Outstanding Canadian Aboriginal Undergraduates Awarded Scholarships by GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders Program

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - GE Canada and the Institute of International Education (IIE) have announced eight winners of the 2013 GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders program including seven awards to Canadian- resident Aboriginal undergraduate students for their leadership and academic excellence. The scholarship includes a $4000 annual grant for the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th year of an undergraduate program.

Scholars also participate in a week-long GE Leadership Development seminar in Mississauga, Ontario. The program includes training, volunteer activities, networking opportunities and mentoring.  "We are interested in building long term relationships with the scholars," notes Terry Peach, Manager, Organization & Staffing. "It's a great opportunity to learn more about each other over a 3-year period, to help students develop skills that are relevant for future careers across many industries, some possibly within GE."

A key focus of the GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders program is funding for Aboriginal students pursuing engineering or business management programs.  Over the last 3 years, 15 Aboriginal youth have received scholarships. "Supporting young Canadian aboriginal students at this pivotal stage of their lives empowers them to take the next steps toward realizing their potential as business leaders of tomorrow. The future is bright for these students and their example is an important one for the generations ahead," notes JP Gladu, CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

"Being a recognized Aboriginal woman in the nuclear energy field will allow me to influence and provide mentorship to many individuals across Canada." said Amanda Peltier, an Anishinaabe Ojibwe from Manitoulin Island and Energy Systems Engineering student at University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

"The scholarship will allow me to pursue my dream of learning abroad," said Braydon Harper, an active member of the Ojibway community in Winnipeg and Bachelor of Commerce student with the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba.

The 2013 GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders regional winners are:

Emilie Corcoran - McMaster University
Mihskakwan Harper - University of Manitoba
Brayden Harper - University of Manitoba
Amanda Peltier - University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Kear Porttris - University of Victoria
Zachary Richmond - University of Victoria
Riley Smith - University of Calgary
Nick Zarft - University of Alberta

About GE: GE {NYSE: GE} works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works.

In Canada, GE has operations across the country, including major manufacturing facilities, over 150 sales and service locations, and more than 7,000 employees.

For more information on the GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders Program, visit http://www.scholarshipandmore.org/

SOURCE: GE Canada

Rahim Ladha
GE Canada
905 858 6130
[email protected]