University of Lethbridge students Maxine Couch and John Anderson are the initial beneficiaries of a new scholarship program designed to spur the development of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) in the field of geomatics technology.
Tecterra Inc. recently launched the Future Geomatics Leaders Awards program, providing scholarship funds to top students studying in geomatics and related science or technology fields in Alberta post-secondary institutions. The University of Lethbridge is one of eight Alberta post-secondary institutions to participate in the awards program that will initially be offered from 2010 to 2014.
"Development of skilled human capital is part of Tecterra's mission of enabling successful commercialization of geomatics technology in Alberta," says Gord Banting, chief financial officer for Tecterra. "With Alberta's resource-rich economy, the demand for Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) in geomatics is increasing year after year."
The Future Leaders Awards are based on academic merit and targeted at top students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater, and who meet other excellence criteria as determined by their respective institutions. Couch, who is studying physics, and Anderson, a geography student, will each receive a $2,000 scholarship for their academic achievement and strong interest in geomatics technology.
"This program rewards and fosters demonstrated excellence," adds Banting. "Tecterra is proud to support a program that builds key talent for our province."
Awards of $1,000 or $2,000 each are available annually to students entering their second/third year of study at the following institutions in Alberta: Lethbridge College; Mount Royal University; Northern Alberta Institute of Technology; Olds College; Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; University of Alberta; University of Calgary; and University of Lethbridge.
Over the next four years, the U of L will continue to award a pair of $2,000 scholarships, one each through the Department of Geography and the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Tecterra Inc. is a national organization supporting the Canadian development and commercialization of geomatics technologies for integrated resource management. With current funding from the Province of Alberta and Government of Canada, Tecterra invests in technology solutions for energy, forestry, agriculture, environment and land management and development applications.