MONTREAL, Feb. 11, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Rio Tinto has
partnered with Indspire through a $1
million contribution to establish the Rio Tinto Award for
Indigenous Students. Rio Tinto's contribution is being matched by
the Canadian government, for a total of $2
million.
Alf Barrios, chief executive of
Rio Tinto's aluminium group stated: "We are very proud to establish
the Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous Students through our partnership
with Indspire, an Indigenous-led charity that invests in the
education of Indigenous people in Canada."
"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
county. 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, we aim to provide the
chance to all Indigenous youth in the areas we operate to pursue
further training and/or studies after high school so that they are
equipped for leadership positions in the future."
The announcement was made in Vancouver, B.C. at Indspire's Soaring:
Indigenous Youth Career Conference, an event where Indigenous
high school students gather to learn about career and
post-secondary education options.
The Rio Tinto Award for Indigenous students is designed to offer
financial support to Indigenous students who are enrolled or would
like to enrol in post-secondary studies.
It gives young people 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 application deadlines for the award: 15
February, 1 June, and 1 November
2016. Successful applicants are eligible for the funding
upon completion of high school.
For more information about the award, visit:
www.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 the K-12 Indspire 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
$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 in Canada
With more than 12,000 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.
www.riotinto.com
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SOURCE RIO TINTO PLC