October 12, 2011 – 19 Nova Scotia students will get help pursuing careers and research in energy with scholarships from an industry-government partnership. The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program gives out up to a dozen $10,000 university scholarships each year to high school graduates pursuing energy-related studies. It also provides up to 10 scholarships of $2500 each to graduates pursuing trades and technology programs at the Nova Scotia Community College.

“Nova Scotia’s growing energy sector is a rich source of career opportunities,” said energy minister Charlie Parker. “We are pleased to partner with Pengrowth to help educate the energy leaders of tomorrow.”

Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement and extra-curricular activities, and must have demonstrated an interest in the Nova Scotia energy sector.

“The success of our students remains our priority and Pengrowth is pleased to provide financial assistance to such a talented group of students interested in the energy industry,” said Jim MacDonald, director of Pengrowth’s East Coast Operations. The scholarship program is a great example of what can be accomplished when government and industry work together.”

Pengrowth Energy Corp., Pengrowth Management Ltd. and the province has invested $3 million in the scholarship program to date. Since the program’s inception in 2005, 130 students have received scholarships and grants.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are:

• Sean Bent, Prince Andrew High School
• Janelle Boudreau, Ecole Beau-Port
• Barry Bower, Cobequid Educational Centre
• Alecia Bowers, Liverpool Regional High School
• Kyle Boyle, North Queens Rural High School
• Miguel DeMello, Sydney Academy
• Marawan El-Sayed, Charles P. Allen
• Edward Hanifen, Guysborough Academy
• Eileen Haskett, Dr. J.H. Gillis High School
• Christopher Keefe, Riverview Rural High School
• Alexander Lambur, Citadel High School
• Lauren Lewis, Annapolis West Educational Centre
• Thomas Lloyd, Liverpool Regional High School
• Julia Locke, Cobequid Education Centre
• Catherine Murphy, Halifax West High School
• Haley Newell, Barrington Municipal High School
• Ryan Newell, Barrington Municipal High School
• Ryan Pedersen, Cobequid Educational Centre
• Samuel Wynn, North Nova Educational Centre