SaskEnergy supports students with $150,000 for new scholarships at USask

The awards were created to assist students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the areas of Arts, Business Administration, Engineering, or Science and have displayed excellence in their program.

Starting this fall, 12 scholarships will be awarded annually, for a total of 60 awards over five years.

Dr. Jerome Cranston (PhD), vice-provost students and learning at USask, said that SaskEnergy’s investment in student awards, including those specifically for Indigenous students, has a profound impact on the recipients’ educational journeys.

“We are extremely grateful for SaskEnergy’s generous and continued support,” said Cranston. “A scholarship can significantly impact a student’s life by relieving financial burdens, allowing them to focus on their studies, pursue their passions and achieve their full potential as future leaders.” 

USask is one of six major post-secondary institutions SaskEnergy partners with through their award program to address labour market demands, develop skills, and to support economic and community growth in Saskatchewan.

“Since 1999, SaskEnergy has invested over $2.5 million in scholarships in an array of disciplines related to our workforce,” said Allix Schweitzer, supervisor of community engagement at SaskEnergy. “This investment has helped approximately 1,600 Saskatchewan students earn their post-secondary education and has played an important role in creating a skilled labour force for our province.”

Two of the 12 scholarships awarded each year will be designated for Indigenous students at USask who show leadership, academic achievement and community involvement.

“SaskEnergy is committed to moving forward with Indigenous Nations in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration, and our scholarship program is a one way that we demonstrate that commitment,” said Schweitzer, adding that SaskEnergy strives to create a workplace that reflects the changing demographics of Saskatchewan.

The generous donation is a contribution to the Indigenous achievement and student success pillars of the university’s Be What the World Needs Campaign—the largest comprehensive campaign in Saskatchewan’s history with a goal of raising $500 million to address the world’s greatest challenges.

“SaskEnergy is proud to support the University of Saskatchewan in its efforts to ensure that the next generation of leaders in our province are equipped with the knowledge and tools required for success,” said Schweitzer.