Congratulations, Class of 2021! Rogers Communications surprised 26 Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan youth with a Ted Rogers Scholarship to support their post-secondary studies this fall, and in recognition of their community leadership and volunteerism. These scholarships help young leaders and changemakers overcome financial barriers to post-secondary education and achieve their highest potential.
For the second year in a row, traditional rites of passage for high school students – including in-person proms, seniors’ trips, and graduation ceremonies – have been muted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But for young Prairie students, there are vaccines, acceptance letters, scholarships…and possibilities.
Langenburg Central School graduate Charlee Mitschke was one of the fortunate scholarship recipients from across the prairies.
Speaking about the recognition, Mitschke said, “I am very grateful to the Ted Rogers Scholarship Foundation for their mission in supporting leadership, community involvement and engagement. My community is near and dear to my heart, and my involvement is a labour of love. I sincerely thank the Ted Rogers Scholarship Foundation for awarding me this honour.”
Ted Rogers believed that investing in youth and education is one of the most powerful ways we can build a stronger Canada. Since launching Ted Rogers Scholarships in 2017, Rogers has invested more than $700,000 in scholarships to support nearly 300 Prairie students attending post-secondary studies, with the program now celebrating its first cohort of university and college graduates. Additionally this year to create more opportunities for young Canadians, OMNI Television launched a national scholarship program for post-secondary students pursuing third-language and ethnic journalism, Cityline created a new scholarship for BIPOC women, and we evolved the Rogers New Grad Leadership Development Program.
Mitschke explained, “The Ted Rogers Scholarship is an award given to youth across the country who inspire others to unleash their potential. Due to work with charities, initiatives, mentorship programs, and more, high school seniors are awarded the very prestigious award. The Ted Rogers Scholarship Program highlights leaders, makers, and risk takers for their extreme involvement in school and community. The scholarship is worth $2500.00 per year which is equivalent to $10 000 through my four year program. I am going to the U of S to study Commerce in the fall.”
Nearly three-quarters of recipients nationally self-identify as members of equity-seeking groups including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, and young women. These scholars reflect a vibrant and diverse generation which will propel Canada forward with ideas and innovation, and power our growth and economy.
The Honourable Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education spoke about the scholarship and declared, “I am very proud to see Saskatchewan students awarded these scholarships. This support is an investment in our future and these students will continue to strengthen our economy and communities. Congratulations to the recipients, I wish you all the best in your future studies.”
Rogers is proud to help remove barriers to education and keep young Canadians connected throughout their journey. In addition to scholarships, we empower youth through Ted Rogers Community Grants which provide mentoring and leadership programs for students in grades 7-12, have provided hundreds of devices and plans to Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada and Pflag to keep youth connected to mentors, and are the largest funder for Jays Care Foundation programs like Rookie League which helps more than 14,000 kids facing barriers develop important life skills, through the power of baseball.