Alberta Blue Cross® is pleased to announce awards to six exceptional Alberta students in conjunction with its Indigenous Scholarship program. Luke Klug, Chantelle Quinney and Crystal Cardinal were presented with the scholarship for mature Indigenous students, as defined by their post-secondary institution. Austyn Gratton, Taylor Sample and Ina Old Shoes received the scholarship as Indigenous students completing their high school education and entering their first year of post-secondary study at an accredited institution. Each award is valued at $1,500.
Recognizing that overall community wellness is impacted by a variety of factors, the Alberta Blue Cross® Indigenous Scholarship program works to address education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by reducing financial barriers of post-secondary education for Indigenous students. The program supports opportunities for better access to education, which in turn supports not only the financial wellness of students but the overall wellness of the communities to which they belong.
“Words cannot describe how grateful my family and I are that I am [a] chosen recipient for the Indigenous [Scholarship program],” wrote a recipient of the Indigenous Scholarship program for mature students in a letter to Alberta Blue Cross®. “Every little bit of assistance goes a long way. I take my education very seriously and am honored that my efforts are being recognized. I’ve had many sleepless nights and time taken from my children while working on my studies, so this award is a boost of motivation to maintain and graduate with the 4.0 grade average I currently hold.”
The Alberta Blue Cross® Indigenous Scholarship program awards scholarships based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement. For more than two decades, Indigenous students across Alberta have been able to reach their goals with the help of the Alberta Blue Cross® scholarship program. Last year, the program received a total of 53 applications. Alberta Blue Cross® will begin accepting applications for this year’s program in September 2022.
As Alberta’s leading benefit provider, Alberta Blue Cross® provides coverage to more than 1.8 million Albertans and has been ranked as one of Alberta’s most loved brands. More information about the Indigenous Scholarship program can be found on the Alberta Blue Cross® website at community.ab.bluecross.ca/programs/indigenous-scholarships.php.
This media release was shared as a news story on CFWE (cfweradio.ca).
For more information, please contact Katelyn Pretzlaff, communications officer, Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross®, at kpretzla@ab.bluecross.ca.
