The Kirschman Bursary Program is an educational and economic development initiative made possible through the generosity of its namesakes.
The initial financial gift was made with the understanding that the continued existence of a Kindergarten to 12 school is core to a stable and growing population, the enhancement of local educational opportunities and the commercial and personal investment and wealth that accompanies this.
The Kirschman Bursaries will benefit all youth enrolled in Forestburg School from Grades 1 to 12 by supporting their post-secondary goals and studies.
The endowment that this initial financial gift has initiated will award each student in Forestburg School a fixed amount per year of study in our school.
The Kirschman’s initial financial gift has already grown by over 50 per cent through the generous contributions of corporations, individuals and other entities that have recognized the many benefits provided by this strategic investment in our youth and to the community’s future.
The first bursaries will be awarded to the Forestburg School Graduating Class of 2022.
“With heartfelt thanks to Jack and Lily Kirschman, we are incredibly proud to unveil this innovative approach in supporting the educational aspirations and goals of our students and their families,” said Forestburg mayor Blaise Young.
“As both an educational and economic development initiative, this unique program will help ensure the growth and emergence of the next generation of community builders and leaders. There could be no finer tribute given in thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Kirschman for their lifetimes of service to Forestburg and the surrounding area.”
The goal is to set the annual bursary award at $1,000 per student per year of study in Forestburg School to an individual maximum of $12,000 upon a student’s graduation from Forestburg School.
To receive the Kirschman Bursary a student will have to complete their studies at and graduate from Forestburg School.
The bursary monies awarded to each student will be paid directly to the post-secondary institution of a students choice and acceptance within a specified time of that students’ graduation from Forestburg School.
Initially the Kirschman Bursary Program will be administered by the Village of Forestburg through the Forestburg & District Community Enhancement Fund as per the donors wishes.
An initial Advisory Board will be established over the course of the next number of months to formalize program details, promote and secure additional funding sources and donations as well as to explore the potential of utilizing this generous financial gift to further enhance the educational opportunities and overall quality of life in the Forestburg area.
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