MONTRÉAL, May 10, 2016 /CNW
Telbec/ - Rio Tinto and Indspire hosted an event in Ottawa to showcase the $2 million Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous
Students aimed at providing Indigenous students across Canada financial assistance to pursue
post-secondary studies.
Alf Barrios, chief executive of
Rio Tinto's aluminium group stated: "We are proud to partner with
Indspire to establish the Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous
Students.
"Rio Tinto has been invested in Canada for over 100 years and we have a long
history of working closely with Indigenous people across this great
country. At Rio Tinto, we know just how critical education is to
the success of the communities in which we work, and to the success
of our business.
"Through our partnership with Indspire and the participation of
the Canadian government, we aim to provide the chance to all
Indigenous youth in the areas we operate to realize their full
potential and have the best chance at quality education."
Roberta Jamieson, President and
CEO of Indspire said: "We know from our research that one of the
key barriers Indigenous students face when pursuing higher
education is a lack of finances. But 93% of the students given
financial support by Indspire are graduating. We are delighted to
partner with Rio Tinto to support many more students over the next
five years."
The Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous students was established
following a $1 million contribution
from Rio Tinto which was matched by the Canadian government, for a
total of $2 million. The Award is
designed to offer financial support to Indigenous students who are
enrolled or would like to enrol in post-secondary studies.
It gives students of all ages the chance to obtain a diploma,
degree, certificate, academic upgrading, or apprenticeship program
with financial assistance.
The award prioritizes students in science, technology,
engineering and math disciplines but is also available more broadly
to students in any discipline including trades, and is available to
students of any age pursuing post-secondary education, including
adult learners.
There are three upcoming application deadlines for the award:
June 1, November 1, and February
1.
For more information about the award, visit
indspire.ca/apply.
About Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous-led
registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous
people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their
families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding
partners, Indspire disburses financial awards, delivers programs,
and shares resources with the goal of closing the gap in Indigenous
education. Through Indspire's K-12 Institute, it provides
resources to educators, communities, and other stakeholders who are
committed to improving kindergarten to grade 12 success for
Indigenous youth. Since its inception in 1985, Indspire has awarded
close to $79 million through almost
25,000 bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students, making it
the largest funder of Indigenous education outside the federal
government. Each year, the organization presents the Indspire
Awards, a gala celebration of the successes achieved by
Indigenous people that is broadcast nationally.
Rio Tinto – Invested in Canada
With more than 11,000 employees
working at over 35 sites and operations, Rio Tinto is the largest
mining and metals business operating in Canada. Rio Tinto's extensive operations in
Canada include mining and
manufacturing interests in alumina, aluminium, iron ore, diamonds
and titanium dioxide, as well as exploration activities, research
and development centres, port and rail facilities, and
hydroelectric facilities in the provinces of Quebec and British
Columbia. In addition, Montreal is home to the global headquarters
for Rio Tinto's Aluminum business.
SOURCE RIO TINTO GROUP