Four universities across Canada will be supporting our troops in a new way this year. The University of Calgary, University of Ottawa, University of Windsor and Memorial University will all be participating in Project Hero — a scholarship program that pays for the tuition of dependents of those killed while serving in active military missions.
Rick Hillier, current chancellor at Memorial and former Chief of the Defence Staff, along with honorary Lt.-Col. Kevin Reed, a University of Ottawa alumnus, launched the program, a U of O press release announced at the end of June.
The scholarship will waive four years of undergraduate tuition fees, along with the cost of residence in the student’s first year.
A U of C release also said the university is participating in the program to recognize soldiers’ bravery and personal sacrifice.
“It is an expression of support for Canadian Forces soldiers and their families, and a way of honouring those who pay the ultimate price for serving their country,” said University of Calgary vice-provost (students) Ann Tierney in a statement.
Reed said he is very proud to see his alma mater become involved in the project, but that his work won’t stop there. He is approaching other Canadian universities to get involved.
“It is my goal to get broad-based, national support from all Canadian universities,” he said.
According to the U of O statement, in order to qualify for the program, students must be under the age of 26, dependents of a fallen soldier and registered as full-time students at one of the four participating universities.
Students who qualify can have their tuition waived as early as September 2009.