NIAGARA (May 26, 2014) -- The Sprowt Video Scholarship Contest provides students across Niagara the opportunity to help fund their post-secondary education in a fun and creative way. Since the contest began, PenFinancial has proudly awarded over $11,000 to Niagara students. The three previous Scholarship winners recently took some time to reflect on their experience and offer up some advice for this year’s applicants.
What is your current educational status? (Josh Trinder 2010 Winner)
I’ll be attending Teacher's College at Brock University next fall.
How did the Sprowt Video Scholarship help you?
The Scholarship helped contribute to my funds needed for school and it also opened up a unique opportunity to serve on PenFinancial Credit Union’s Development Committee. At first, serving on the committee was a little bit intimidating, but I’ve learned so much and it has definitely helped me in my journey to become a teacher.
Any advice for 2014 applicants?
Let the video be a reflection of your character and passion. Have fun!
What is your current educational status? (David Nguyen, 2012 Winner)
I am a 3rd year Brock University student pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Biomedical Sciences. I hope to pursue a career in medicine.
How did the Sprowt Video Scholarship help you?
The Sprowt Video Scholarship provided me with financial assistance toward my university career. This scholarship allowed me to pursue more opportunities in citizenship, leadership, and community involvement, without the stress and worry about financing my degree.
Advice for 2014 applicants?
Follow your passions, express your creativity, and just be yourself! Best of luck to everyone, and I look forward to checking your videos out!
What is your current educational status? (Marina Rose, 2013 Winner)
I have just finished my first year of BSc Kinesiology at Brock University. Going from High School to University was a huge change and a little overwhelming at times, but I loved it and can't wait to see what the next three years have to offer.
How did the Sprowt Video Scholarship help you?
With the training hours involved in being a provincial gymnast, I wasn't able to work a lot of hours to save for my post-secondary education. Receiving $2000 from PenFinancial certainly went a long way towards my tuition and books at Brock. It took a great deal of pressure off, just knowing that the funds were there. It gave me that little extra comfort financially.
Advice for 2014 applicants?
When creating your video, tell your story with passion and make it unique to you so that it sets it apart from the others. If you make the final five, my biggest advice is to network! Spread the word through social media, tell all your friends and family and encourage them to vote often! I wish the best of luck to all 2014 participants!
The application deadline for this year’s contest is June 6th. $4,000 in scholarship prizes will be awarded to local students in June! Online voting will open on June 16th. Visit www.sprowt.ca for details.
PenFinancial Credit Union has been nurtured for almost 60 years right here in Niagara. With 6 branches serving over 16,000 members, PenFinancial delivers a full range of financial services and advice tailored to meet every member’s needs. Membership is open to anyone looking for a financial institution that provides superior service and reinvests in local communities to help build a stronger and more vibrant Niagara.
Sprowt.ca No Fee Student Banking was launched in 2010. Sprowt.ca is designed with Niagara students in mind – giving elementary, secondary and post secondary school students access to free banking services along with financial literacy tools wrapped up in a cheeky, online channel format at www.sprowt.ca