PSSD Student/Parent Newsletter January 2015 POST-SECONDARY 1. University of Saskatchewan If you wish to be considered for Competitive Entrance Awards, apply for admission to the university by February 15th, 2015 and submit your application for awards and all supporting documents by March 1st, 2015. These awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, and/or contributions to school and community life. These awards also recognize particular backgrounds, acknowledge contributions to certain clubs, and reward achievement in music or athletics. Selfdeclared St. Thomas More (STM) students may be eligible for additional awards and will be contacted when the STM awards application becomes available. The deadline for application to Engineering, Kinesiology and Edwards School of Business is February 15th, 2015. If you are planning to attend the U of S next year, you have the opportunity to earn university and high school credits at the same time by taking INTS 100.3 (Learning to Learn: Strategies for Academic Success) next semester. The program will be delivered online. The deadline to apply is January 15th, 2015. Grade 12 students: Are you interested in horticulture? The Saskatchewan School of Horticulture offers certificate and diploma programs that could lead to careers such as landscape designer, golf course manager, garden centre supervisor, nursery production manager, landscape construction foreman, greenhouse technician, parks & recreation supervisor, landscape maintenance manager, floral designer, and many more. Click here to learn more. 2. University of Regina Applications for the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (SCBScN) will be open until February 15th, 2015. The UR Guarantee Program supports students through every step of their university experience to successful employment. UR Guarantee students have an advisor to help with ALL aspects of university life. The program assists in transition to university undergraduate studies by offering relevant academic workshops, advising on student engagement opportunities on-campus and assisting with career development activities. Students in the program will also have opportunities for service and leadership experience which is not only rewarding on a personal level but also looks great on a resume. Combine that with practical hands on experience in resume writing, interview skills training, career outselling, attending career fairs, and participating in networking opportunities and you will have a recipe for success. 3. Saskatchewan Polytechnic The deadline for High Demand Program Applications is February 15th, 2015 Click here to view programs that still have seats available for 2015-2016. 4. First Nations University of Canada FNUC in Regina offers the Indian Communication Arts (INCA) program, which prepares students to meet specific communication needs of Aboriginal peoples and is a great way to fill the 2 year pre-Journalism requirements for the University of Regina’s School of Journalism. Phone 306-790-5950, extension 3231 or email savison@fnuniv.ca for further information. 5. Saskatoon Business College SBC offers courses in Mining Industry Business Specialist, Legal Assistant, Business Administration, Accounting, Medical Administration Assistant, Administrative Assistant, IT Network Administrator, and Creative Media Specialist with courses ranging in length from 9 months to 12 months. Click here for more information. 6. Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts will be hosting auditions in Regina on February 19th, 2015. The Academy (located in Toronto, ON) is a not-for-profit educational institution providing world-class performing arts training to young artists (in dancing, acting, and singing). Auditions will assess applicants interested in September 2014 or January 2015 entrance. Application packages are due January 12th, 2015. For more information, contact admissions@randolphacademy.com. 7. Olds College (Olds, Alberta) Preview Day events focus on unique groupings of programs. Each day includes a guided campus tour, complimentary parking and lunch, program information sessions with staff and faculty and the opportunity to hear from current students. These informative campus visits typically run from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Click here to register. Featured programs in February include: Friday, February 6, 2015 - Equine programs - Equine Science Advanced Farrier Science Exercise Rider & Jockey Race Horse Groom Friday, February 27, 2015 - Animal Science programs - Animal Heath Technology - Veterinary Medical Receptionist - Veterinary Technical Assistant 8. Great Plains College GPC offers 18 certificate, diploma and degree programs, as well as university programming, Skills & Safety Training, Adult Basic Education and English Language Training. Click here for details. SCHOLARSHIPS 1. Top 20 Under 20 recognizes and awards youth under the age of twenty who have demonstrated significant levels of innovation, leadership and achievement, in all disciplines and fields. Top 20 Under 20 goes beyond just academic achievements in their selection criteria. They are looking for well-rounded individuals and place the most emphasis on demonstrable innovation, leadership, and achievement. It's also "not JUST an award" as the program also matches each award recipient with current community leaders in a mentorship relationship for a full year. Applications are due by February 15th, 2015. 2. Kin Canada Bursaries is a program of the Hal Rogers Endowment Fund supported by Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin clubs across the country. Each year, $1,000 bursaries are awarded to successful Canadian applicants who are pursuing post-secondary education at a recognized university, community college, technical institute and other schools for advanced education. The deadline for applications is February 1st, 2015. 3. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities offers two $1500 scholarships to students who are in grade 12, are planning to study at a Saskatchewan post-secondary school (outside of Saskatchewan if the course of choice is not offered here), have completed the last two years of high school in Saskatchewan, have a farming background, have parents or guardians who own/rent land and pay taxes to a rural municipality, and live in a rural area. The deadline to apply is February 7th, 2015. Click here for further information. 4. The Canadian Schulich Leader Scholarships are undergraduate entrance scholarships for students intending to enroll in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) areas of study at a minimum of one of 20 participating universities. Students who receive this scholarship, known as Schulich Leaders, will receive $60,000 to put towards their studies in university (up to $20,000 per year). Becoming a Schulich Leader is a two-step process: A student must be selected as the sole Schulich Leader Nominee for their school; a staff representative must fill out a short online application on behalf of their Nominee by February 2nd, 2015. Schulich Leader Nominees must then submit a separate online Schulich Leaders application by February 23rd, 2015 that will be sent directly to the universities where they have submitted official applications. They will be sent the link to this application once they are verified as the Nominee for their school. TRADES 1. The Government of Canada has both loan and grant programs (money that you don't have to pay back) for apprentices. Click here to learn more about these opportunities. 2. Want to earn a credit doing something you love? The Apprenticeship Credit provides an opportunity for students to earn a wage and up to 4 credits (Apprenticeship A20, B20, A30 and B30). Students need to secure employment with an approved journeyperson and work 100 hours in order to receive the credit. The 100 hours of trade experience count towards the required apprenticeship hours. Talk to the career counsellor or administration at your school. CAREER EVENTS 1. The RCMP is hosting a Career Presentation on Thursday, January 15th (6:00 p.m.) and Saturday, February 7th (10:00 a.m.) at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Idylwyld and 33rd Street, Main Building, Room 317. This event provides students with the opportunity to learn more about becoming a regular RCMP member and attendance at this type of presentation is mandatory for anyone considering applying to the RCMP. Registration is required; to register, call 1-877-7267472 or email FDIV-ProActive-Recruiting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Be sure to include your name, address, phone numbers, email address, location of presentation (province and city), date and time of presentation. 2. Grade 10, 11 and 12 students: If you enjoy working on cars and have an interest in becoming an Automotive Service Technician, the SIEC Automotive Skills Boot Camp is a great way to get a head start on your future career! The camp provides hands-on activities with a qualified instructor, the chance to shadow professionals in the industry and an opportunity to network with industry representatives. The program will accept up to 16 students. Applications are available from the guidance counsellor or administration in your school. The application deadline is January 22nd, 2015. The camp will be held in Saskatoon on Mondays after school (and one Wednesday) from February 2nd to April 20th, 2015. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES 1. The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Kinesiology Aquatics Program is looking to hire and train lifeguards and swim instructors. Students are able to achieve certification which would allow them to apply for a job at the U of S or at any other aquatic facility. Becoming a lifeguard and/or swim instructor is an excellent job with flexible hours and great pay. Students also learn leadership and teamwork skills! Call 306-966-1003 to register. If you are pursuing this opportunity and would like to know how you can earn a Special Project Credit, please talk to the administration in your school before beginning the program. 2. Would you like to study in Europe for free next summer! The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize offers a prestigious summer scholarship to youth 15 to 17 years of age to study the interwoven history of Canada, France and Great Britain during the First and Second World Wars. The deadline to apply is March 1st, 2015. 3. Saskatoon’s CISV chapter is looking for enthusiastic youth to participate in an International Summer Camp in July 2015. They are preparing delegations that will represent Canada at various different camps located in Norway, Argentina, USA and Brazil. During the camp delegates will gain the attitudes, skills and knowledge they require to become active global citizens. They will develop cross cultural understanding through friendship and make memories that last a lifetime. For more information or to apply for a program, contact Alanna at 306-683-3695 or cisvsaskatoon@gmail.com. 4. Grade 11 students: The Computer Science Early Start Program is an opportunity for highly talented high school students who are interested in Computer Science to get an early start on their academic career and enroll in first-year university courses. Students will take 2 full courses over the summer (July 13th to August 24th, 2015) with the same content, workload and expectations as a first year university student. Taking these two courses (CMPT 111 Intro to Computer Science and Programming + CMPT 106 Design & Construction of Games and Interactive Systems) will provide students with two full science courses, recognized at universities across Western Canada and give you a head start on your degree. Students will learn the fundamentals of programming in conjunction with mastering the science & theory behind creating video games. The program is open to current Grade 11 students who have at least 80% in Foundations of Math 20 or Pre-Calculus 20; at least 80% in any science of your choosing and an overall average of at least 75%. The deadline to apply is June 1st, 2015.