Canadian Hearing Society launches national scholarship program for Deaf and hard of hearing students

TORONTO, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Hearing Society is proud to introduce a National Scholarship Program that will help break down barriers to higher education and build brighter futures for Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians.

"Education has the power to transform lives today and for generations to come," said Julia Dumanian, President and CEO, Canadian Hearing Society. "The Canadian Hearing Society National Scholarship Program offers students the financial support to help them achieve their academic goals, leading to fulfilling careers."

The program, launched during Speech and Hearing Awareness month in May, offers up to $3,000 a year for students wanting to attend post-secondary institutions, inside or outside of Canada.

The scholarships include:

• $3,000 awarded to three full-time students for up to three consecutive years
• $2,000 awarded to four full-time students for one year
• $500 awarded to six part-time students for one year

"We wanted to create something enduring, something that will play a key role in transforming the future of a Deaf or hard of hearing person," said Pam Feldman, Director of Fundraising and Scholarship Program Manager. "Higher education can improve the quality of life and earning potential for these students and their families, and for future generations. Statistics indicate that many Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians live below the poverty line and this Scholarship Program will help create a pathway to success."

Program will award nine scholarships worth $20,000
The program is offering nine scholarships with a total annual value of up to $20,000, the largest number of scholarships and highest value awarded to students in the organization's 77-year history.

"Education, employment and training is a key CHS area of focus," said Dumanian. "Among our many goals is a concentration on youth, whether through promoting barrier-free education, enhancing and expanding training programs, or supporting access to college and university."

The scholarship is available to full and part-time students, including people who are already working and looking to upgrade their skills. The scholarship application deadline is June 22, 2017. Successful candidates will be notified by August 31, 2017.

For additional information, please go to chs.ca/scholarships, email [email protected] or call 1-866-518-0000.

The Canadian Hearing Society gratefully acknowledges its donors and corporate partners for providing ongoing funding for this important educational program.

About the Canadian Hearing Society

Trusted since 1940, the Canadian Hearing Society has been providing industry-leading services, programs and products to Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians to ensure barrier-free access and increased quality of life. It is an independent, registered non-profit organization that reinvests proceeds from product and program sales back into community services, the focus of the organization. For more information about CHS' services, visit www.chs.ca.

SOURCE The Canadian Hearing Society

For media inquiries, please contact: Kara-Ann Miel, Director, Marketing & Communications, Canadian Hearing Society, Voice or Text: 416-577-7993, Email: [email protected]