20 Canadian universities awarded $5.8M to cultivate next generation of global leadership

OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - The most recent round of the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program, often referred to as the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program (QES), will see $5.8 million of funding to support 650 students in 20 Canadian university-led projects. Undergraduate and graduate students will enrich their academic, professional and cross-cultural skills while contributing to global projects led by participating Canadian universities.

Now in its fourth year, the QES program is a collaborative initiative led by the Rideau Hall Foundation, Universities Canada and the Community Foundations of Canada, made possible thanks to contributions from the Government of Canada, provincial governments, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), universities, and a wide range of private sector donors. Launched in 2014, the QES program has engaged 44 universities in every province, with funding that will enable, in total, 3,000 scholars to participate in this global exchange of talent.

Through this latest phase of the QES program, an estimated 650 Canadian and international students will undertake internships and research in Canada and abroad. Canadian students will intern at some of the following organizations:

• Centre for Urban and Reginal Excellence in India
• Makerere University Field Station in Kibale National Park, Uganda
• Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Ethiopia
• Caribbean Public Health Agency, Trinidad and Tobago
• Partnership for Sustainable Development, Nepal
• Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, Thailand

The impact of having an educational experience overseas is life-changing; students who have studied or worked abroad often return with a new sense of self and purpose. Moreover, it's becoming clear that the benefits of a global experience for Canadian students stand to impact our country's prosperity and growth. "As Canada looks to advance economic and political relations internationally, we need our next generation of leaders and innovators to have global core competencies, including knowledge of business culture, language skills and intercultural competence," said Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada. 

The November 2017 Report of the Study Group on Global Education called for a Canadian national strategy to encourage more Canadian students to participate in global learning experiences, citing the multiple benefits of doing so, stating that global learning is a vital instrument to achieve national priorities, including economic growth and trade, social and economic inclusion, and Canada's influence in the world. "The QES program is proud to serve as a uniquely Canadian vehicle and platform for public and private funders as well as the university community to come together and offer students the opportunity for global learning, service and impact," said Scott Haldane, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation.

Scholars participating in the QES program become part of a global network of leaders who continue to engage with their communities locally and around the world. "The QES program has truly created a dynamic group of young people who are changing our world and are instrumental in enhancing the work of community foundations at home and abroad," said Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.

Please visit www.queenelizabethscholars.ca/news for a full list of participating universities and projects funded.

About Queen Elizabeth Scholars program

The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program aims to mobilize a dynamic community of young global leaders across Canada and around the world to create lasting impacts both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences. To learn more visit, www.queenelizabethscholars.ca.

About Rideau Hall Foundation

The Rideau Hall Foundation was established by the Right Honourable David Johnston during his mandate as governor general of Canada (2010-2017) to strengthen the ability of the Office of the Governor General to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to leadership, learning, giving, and innovation. Together we are building a better Canada. To learn more visit www.rhf-frh.ca.

About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada's universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. To learn more visit www.univcan.ca.

About Community Foundations of Canada

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada's 191 community foundations which help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. To learn more visit www.communityfoundations.ca.

SOURCE Rideau Hall Foundation

For further information: Media Contacts: Rideau Hall Foundation, Mélanie Béchard, Communications Officer, [e-mail], 613-914-0651; Universities Canada, Brenna Baggs, Communications manager, [e-mail], Tel: [phone] ext. 255; Community Foundations of Canada, Geneviève Vallerand, Director, Communications, [e-mail], 613-236-2664 ext. 302