  2. Photos of the recipients will be made available to Aurora College for publication in College material.
  3. Photos of the recipients will be made available to media in the Northwest Territories for publication.

Deadline 
Deadline for applications is October 31st, 2010 by 5:00 (MDT).


Please submit to:
Manager, Scientific Services
Aurora Research Institute
P.O. Box 1450
Inuvik, NT
X0E 0T0
Phone: (867) 777-3298 (Ext. 32)
Fax: (867) 777-4264

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO APPLICANTS:

  1. This scholarship is applicable for both College and University students.
  2. Be certain that you are eligible to this scholarship, based upon the criteria above. You are not eligible if you area first year student. Make sure your course applies as an environmental sciences course (see below).
  3. This scholarship is intended to environmental sciences students. Some classic examples of environmental sciences include: atmospheric science and physics, biochemistry, biology, earth sciences, environmental applied sciences (including water and environmental), environmental ecology, geography, geology, geophysics, meteorology, resource conservation and zoology.  However, if your studies have a direct environmental implication and are outside of these more classical study areas, you may still apply, but make it clear in your letter how your studies are related to environmental science and how they are ultimately applicable in the Northwest Territories.
  4. For your own record, complete the application checklist below before your submission.

 

Northern Science Award - Application Checklist

  • Letter:
    • Minimum 250 words.
    • Outline area of study, applicability to environmental sciences in the north, and your career goals in the NWT.
    • Contact information, including current phone and/or email.
    • An official transcript (with an institutional seal) showing past courses and associated grades as well as current courses. 
  • Letter of reference:
    • From past Professor and/or Instructor who can comment on academic performance and participation.