Clearview Public Schools Press Release:
Clearview is pleased to announce Baylee Freimark as the inaugural recipient of the 2026 Clearview Return to Service Bursary, an initiative designed to invest in local students today while helping build a strong and sustainable workforce for our communities tomorrow.
Baylee is pursuing a Bachelor of Education and was selected following a competitive application process.
The Bursary Committee was encouraged by the quality of applications received and the strong interest from future educators committed to rural education.
Baylee’s commitment to her community, passion for teaching, and desire to return to the Clearview region distinguished her as this year’s recipient.
As the inaugural recipient, Baylee is eligible to receive up to $10,000 in bursary funding as she completes her education and works toward returning to the Clearview region as an educator.
Investing in Local People
The Clearview Return to Service Bursary and Award Program was created with a simple goal: support local people in pursuing their education and create opportunities for them to bring their skills back home.
The program provides financial assistance to eligible local students pursuing designated professional, trades, technical, apprenticeship, and other post-secondary programs.
In return, recipients commit to returning to live and seek employment within the Clearview service area following completion of their studies.
This approach helps address long-term recruitment and retention challenges while strengthening the communities Clearview Public Schools serves.
Rather than simply providing a scholarship for education, the program creates a connection between education, employment, and community.
By investing in local students who already have roots in the region, the program aims to build local capacity and support a stable workforce for years to come.
How the Bursary Works
Successful applicants are eligible for a total award of up to $10,000, with funding provided at key milestones along their education and return-to-service journey:
$2,000 upon proof of enrolment;
$1,000 following successful completion of their program and return to the service area;
$4,000 following two years of eligible employment in their designated field; and
$3,000 following three years of eligible employment in their designated field.
Recipients enter into a Return to Service Agreement and commit to returning to live within the service area and actively seeking employment in their chosen profession following graduation.
Applicants are evaluated on several factors, including academic achievement, community involvement, commitment to the region, workforce relevance, their application essay, references, and application completeness.
A Community Investment
The Return to Service Bursary is intended to be a community-driven initiative.
Clearview Public Schools works alongside municipalities within the service area to support the program and identify workforce needs across the region.
The program can also grow through partnerships with local businesses and private enterprises.
A private enterprise can contribute $10,000 to support a full bursary, either independently or in partnership with other private enterprises.
Businesses can identify up to three preferred professional or trades program areas where they would like their contribution directed.
Selection of recipients remains the responsibility of the Return to Service Bursary Committee.
This creates an opportunity for local employers to invest directly in the future workforce of our region while supporting students who want to build their lives and careers close to home.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 bursary marks the beginning of what Clearview Public Schools hopes will become a long-term investment in local people and communities.
Each year, program priorities and eligible professions will be reviewed to ensure the bursary continues to respond to workforce needs across the Clearview service area.
The number of bursaries available will depend on annual funding and community contributions.
Applications for future bursaries will be accepted annually from January 2 to March 30 for students entering the final year of an eligible post-secondary program that fall.
Congratulations to Baylee Freimark, our inaugural recipient. We wish her every success as she completes her Bachelor of Education and look forward to the possibility of welcoming her home to begin the next chapter of her career.
Interested in Supporting the Program?
Municipalities, businesses, and community partners all have a role to play in building a strong future for our region.
Private enterprises interested in contributing to the Clearview Return to Service Bursary and Award Program can contact Clearview Public Schools for more information or complete the Private Enterprise Contribution Form.
Together, we can support local students, strengthen our workforce, and create more opportunities for people to learn, return, and build their future right here at home.
