SASKATOON — Sarah Ens and Ami Rai have been named the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2022 recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship.
Through The Schulich Foundation, these entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada, including at USask.
Ens, 18, has received the $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship and began her studies in the College of Engineering this fall. A graduate of the Saskatoon Christian School, she was selected for her spirit of determination and perseverance, her academic achievement, and the dedication she brings to her many professional, academic, family and community-based endeavours.
“I am excited to start university in the fall, as well as to join the amazing network of Schulich Leaders,” said Ens. “I hope to use my creativity and passion for chemistry to find innovative solutions to current issues surrounding biomass energy conversion. My ambition drives me, but my character will be the foundation behind my success. I am the first generation on either side of my family to attend university, and I am excited to see where the journey will take me.”
Rai, 17, has been awarded the $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship and began his studies in the College of Arts and Science this fall. A graduate of the Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning in British Columbia, he was selected for his passion for transformative technology, the leadership he demonstrates in engaging others, and his initiative to seek challenges in multiple facets of life.
“Being a recipient of the Schulich Leader Awards is an honour,” said Rai. “The Schulich Leader Scholarship will provide me with an opportunity to pursue my goals and focus on my aspirations to become a technology entrepreneur and build technology to drive positive change.”
High schools in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader nominee per academic year based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership, and financial need. This year, out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, 1,400 students were nominated.
Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100+ million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.
“We are proud to celebrate more than 10 years of Schulich Leader Scholarships, the premier STEM scholarship program in Canada and the world,” said Schulich. “This group of 100 outstanding students will represent the best and brightest Canada has to offer and will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.”
— Submitted by USask media relations
