Canada’s largest scholarship program has doubled in size from 50 to 100 annual awards.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships, funded by business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, offer the largest monetary amount of any scholarship program in the country, with awards of $100,000 or $80,000 depending on area of study.

Out of a pool of more than 300,000 potential candidates across Canada, 1,500 high school students are nominated for the award annually. The scholarships are distributed to universities across Canada, who then award them to incoming nominated students.

“The Schulich Scholarship allows me to continue volunteering in my community. I am so grateful that I can stay involved in the homework help program for newcomers at my local community health centre and continue helping with Hess Street School,” says Jessie Meanwell, a mathematics student and 2019 scholarship recipient. “Being a part of the Schulich network will also give me research opportunities while doing my undergrad.”

Of the 100 scholarship recipients, 50 will receive $100,000 to pursue and engineering degree, while 50 will receive $80,000 to pursue a degree in science, technology or math at one of 20 Canadian partner universities, including McMaster.

McMaster, which receives applications from the third largest pool of nominees in the country, will now be able to award 10 Schulich Leader Scholarships, up from four in previous years: five for potential engineering students and five in science, technology or mathematics.

“These future leaders will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars and entrepreneurial ventures,” says Schulich. “They are the next generation of technology innovators.”