Edmonton… Outstanding student achievement in Alberta is paying off.

The Government of Alberta is responding to an increase in academic excellence by boosting the maximum amount available for Heritage Scholarships from $20 million to $22 million. The increase was necessary in large part due to an eight-per-cent increase in the number of eligible applicants for the Alexander Rutherford Scholarships.

This year, approximately 8,400 students will be awarded a Rutherford Scholarship worth up to $2,500, an increase of almost 700 students over the previous year.

“The increase in eligible Rutherford recipients is a true testament to the hard work of students in Alberta,” said Minister of Learning, Dr. Lyle Oberg. “The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund was designed to encourage excellence by recognizing outstanding achievement, and we will continue to ensure students are rewarded for their hard work and dedication to learning.”

The change to the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Regulation was made through an Order-In-Council.

The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund Endowment Program was created in 1980 to reward outstanding Albertans and encourage them to reach their full potential. Through Alberta Heritage Scholarships, Alberta Learning administers more than 40 scholarships and bursaries, providing financial assistance to almost 10,000 students a year.

The Alexander Rutherford Scholarships are awarded on the basis of achieving an 80 per cent average on five designated subjects in Grades, 10, 11 and 12. Applicants must be residents of Alberta who plan to enrol or are enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program of at least one semester in length. For more information on the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship and for applications, visit http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca.