The Employment Services Centre of Prescott-Russell (CSEPR) and the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CÉPEO) jointly announced the Élan-Emploi Scholarship program on Thursday, June 12. The first ten scholarship winners were also announced at the event, held at Centre culturel Le Chenail in Hawkesbury.
The Élan-Emploi program aims to recognize and support students from the CÉPEO school board who choose to enter the workforce right after graduation. Ten Grade 12 graduates from École secondaire publique Le Sommet in Hawkesbury and L’Académie de la Seigneurie in Casselman will each receive a $1,000 scholarship and personalized employment guidance from CSEPR counsellors.
CSEPR Board of Directors Chair Carl Potelance said, “This appears to be a first in Ontario. We believe it is essential to recognize and support all career paths, including those of graduates who choose to enter the job market immediately.”
“These young people are already contributing to the local economy and represent a vital part of our region’s future,” he concluded.
Executive Director of CSEPR Caroline Arcand explained, “Although the youth unemployment rate is very concerning, the fact is that employers need new talent, and they need it now. Young people bring fresh energy and new perspectives.”
Scholarship winners had to be students from one of the two schools and had to apply by the May 30th deadline. The winners were selected from a pool of 16 applicants, followed by a random draw.
École secondaire publique le Sommet winners:
- Ludovic Gariépy
- Mélina Bennett
- Jéremy Rivard
- Trytsha Sifflet
- Garrett Austring
École L’Academie de la Seigneurie winners:
- Zhoee Levac
- Jacob St-Denis
- Nathan Gignac
- Magali Rouleau
- Mason Alexander
