Heartland 101

Five inspiring Grade 12 students in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland each received a $1,000 scholarship from the Northeast Capital Industrial Association (NCIA) to grow diversity within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Environmental and Conservation Sciences and the trades. Through the annual scholarship fund, applicants planning to pursue post-secondary studies in September were judged on their academic standing, an essay on how they planned to make a positive impact on their community through their chosen career and how their extra-curricular activities contribute to a better quality of life for those living in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

“Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is home to incredible students who are shaping a brighter future for our province,” said Patrick Howe, Executive Director of NCIA. “The NCIA scholarship is one way we can recognize the value and advantages of diverse ideas within our communities and support students in reaching their educational goals”. The scholarship is also aimed at increasing our focus on building the future talent pipeline and finding more ways to support advancing diversity in various industries.

The following students were selected to receive the scholarship.

Growing up, I have always been fascinated by science. I used to watch surgeries on YouTube and read biology books (even though I wasn’t old enough to really know what anything meant). The first step in combining my two passions of science and community support is beginning my pre-med undergraduate degree in Honours Neuroscience at the University of Alberta. My long-term plan is to become a surgeon. I believe that my deep-rooted values in helping others, combined with my immense passion for the inner workings of the human body, will make me a kind, compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional.

– Brendan McFatridge, St. André Bessette High School

I am thinking of pursuing civil engineering or environmental engineering. By studying how various infrastructure such as roads impact the environment, I will be able to suggest design improvements that make more efficient use of land and resources to limit any negative impact on the environment. With so many new technologies and resources available, I hope to learn how to use them in my career to better the community and the environment. To me, the field of engineering is the continual study of how to make positive improvement in the world around us.

– Caitlin McElhatton, Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School

I am excited to start my studies at the University of Alberta in Geology and Climate Dynamics. A career in this field will allow me to advance my understanding of the earth’s processes and how to address the challenges posed by climate change. Geologists study the earth’s history, structure and processes while climate dynamics experts focus on the complex interactions driving climate patterns and changes. By combining these fields, I hope to contribute to research, policy-making and education efforts that will benefit my community and mitigate the impacts of climate change. I could also play a key role in assessing and mitigating the risks associated with

 natural disasters, ensuring the community is prepared for and able to respond to disasters more effectively, potentially saving lives and reducing economic loss.

– Aiden Parkes, Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School

By pursuing a career in power engineering, I plan to create many positive impacts. I intend to use my strong leadership and social abilities to create a work environment in which all individuals feel safe. As a woman entering trades, I hope to encourage other women and girls to chase their dreams of working a trades job. By being a strong leader within my professional community, it will benefit many individuals and groups.

– Avery Adele Graham, Redwater School

By obtaining a Mechanical Engineering certificate, I will be equipped with the technical skills and knowledge necessary for a variety of engineering tasks. During the summer months, I plan to accumulate the required hours to start working towards my Millwright Journeyman certificate. This dual-certification approach will ensure I am well-prepared for a career that combines both theoretical and hands-on practical skills. Upon completion of my post-secondary education, I envision myself working as a Millwright at the canola crushing plant. My ultimate objective is to position myself as a highly skilled professional capable of contributing effectively to my community and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

– Dawson Finnerty, Sturgeon Composite High School