Alex Kitt (left) and Michael Kehler have each been awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships.
Introducing the next generation of technology innovators
Two incoming University of Manitoba first-year students have each been awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships, a four-year award totalling $80,000-$100,000.
This is the seventh consecutive year that U of M students have won these prestigious awards. Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, only 50 received this celebrated award, including Michael Kehler and Alex Kitt.
Kehler, a recipient of the $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship, is a graduate of Calvin Christian School and will enter the department of mechanical engineering with the hopes of specializing in the aerospace stream—in Grade 11 Kehler taught himself how to build and program a racing drone that can be operated with virtual reality goggles.
Kitt, a graduate of Dakota Collegiate, will receive the $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship when he enters the Faculty of Science this fall. His current passion is in computer game development: in 2016, he and three other students created an original video game—Kitt would like to connect this passion and his skills with developing assistive technologies to help others.
“Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest STEM scholarships in Canada. With 50 outstanding students selected each year from across Canada, this group represents the best and brightest Canada has to offer,” says program founder Seymour Schulich. “These students 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, extracurricular, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of technology innovators.”
With support from partners like the Schulich Foundation, the University of Manitoba’s Front and Centre campaign is committed to providing students with an exceptional experience. By supporting an outstanding student experience, we are unlocking the potential in our students, helping them discover new paths, and positioning them for academic and career success.
“This award opens so many doors. I am able to go beyond my bachelor’s degree at the U of M and take more courses,” says Kehler. “It also allows for more options after I graduate and gives me pride and encouragement to continue to do quality work and to strive to be an example to others.”
About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada
Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to 50 high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Each year, every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.
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 the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation.