News release

Winners of IT Scholarship Announced

Nova Scotia Business Inc. (Dec. 2004 - Nov. 2022)

The future looks promising for seven high school students in Nova Scotia who are pursuing a career in an IT-related field.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) and CGI today, June 20, announced the recipients of the 2007-08 IT's Your Future Scholarship.

The winners are:

  • Rucha Lingras of Bedford, Charles P. Allen High School
  • Megan Atkinson of Dartmouth, Dartmouth High School
  • Adam Schofield of Hantsport, Horton High School
  • Alex Moriarty of Halifax, Citadel High School
  • Christopher Lerette of Timberlea, Sir John A Macdonald High School
  • Allan Lavell of Halifax, Citadel High School
  • Abbey Messenger of Barrington Passage, Barrington Municipal High School

CGI, a leading information technology and business process services provider, and Nova Scotia Business Inc., the province's business development agency, co-sponsor the program, which is aimed at increasing awareness and interest in the broad field of Information Technology.

The scholarship, valued at $2,400 for students entering university and $2,000 for Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) students, is awarded to Grade 12 students across Nova Scotia who have demonstrated a passion for learning and are planning to pursue a career in Information Technology.

"The intellectual challenge and innovation of this industry is what really excites me," said Ms. Lingras. "I am passionate about math and finance and plan to pursue a career in financial engineering. This scholarship will assist me in acquiring the education to do that."

"This scholarship is an investment in our students and demonstrates strong support for the province's IT industry," said Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac. "This is another example of how the province is working to compete for talent in the IT sector."

In addition to demonstrating a passion for pursuing a career in IT, students must also be conditionally accepted into an IT university or college program, have written a 500-word letter answering why they are deserving of the scholarship, and have three letters of reference.

"There are currently IT career opportunities in Nova Scotia and the future is promising," said CGI vice-president Jay MacIsaac. "CGI recognizes low enrolment for IT programs across the province and we are dedicated to working with high school, college and university students in an effort to engage them in this field. We are 100 per cent committed to generating interest and attracting students into this dynamic industry."

The scholarship program is generating awareness of opportunities tied to a growing demand for skilled IT professionals.

"An education in IT offers endless opportunities right here in Nova Scotia," says Stephen Lund, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. "This scholarship will encourage students to consider this growing and innovative sector as a career choice."

Nova Scotia Business Inc. is Nova Scotia's private-sector-led business development agency. NSBI is the investment attraction arm of the province and helps businesses in Nova Scotia meet growth potential through advisory services, trade development, financing and venture capital.