Call for Candidates for Fondation Desjardins 2008-2009 University Scholarships

Montréal (Québec), December 19, 2007 - Fondation Desjardins is launching its call for candidates for several programs, including the 2008 Girardin-Vaillancourt University Scholarships. Divided in approximately 200 bursaries, $450,000 will be made available to university students.

Fondation Desjardins will be accepting applications for Bachelor's ($1,250), Master's ($5,000) and Doctorate ($7,000) level scholarships until March 1, 2008.

Up to April 1, 2008, the Fondation will also be accepting applications from doctoral students for three research grants. Two bursaries, one of $25,000 and one of $15,000, will be granted for work relating to the theme of "Environment and Society" and a third grant of $7,500 will be allocated for studies in the field of cooperation.

Applications will also be accepted for Dorimène Bursaries ($2,500). Dorimène was Alphonse Desjardins wife and this bursary is exclusively for women who are going back to school and also intended for the Special bursaries in the fields of finance ($5,000), actuarial sciences ($5,000) and mental health ($10,000).

This call for candidates is addressed to full-time students, Canadian citizens and permanent residents residing in Québec. Please note that the Research Grants, Dorimène Bursaries and Special bursaries are also open to students who are members of Ontario caisses.

Application forms and eligibility criteria are available in Québec universities and Cégeps, and at www.desjardins.com/en/fondation.

About Fondation Desjardins

As a component of Desjardins Group, Fondation Desjardins fulfils its mission to provide educational support by distributing university scholarships and bursaries throughout Québec and Ontario for training, skills development and cooperative spirit. The foundation also hands out awards in recognition of volunteer activities and to support entrepreneurship and employment. In 2007, Fondation Desjardins distributed more than $700,000. In Québec, it is well known for distributing more university scholarships than any other private foundation in the province. Since its inception, the foundation has given away nearly $10 million dollars to support over 8,300 young people.

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Information (for journalists only):
Nathalie Genest
Advisor, Information and Media Relations
Desjardins Group
514-281-7275
1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275

Éliane Didier
Coordinator
Fondation Desjardins
514-281-7170 or 1-800-443-8611, ext 3