College of the Rockies trades students benefit from Teck donation

The $2,000 scholarships were created following Teck’s $1 million donation to the College this past June.

College of the Rockies Heavy Mechanical student, Abraham Smith, is one of four recipients of new scholarship funds made possible by Teck. — Photo courtesy College of the Rockies

Four College of the Rockies trades students received a boost to their education as the first recipients of the newly-created Teck Scholarships. The $2,000 scholarships were created following Teck’s $1 million donation to the College this past June. In addition to supporting the new Patterson Hall trades building on the Cranbrook campus, and upgrades to the Fernie campus, $100,000 was designated as a scholarship fund for trades students.

“We’re pleased to see the first of the Teck Scholarships being presented to students,” said Robin Sheremeta, Senior Vice President, Teck.  “These scholarships are intended to help students in the region access the education they need and help fill the growing demand for skilled workers in the mining industry.”

Three Electrical students (Molly Palmer, Austin McKay and Aiden MacKay) and one Heavy Mechanical student (Abraham Smith), received the initial Teck Scholarships.

“It was awesome to receive this scholarship,” said Smith. “Now I can focus on my program and not have to worry about paying my tuition. I am very thankful that Teck offered these scholarships and that I was able to receive one.”

“Teck has made a significant investment into the success of our region’s students,” said Pat Bowron, College of the Rockies Vice President, Partnership and Advancement. “Seeing this investment in action through these scholarships is exciting. We look forward to witnessing the impact these financial awards will continue to have on students going forward.”

Six Teck Scholarships will be awarded each academic year until the fund’s initial $100,000 investment has been depleted. Applications for the remaining two Teck Scholarships for the 2018/19 academic year are due by February 1, 2019. They will be awarded to successful applicants from the Ktunaxa Nation.

For more information on scholarships and bursaries at College of the Rockies, including the Teck Scholarships, go to: www.cotr.ca/financialaid.