Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney Quebec Scholarship Program winners announced

The Horatio Alger Association of  Canada has announced that 20 Quebec students have been awarded  $5,000 scholarships as part of the Horatio Alger Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney Quebec Scholarship Program.

The Association offers scholarships to full-time high school students in  Quebec who have a critical financial need and have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as strength of character, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue higher education, and a desire to contribute to society.

“This year’s winners are an exceptional group of motivated students who will shape the future of our country,” said Dominic D’Alessandro, President of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada, in a press release. “They are proof that with hard work and determination, anyone can overcome difficult circumstances. It is an honour for the Association to help these inspiring young leaders with their education.”

The Association received more than 3,600 applications in the four provinces in which it currently operates. Applicant profiles confirmed the need for these needs-based scholarships. The average annual family income of applicants was $17,778; 51 per cent had experienced death, incarceration or abandonment of a parent or guardian, and 24 per cent had been physically and/or mentally abused. At the same time, applicants had an average high school average of 87 per cent and 100 per cent had been involved in community service activities, and 55 per cent worked during the school year.

“The numbers demonstrate the critical need for this type of scholarship,” added Mr. D’Alessandro. “The Association is proud to play a small role in giving these students a hand up.”

About the Horatio Alger Association of Canada The Horatio Alger Association of Canada, the Canadian affiliate of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honours the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who encourage young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association of Canada currently awards scholarships annually to deserving young people in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec and will expand its scholarship giving across Canada by 2015.