Students on Ice launches $15K grant for Arctic alumni

Students on Ice (SOI), in partnership with Polar Knowledge Canada, have launched the POLAR Inspiration Grants program. The program has a budget of $15,000 for projects led by its Arctic alumni.

Each proposed project is eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 that can go towardan initiative that benefit a community, area or region in the Canadian Arctic. Applicants must be an alumnus of the SOI program from Northern Canada.

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"It's about enabling our alumni to continue to do great things for their communities," said Caitlyn Baikie, the Arctic youth and partnerships program manager for SOI.

"The aims and goals are to really keep building on their experience with Students on Ice and for their growth in the communities."

Students on Ice expeditions are journeys that educate youth across the sciences, culture and the arts.

In the past, students have been able to secure grants through SOI for projects like mental health awareness days at their school, or educational initiatives about national parks and Inuit communities.

"It can really be anything that you're really passionate about," said Baikie.

Students who want to take on large scale projects in need of more funds can apply for a POLAR Inspiration Grantin addition to other sources.

Applications for the POLAR InspirationGrant must be submitted by Jan. 15, and all approved projects must be completed by March1, 2017.