NB 586
April 30, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - Applications are now being accepted for the third year of the Wage Gap Action Plan scholarship. This scholarship is open until May 31, to women and men who will be pursuing non-traditional training programs through New Brunswick Community College.
The scholarship was created in 2006 as part of the government's Wage Gap Action Plan. The scholarships provide an incentive to students entering their first year at community college to explore careers in sectors where men and women have traditionally been under-represented. A total of 57 scholarships were awarded for the 2007-08 academic year.
"The Wage Gap scholarship is an innovative way for young New Brunswickers to explore career opportunities in professions where their gender has not traditionally taken part," said Minister responsible for the Status of Women Mary Schryer. "Scholarships such as this promote greater diversity in our provincial workforce. A more diverse workforce will be key to eliminating the wage gap and creating the self-sufficient province we all seek."
Each scholarship awarded through the Wage Gap Action Plan has a maximum value of $2,600. This is equivalent to one-year full tuition at New Brunswick Community College, with up to $150,000 being awarded per year.
"Students who graduate from non-traditional training programs thanks to this scholarship will be an important asset to New Brunswick," Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty said. "We need trained, motivated and talented young people to enter these fields and be partners with us in growing our economy, reducing the wage gap, and promoting greater self-sufficiency for all New Brunswickers."
To apply for a Wage Gap Action Plan scholarship, students must fill out an application and attach a short essay outlining their career interests and goals. Applications and additional information about the scholarships are available through the NBCC website.
Applications must be submitted to the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour no later than May 31. Successful applicants will be notified no later than June 15.
08/04/30
MEDIA CONTACTS: Craig Chouinard, Communications New Brunswick, 506-444-2519; Elaine Bell, communications, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
08/04/30