The Students on Ice program provides youth from across Canada and around the world with ship-based educational adventures to the Arctic and Antarctica. See www.studentsonice.com for detailed information.

Our mandate is to educate and inspire the next generation of polar scientists, researchers and environmental leaders – and in doing so, help to provide them with a greater understanding and respect for the planet.

We believe that the Polar Regions are the world’s greatest classrooms. They are the cornerstones of the global ecosystem and a tremendous platform for education.

Since 2000 – nearly 1,000 high school and university students from thirty countries have visited the Polar Regions with this award-winning program.

International Polar Year (IPY) was launched in March 2007 and continued until March 2009. It was the largest ever international program of coordinated scientific research and observations focused on the Polar Regions. Endorsed by the IPY Joint Committee, this summer’s expedition represents one of the largest IPY Education and Outreach initiatives in the world.

Our expedition goal is to raise worldwide awareness about the impacts of climate change and other environmental issues facing the Polar Regions today. We encourage participants to think about real and immediate concerns – about the impact their own actions are having on the world – and how they can make a difference. This is all part of leaving an International Polar Year legacy.

For more information about the IPY and about our other SOI-IPY expeditions, visit www.studentsonice.com/ipy

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), is the national voice of Canada's Inuit. Founded in 1971, the organization represents and promotes the interests of Inuit at the national level. In its history, ITK has been effective and successful at advancing Inuit interests by forging constructive and co-operative relationships with different levels of government in Canada, notably in the area of comprehensive land claim settlements, and representing Inuit during the constitutional talks of the 1980s. National Inuit leader Mary Simon is the president of ITK.

2010 Year of the Inuit is an educational campaign spearheaded by ITK. Its goal is to increase awareness among the general Canadian population about issues facing the Inuit of Canada and celebrate Inuit accomplishments and achievements.

First Air has generously supported Students on Ice by providing flights for our expedition team for the past ten years. First Air is Canada's finest northern airline serving Nunavut and the Northwest Territories from Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg. First Air continuously and generously supports northern educational, cultural and athletic events across the north and Canada.

In partnership with the International Polar Year Federal Programs Office of Canada, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and First Air, Students on Ice is proudly offering fully-funded scholarships for Canadian youth to participate on the upcoming Arctic Expedition. These scholarships are available for high school students between the ages of 14-18, from coast to coast to coast. Some of the scholarships will be awarded to northern Aboriginal youth, while others are available to all students from across the country.

This expedition represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for youth to expand their knowledge about the circumpolar world, and to gain a global perspective of the Arctic, its wonders, and its present and future challenges.

For more information on the expedition, education program, videos and photos, check out our website: www.studentsonice.com!

Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant must be a Canadian citizen between 14-18 years old at the time of application.
• Applicant must currently be attending high school at the time of application.
• Applicant must submit a completed application form with 2 letters of reference.
• Applicant must submit copy of Aboriginal Status if applicant is a Inuit, First Nations or Métis beneficiary
• Applicant must submit a completed application form with 2 letters of reference.
• Applicant must understand that this is an educational expedition, not a vacation. He/she must be committed to participate fully in all aspects of the education program.
• Applicant must demonstrate some or all of the following qualities: strong academics and/or passion for learning, interest in the environment; leadership qualities and/or potential to develop these qualities; a desire to make a difference, become a polar ambassador and an environmentally responsible citizen.
• Applicant must act as an ambassador for his/her community and must be prepared to share their journey with the community and country before, during and after the expedition. Students will be expected to be available for media interviews and to submit journal entries for the SOI Expedition Website and other blogs.
• Applicant must have current Government issued identification (with photo, if possible). Ex: Health Card, Driver’s License, Birth Certificate.

• Read the questions thoroughly and make sure you answer all parts of the question.
• Make sure your answers are concise. As a general guideline, your answer to each question should be no longer than 250 words.
• When seeking out reference letters, make sure you present your referee with the criteria on which we would like them to comment (see application for details). Please do not include references from family members.
• SPELL-CHECK! Read and re-read your application to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
• Try to be creative and highlight experiences/ideas/accomplishments that will help you stand out from the other applicants.
• It is best if you correspond with the SOI Office regarding your application, not your parents/guardians.
• Applications must be in our hands by 5:00pm EST on Thursday, April 15th. Submit your application before the day of the deadline! You should receive an email confirming our receipt of your application, but it is your responsibility to follow-up with our office to ensure your application has been received. Our fax machine can be very busy on the day of the deadline.

1. Please ensure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria and read all instructions carefully.
2. Complete the Students On Ice Arctic Scholarships application form [English]. The application form is also available in French.
   
   The form has two parts:
   1. Candidate Information
   2. Supporting Information
3. Submit your complete application by post, email or fax.
   
   Phone: 1.866.33.6423 | 1.819.827.3300
   fax: 1.819.827.9951
   
   email: apply@studentsonice.com
   
   Participant Coordinator
   Students On Ice
   Natural Heritage Building
   1740 Pink Road
   Gatineau, Quebec
   J9J 3N7 Canada