Recipient Chosen based on Academic Achievements, Participation in Extracurricular Activities and Leadership in the Community
Fraser Valley, BC, August 20, 2008 - Kailei Bicknell, an 18 year-old Fraser Valley student, is on her way to Douglas College in New Westminster next month with the help of The UPS Foundation's George D. Smith scholarship. Kailei, the daughter of UPS Canada International Trade Direct Coordinator Scott Mitchell, is one of three 2008 Canadian UPS scholarship winners. Open to children of current UPS employees who plan to pursue post-secondary education at university or college, the awards are handed out to students worldwide who show excellent academic promise and involvement in their community.
The George D. Smith Scholarship was named after one of the company's initial founders, who was critical in navigating UPS's expansion after World War II. With the scholarship valued at over $4,000 over the two year period, Kailei will be attending Douglas College in New Westminster for two years. She plans to then transfer to Simon Fraser University with the goal of becoming a teacher.
"By investing in my future and allowing me to pursue my goals for higher education, UPS has demonstrated its commitment to supporting its employees like my dad, and their families," said Bicknell.
Kailei was chosen for the award based on her outstanding commitment to academic achievements and her dedication to extracurricular activities within her community. She received a high school merit award and was on the graduation council of Sands Secondary School, where she was responsible for organizing graduation activities and events. She was also an active participant on her high school's badminton team, and outside of school participates in Irish and jazz dance.
In addition, Kailei is also active in her community. She has volunteered for the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), helped the Heart and Stroke Foundation, participated in the 12-hour Cancer Relay for Life, and has also volunteered with her family at the Surrey Food Bank as part of UPS's annual Global Volunteer Week.
Since 1963, UPS has handed out scholarships to children of its employees. This year it handed out three scholarships in Canada, with a total annual commitment of over $7,000 per year. Two other winners received amounts ranging between $1,000 and $4,000 per year to pursue further studies at local colleges and universities. In order to qualify for the scholarships, employees are requested to make submissions to their local centers. Entries are judged by Scholarship America, an independent external entity, who makes decisions on who should be awarded the scholarships.
"The scholarships are just one of the ways UPS invests in the future of its employees and the communities in which it operates," said Mike Tierney, President of UPS Canada. "By supporting higher education and encouraging students to pursue their academic goals, we are engaging in the development of future leaders."
As part of the emphasis on ongoing education and learning, UPS is one of the few companies that offer a tuition reimbursement program in several of its major centres. Some employees attending college or university may qualify for reimbursement of a portion or all of their tuition fees by UPS.
About UPS
Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen. The UPS Foundation's major initiatives currently include programs that support hunger relief, family and workplace literacy, and increased global volunteerism. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007, UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
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