Incoming UBC Science students receive Canada’s largest STEM scholarship

First-year UBC Science students Miranda Andersen and Andrew Tong have been named Schulich Leader Scholars. They were among 1,300 nominees across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $100,000 each.

Andersen, 18, is a recipient of a $80,000 scholarship. A graduate of Burnaby Mountain Secondary School in Burnaby, BC, Andersen was named the top student of her year as well as the top student in biology at Burnaby Mountain, and swam competitively in the Canadian Swimming Championships. These achievements, alongside her leadership in filmmaking to educate her community on environmental issues and her selection as keynote speaker for the Leadership Society of BC, were part of her selection as a Schulich Scholar.

Tong, 18, receives a $80,000 scholarship. A graduate of Robert A McMath Secondary School in Richmond, BC, Tong won two awards for his academic achievements in Information and Technology. He was also the founder and manager of the Animation Academy, a program for youth to learn to code and animate, and the McMath Social Club, for students and teens in Richmond.

"This year, UBC received a record number of applications for the Schulich Leader awards – 265 in total – and the calibre of the applicants was so high that UBC was one of only five Canadian universities winning four scholarships instead of two as in previous years," noted President Santa Ono. "I'm extremely proud of these four students, and I look forward to hearing about their achievements in the years ahead."

Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages promising high school graduates to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in their future careers. Since inception, 270 students have received the scholarship.

"Schulich Leader scholarship recipients are the best and brightest STEM students in Canada," says Schulich. "I truly believe that many of these students 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. They are the next generation of technology innovators."

About Schulich Leader Scholarships

Schulich Leader Scholarships are entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel. Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in 2011 to encourage our best and brightest students to become the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation.

This program awards 100 scholarships annually, valued at more than $7million. High schools across the country put forth more than 1,300 Schulich Leader Nominees who were vying for 50 Canadian scholarships. Schulich Leaders can devote their full time and attention to their studies, as all of their financial needs are covered over the course of their degree. Canada’s highest potential students are winning these scholarships and will make remarkable contributions to society.