Agriculture Service Board awards nearly $6,000 to Wheatland County students
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Agriculture Service Board has accepted the recommendations of the Bursary Committee to award $850 to each of the seven Bursary Applicants for 2023.
County wide, the Agriculture Service Board is committed to providing up to $6,000 in bursaries annually with a minimum award of $500, and a maximum award of $1,500 to students residing within the boundaries of Wheatland County.
Bursaries provided by the Agriculture Service Board are designed to help further students’ post-secondary education in agriculture or environmental science related fields of study.
A consensus by the Bursary and Award Committee determined each of the applicants this year were equally qualified for the awards.
Applicants were required to submit short essays outlining their career goals, and describe any contributions they have made to their respective communities and/or schools.
High school academic reports and preceding post-secondary semester grades were also required for submission if applicable, as well as their letters of acceptance stating their courses of study from the post-secondary institution they will be attending.
Additionally, applicants are to complete and submit the Agriculture and Food Production Skill Testing Examination, with a passing grade requirement of 75 per cent.
Agriculture Service Board administration noted this year saw the highest number of applications submitted for the bursaries. The previous record number of applications submitted was six, which were received in 2018.
“I was excited to see the number of recommendations for awards from the bursary, and I think the uptick is exciting and it is exciting for the future of agriculture in Wheatland County,” said Agriculture Service Board Member Amber Link.
According to information made available by the Agriculture Service Board regarding the bursaries, the funds awarded are made payable to the students’ post-secondary institution with the conditions that the funds be used for tuition, learning resources or room and board.
Should the student leave the institution prior to the funds being expended, the balance will be returned to Wheatland County.
For students who may be interested in potentially benefitting from the bursaries in the future, Wheatland County Agricultural Service Board Bursary application packages are available from the Wheatland County Administration office or website.
Complete information regarding the bursary application, as well as the skill testing application are detailed in the Agriculture Service Board meeting agenda from Oct. 4.
Prospective students are also able to contact Michelle Van Haarlem, administrative assistant to transportation and agriculture at 403-361-2000, or via email (agandenv@wheatlandcounty.ca).
Beginning next year, bursaries made available through the Agriculture Service Board will see a maximum of $10,000 available to delegate to students.