Post-secondary students across the North have until the end of this month to apply for one of Northwestel’s $2500.00 Northern Futures Scholarships. The deadline to apply for the 2011-2012 scholarships is June 30th.
Every year since the program was established, Northwestel has awarded scholarships of $2,500.00 each to approximately ten northern students. Eligible students must be engaged in full-time post-secondary studies in Business/Commerce, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Telecommunications. Five of the scholarships are available exclusively to aboriginal students.
“This is the tenth year that we will be awarding the Northern Futures Scholarships,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “We established the program in 2002 because we wanted to find a way to support the dreams and aspirations of northern students. We also hope to encourage them to return to the North to work, after their education is complete, as a way of giving back to their home communities and building a better stronger North. I encourage all students who meet the program’s criteria to apply by the deadline of June 30th. I wish them well and we look forward to receiving many applications from all across the North.”
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, official transcripts, letters of support and an essay. For this year’s essay, students are asked to discuss how broadband and internet access in their northern communities can help combat climate change.
More information and application forms are available in the Employment section of Northwestel’s website at www.nwtel.ca. Inquiries can also be directed to scholarships@nwtel.ca.
Successful applicants will be notified in the Fall of 2011. A media release will also be issued to publicize the names of the scholarship recipients.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.