Cenovus donates $900,000 to Northland School Division No.61

CALGARY, Jan. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Cenovus Energy Inc. today announced a $900,000 donation to be made over three years to Northland School Division No.61 (NSD61). The donation will support two key programs that will benefit students across the division. Cenovus is investing $450,000 in the Literacy Initiative and $450,000 in Career and Technology Studies.

"At Cenovus, we know investing in all types of education will help to create a vibrant future for our communities," said Vicki Reid, Cenovus Director, Community Affairs. "Cenovus supports programs that help students stay in school, increase graduation rates in the communities where we operate and teach life skills that lead to better futures."

The NSD61 programs, with support from parents and community members, help set students up for success by creating an opportunity to develop strong literacy skills and build the confidence needed to pursue their dreams.

"Cenovus's donation for the Literacy Initiative will enhance various reading and writing materials that support Aboriginal culture, community resources and professional development sessions," said Gail Sajo, NSD61's Literacy Supervisor.

Career and Technology Studies (CTS) uses hands-on learning to help students stay engaged in school and find careers that match their skills and interests. Because most NSD61 high schools are small, they don't have the same kinds of resources that larger schools in urban centres do. The CTS curriculum, equipment and materials will enable students across the division to gain exposure to a wider range of experiences and career possibilities to help them achieve their goals.

"Cenovus's donation will support the creation of CTS trailers and kits for schools, field trips to Skills Canada events, post-secondary school visits and professional development sessions for staff," said Randy Chernipeski, NSD61's CTS School/Industry Partnership Administrator.

"We value our partnership with Cenovus in an effort to enhance literacy materials and CTS programs across our jurisdiction," said Donna Barrett, NSD61's Superintendent of Schools. "Support from Cenovus will increase our ability to provide quality learning experiences for all students."

Cenovus Energy Inc.
Cenovus Energy Inc. is a Canadian integrated oil company. It is committed to applying fresh, progressive thinking to safely and responsibly unlock energy resources the world needs. Operations include oil sands projects in northern Alberta, which use specialized methods to drill and pump the oil to the surface, and established natural gas and oil production in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The company also has 50% ownership in two U.S. refineries. Cenovus shares trade under the symbol CVE, and are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

Find Cenovus on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.

Northland School Division No.61
Northland School Division No.61 (NSD61) offers educational services, primarily to First Nation and Métis students. The school division is located in the northern half of Alberta that serves over 2,500 students and employs over 250 staff in 24 schools. Our programs encompass all cultures which reflect community values within a global context. This allows children to retain their distinctive cultural identity while achieving academic excellence. For more information, visit http://www.northland61.ab.ca/

Find NSD61 on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE: Cenovus Energy Inc.

Cenovus Energy Inc.
Patricia Doherty
Media Relations Analyst
403-766-2030 

Media Relations general line
403-766-7751 

Northland School Division No.61
Curtis Walty
Communications Coordinator
780-219-1870