Julie Young and Mackenzie Grace, two incoming first-year students at Memorial University, have been named 2016 recipients of Schulich Leader Scholarships.

Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, the annual scholarship program encourages Canadian high school graduates to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in their future careers. This year, there were more than 1,500 Schulich Leader nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $80,000 each.

Milltown native

Ms. Young is the recipient of an award valued at $80,000. A graduate of Bay d’Espoir Academy in Milltown, she comes to Memorial from St. Alban’s, on the south coast of Newfoundland. Ms. Young plans to complete a bachelor of engineering degree and is thrilled to begin her studies at Memorial with the Schulich scholarship.

“When I found out I won this scholarship I felt extremely honoured,” she said. “I was proud to be named a Schulich Leader because of what the foundation stands for. I am so glad I am now involved with this wonderful organization.”

Ms. Young is also grateful for the opportunity to stay in Newfoundland and Labrador while she pursues her studies.

“I chose to attend Memorial because it’s close to home, they have a great engineering program and I love the city of St. John’s,” said Ms. Young. “I am most looking forward to becoming a part of the Memorial community this fall. I can’t wait to experience all Memorial has to offer and to get the chance to learn more about the fields I am passionate about.”

From Trepassey

Ms. Grace is the recipient of an award valued at $60,000. A graduate of Stella Maris Academy in Trepassey, N.L., she comes to Memorial with plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree with a major in biochemistry.

“When I heard that I had won the scholarship, I was so excited that my mother had to force me to sit down,” said Ms. Grace. “I immediately invited all of my family to my house so I could share my news with them.”

Moving to the city of St. John’s is an exciting transition for Ms. Grace. She looks forward to meeting new people and experiencing all the city has to offer.

“I chose to attend Memorial after working here as a part of the WISE [Women in Science and Engineering] program in 2015,” said Ms. Grace. “I fell in love with the campus and heard only good things from the students I worked with. This fall, I am mostly looking forward to meeting new people and learning in an atmosphere unlike my rural high school.”

For more information on the Schulich Leader Scholarship program, please visit here.