Home > Donors > Award Bursaries and Scholarships >
Portage la Prairie Community Development Corporation Bursary
History
The Portage la Prairie Community Development Corporation was formed in the 1970’s by a group of community minded business people. The goal was to attract new businesses and industry to Portage la Prairie by offering incentives for them to locate in the city. Shares of $10 apiece were sold to local business people and interested individuals.
In 1976, after a few successes, a decision was made to dissolve the Corporation. A motion was passed that shareholders be contacted and encouraged to donate the value of their shares to the creation of a bursary for high school students in the Portage la Prairie School Division. Most agreed, and $16,750 was invested for this purpose. The guidelines were established in August 1977, and the first two bursaries were awarded in 1978.
Between 1978 and 2008, 101 bursaries have been awarded, totaling approximately $47,000.
On December 2, 2008, the Portage la Prairie School Division officially transferred 10 bursaries and scholarships funds to the Community Foundation of Portage and District valued at $158,000. 10 days later, the Portage Community Development Bursary Fund was established and the funds were transferred to the Foundation on December 12, 2008. The value of the fund is $28,374 which will support a $1000 bursary yearly to a student pursuing post secondary education in the field of business.