Submitted by Lindsey Griffith
Sources of Knowledge (SoK) is known for organizing and holding an annual Forum in the Northern Bruce Peninsula covering environmental/cultural/heritage themes. However, many don’t realize that SoK also administers an annual bursary award program on behalf of Parks Canada.
Each year we seek secondary school students with an interest in the environment and outdoors who also plan to pursue post-secondary studies in the area of conservation and related themes to apply for an award of up to $1,000.00 from the bursary. We manage $4,000.00 in total bursary funds provided each year by Parks Canada.
The purpose of the award is:
1) To provide financial support to qualifying secondary students for post-secondary study in fields related to the environment or conservation or other field related to a prospective career with Parks Canada.
2) Thereby, to assist Parks Canada in meeting its obligation for local employment under clauses 15 and 16 of Appendix A of the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to Establish a National Park and a National Marine Park in the Township of St. Edmunds dated July 20, 1987.
3) To further the stated goal of the Sources of Knowledge Forum to “encourage and enable youth to be stewards of this remarkable place.”
To be eligible, candidates must be “local” meaning from the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula or a member of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. They must have a good academic standing and demonstrate an interest in a career in conservation or a related field. Their applications must include a 500-word essay outlining their interests, a summary of past activities related to the environment and outdoors, and have a demonstrated involvement in community service. The application must also include an academic and community reference and proof of acceptance at a post-secondary school institution, including program of study.
We received 4 strong applications this year and the selection committee approved all of them, awarding each a $1,000.00 bursary. SoK is very pleased to see continued interest within our communities and, along with Parks Canada, are happy to assist these students in their future studies.
The following students are the 2023 SoK Bursary award winners:
-Avery Hutchinson: Western University – English Literature;
-Ethan Parker: University of Guelph – Ecology;
-Chloe Cameron: Western University – Political Science; and
-Tamieka Eby: Georgian College – Culinary Arts.
Congratulations to all four students – we are pleased to see such great academic achievement in our communities. Chloe and Tamieka are entering their first year of post-secondary education, and Avery and Ethan are continuing their post-secondary studies. These students will be eligible to apply next year along with upcoming grade 12 students.
SoK is a registered charity and accepts donations for our Student Bursary Program. Please visit www.sourcesofknowledge.ca to donate or you can e-transfer to info@sourcesofknowledge.ca.
