The awards program is a two-year bridging program to the federal government's Canada Millennium Scholarship Program to help aid students that demonstrate financial need and academic success criteria. There was no application process necessary. The awards were primarily based on a student's unmet financial need as assessed by Student Aid, in addition to being in good academic standing at their institution. We also established a committee to administer and finalize criteria for the program. This committee consists of representatives from the university, the College of the North Atlantic, along with three student representatives.
Students agree with the criteria set for the program and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Other jurisdictions are praising government's initiative and looking at our awards program as a model for their own potential programs. Government is helping to create more opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador students by increasing the amount of awards available in our own publicly funded post-secondary institutions. It is ensuring students with academic potential have the extra necessary resources to obtain a post-secondary education within the province. All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted.