The opportunity to study at university in America for a year is being offered via an annual scholarship.
Applications are open for the Ella Olesen Scholarship, run by the Department of Education and Children (DEC).
The scholarship is open to a female final year degree student who has received funding for their studies from the Department.
The chosen scholar will attend the University of Idaho from August 2018 to May 2019.
Ella Olesen was a registrar at the University of Idaho. Her mother was from Ballaugh and Ella wanted to create a lasting legacy for female students from the Island, so established the scholarship in 1971.
She hoped it would serve as ‘a small contribution towards international understanding’.
Almost 50 young women have benefited from the scholarship since then, taking a wide range of courses.
Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said:
‘The year in Idaho can be a life-changing and enhancing experience and I would encourage our final year undergraduates to apply.
‘As well as the opportunities it presents during the year, several scholars have remained in America to study further or work, settle and have families.’
Kirsty Pendlebury, an Ella Olesen scholar who is now a forecaster at the Island’s Met Office, said:
‘The Ella Olesen scholarship is an amazing opportunity. It was a life-changing experience for me. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would highly recommend female undergraduates to apply for it.’
Application forms can be found at www.gov.im/media/1359251/ella-olesen-application-form-2017-pdf.pdf and must be submitted by Monday 4th December.
Interviews take place at the DEC’s headquarters in Peel Road, Douglas, on Wednesday 20th December.
