Deadline looms for social service bursary applications

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Metis and non-status Indians who want to study social work at the post-secondary level have until April 30, 2000 to apply for a bursary from Alberta Human Resources and Employment that will pay for a substantial portion of their education. From $8,000 to $13,000 a year is available per student per year, with a university student with a dependent getting the highest amount.

Eligible programs are these: social work diploma; child and youth care diploma; rehabilitation practitioner diploma; bachelor of social work degree; masters of social work degree; and other masters' programs related to social services.

Requirements applicants must meet are a demonstrated financial need, Alberta residency for at least three years, a demonstrated investment in and commitment to Alberta's Aboriginal people, and enrollment in a recognized college or university program along with a letter of acceptance and proof of a full course load before a bursary is paid out.

In return for this financial help, graduates have to agree to work for the Alberta government or an approved social service agency in Alberta, 12 months for each academic year of bursary funding received. Graduates find their own jobs.

Randy Gagne, staff development officer at Alberta Human Resources and Employment says the bursary program is not open to First Nations members. Applicants have to prove their eligibility, and if they are Metis, "You have to prove your Metis status, and that would be with your (Alberta Metis Association) card," said Gagne.

He adds that since Bill C-31, most of the people formerly identified as non-status Indians have either regained First Nations status or joined a Metis association. Alberta Human Resources keeps the non-status Indian category in its bursary program only because it is a distinction the government still makes. Gagne says he doesn't know anyone applying for the bursary right now who self-identifies as non-status.

Students may apply for bursaries one year at a time, and transcripts are required to show successful completion of the first year when reapplying. Bursaries may be granted for a maximum of two years for each program of study. Graduates of one program may apply for bursary funding for a different social services program. Total possible bursary funding is four years.