County accepting bursary applications
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
Students looking to study the field of agriculture have a chance to receive a helping hand from Wheatland County. Since 1993 the Wheatland County Agricultural Service Board (ASB) has invited students to apply for a $500 bursary.
“Obviously we’re an agriculture county and the intent was to promote agriculture and to encourage kids, whether they’re going into agriculture directly or more Ag-related schooling,” said Russel Muenchrath, agricultural fieldman for Wheatland County.
Students who have graduated within the county in the last three years are eligible to apply for the bursary.
“There’s a nature of agriculture document that they read through to learn about agriculture in Wheatland and then there’s a questionnaire they have to fill out based on that. That’s one of the criteria we use is that examination,” said Muenchrath.
“They don’t necessarily have to be on the farm but there are a lot of other Ag-related industries as well.”
Some of the information found in the agriculture document includes 2011 statistics on the number of farms in the county and what is produced. There is also a list of the ASB, what it is and what the board’s duties are.
The application process also includes a short essay. High school transcripts or preceding semester grades are needed. A copy of the letter of acceptance from a post-secondary institution along with the course of studies details must be included, and each applicant must also provide a headshot photograph.
Applicants should know by the end of the year if they have qualified for the bursary and the money will be released to their school.
“It goes directly to the school, the kids don’t get a cheque, the school gets the cheque and then it’s applied to their account to use for whatever, tuition or room and board or supplies,” said Muenchrath.
Application packages can be submitted by email, mail or in person. The package can be found on the Wheatland County website by going to http://www.wheatlandcounty.ca/DocumentCenter/View/435.
The application deadline is Sept. 27. To find out more information contact Russel Muenchrath at 403.934.3321 or by email at Russel.Muenchrath@wheatlandcounty.ca.