Great Plains College was proud to announce the recent news of one of their students in Practical Nursing at the Biggar Program Centre, Miguel Powell, receiving $5000 as the recipient of a Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary. 

A provided release from Great Plains College described the reasoning for designating the funds.

“The Charette family established this national bursary program in hopes of making a difference in students’ lives. The $5,000 bursary is awarded annually to students that demonstrate financial need and face significant challenges or barriers to participating in and completing their post-secondary education.”

Powell is a first year student who commutes 236 km daily from his hometown of Warman, to Biggar, where he attends classes and labs. The people deciding the recipients were touched by Powell’s story and his perseverance, as Carrie Voysey, director of communications and development explained.

“Powell, who is a father of 3, including a three-month old baby, left his career in construction to pursue his passion for nursing; a passion that was uncovered through two life-altering circumstances including his sister’s terminal cancer diagnosis and a 2-week neonatal intensive care unit stay with his newborn son. He began his education journey in the Grade 12 Adult Basic Education program and was subsequently accepted to the highly-competitive Practical Nursing program where he has been thriving, despite the many demands on his plate. We’re proud to have Powell as a student and thrilled he was selected for a CICan Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary.”

The newfound funds will help Powell cover the costs of his commute, while also allowing him to spend less time at his weekend job, and spend more time on his studies, along with increased time with family, and extra time to volunteer with the Warman Evacuation Centre, and support Warman Minor Soccer. 

Powell believes that receiving this bursary will have a profound impact on his ability to complete the courses, as it heavily alleviates the financial strain on his family. He will certainly enjoy the extra free time as well, and is thankful as ever for his family and community, but especially grateful to Paul and Gerri Charette for providing the bursary that provides so much support to students like Powell.