Are you a student residing in the Atlantic provinces and attending community college or university this fall? Here’s an opportunity that could help you pay for your tuition.

For the sixth consecutive year, Standardbred Canada and the Atlantic provinces have collaborated on the Atlantic Provinces Bursary Program. This project could award up to four students in the Atlantic provinces bursaries towards their post secondary education this year.

The bursaries will be awarded based on participation in the industry, academics and financial need. Applicants will be required to submit a typewritten essay on the following:

"What would you say if you had the opportunity to stand up and speak to government officials about the importance of harness racing to your province's economy?"

Applicants must be Canadian citizens and be a child or spouse of an active Standardbred Canada member or an SC member themselves. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a post secondary institution as of September 1, 2012.

A maximum of four bursaries worth up to $1,000 each will be awarded. Applications are available now and must be completed by June 30, 2012.

The successful applicants will be announced in mid July.

This program is supported and funded by various organizations from the Atlantic Provinces and Standardbred Canada. Partners from the Atlantic Provinces include Horse Racing New Brunswick, the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association, Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association, and the 'Stretch Drive Fund,' a fund created by the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission's race officials.

Presentations to the successful applicants will be made in August.

For a bursary application, contact SC Industry Marketing at 905-858-3060 (Ext. 207) or click here.