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Rio Tinto partners with charity

The award will support Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education.

Las week Rio Tinto announced a partnership with Indspire, an Aboriginal-led registered charity that invests in the education of Aboriginal people, to establish the ‘Rio Tinto award for Indigenous students.’

The award is designed to offer financial support to Aboriginal students who are enrolled or would like to enrol in post-secondary studies. It gives young people the chance to obtain a diploma, degree, certificate, academic upgrading, or apprenticeship program with financial assistance.

“Through our partnership with Indspire, we aim to provide the chance to all Indigenous youth in the areas we operate to pursue further training and/or studies after high school so that they are equipped for leadership positions in the future,” said Alf Barrios, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto’s Aluminium Group.

Rio Tinto’s $1 million contribution to establish this award is being matched by the Canadian government, for a total of $2 million.

The award prioritizes students in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines but is also available more broadly to students in any discipline, including trades. The award is available to students of any age pursuing post-secondary education, including adult learners.

Kevin Dobbin, a Spokesperson with Rio Tinto, explained that Rio Tinto will prioritize students in communities where the company operates. However, the award is available to students from across the country.

Dobbin said there is no limit to how many awards will be available per area or region.

“It will all depend on the number of applications and the needs of the students,” said Dobbin.

There are three application deadlines for the award: Feb. 15, June 1 and Nov. 1, 2016. Successful applicants are eligible for the funding upon completion of high school. Applications can be submitted online once registered on the Indspire website at www.indspire.ca.