Miriam Epstein just won Canada’s largest entrance scholarship. She will receive $100,000 to study science at Dalhousie University in Halifax this fall. 

Ms. Epstein won a Schulich Leader Scholarship. The program supports the nation’s top talent in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. 

Ms. Epstein’s outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements drew the attention of the awards committee. She is the first nominee to win a Schulich Leader Scholarship at PECI, not to mention the first PECI grad to be awarded a university entrance scholarship of this magnitude.

Every secondary school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader nominee a year. The nomination is based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership, and financial need. 

Ms. Epstein told the Gazette that learning she had won was a surreal experience. The award will enable her to focus solely on her university studies.

“The financial relief this scholarship offers, as well as the countless networking opportunities, will be a life altering experience and I am extremely grateful. I am so excited to be able to use this opportunity to give back to my community on both a local and global scale,” said the delighted winner.

Ms. Epstein chose Dalhousie because of the university’s highly regarded ocean science program. She plans to study oceanography and ocean chemistry.

“I’ve always loved the water and the ocean. With the advancement of climate change, our oceans are in danger so I want to do what I can to help.”

Last summer, Ms. Epstein travelled to Tenerife on the Canary Islands through GVI’s Marine Conservation Volunteer program. She studied whale and dolphin behaviours and conducted beach clean up.

“That experience in the Canary Islands really started me on this path of wanting to study the ocean.”

PECI English and Guidance teacher Sara Vader said Ms. Epstein was a highly motivated, top-achieving student who combines real-world experiences, academics and extracurricular activities.

“We are very excited for the opportunities that Miriam will have and look forward to the time when she will be able to share her experiences with the next generation of PECI students,” Ms. Vader said. “We are extremely proud of Miriam and wish her all the best in her future adventures.”

A total of 100 Schulich Leader scholarships are being awarded in 2024: 50 engineering scholarships valued at $120,000 each and 50 science, technology or math scholarships valued at $100,000 each.

The $200 million Schulich Leaders program spans 25 universities across Canada and Israel.

“We are proud to celebrate the continued success of Schulich Leader Scholarships, the premiere STEM scholarship program in Canada. This group of outstanding students including Prince Edward County’s Miriam Epstein represents the best and brightest Canada has to offer and they will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators,” said the program founder.