The Vimy Foundation is pleased to announce the 14 youth recipients selected to participate in the 2024 Beaverbrook Vimy Prize

PRESS RELEASE

Beaverbrook Vimy Prize: 14 students from across Canada, France, and the United Kingdom have been Selected for participation in a Experiential Learning Educational Program

August 1st 2024 – Montreal, QC – The Vimy Foundation

The Vimy Foundation is pleased to announce the 14 youth recipients selected to participate in the 2024 Beaverbrook Vimy Prize, supported by The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation. This immersive educational program offers youth aged 15 to 17 from Canada, the United Kingdom, and France the unique opportunity to explore the historical landscapes of Europe and foster international cooperation.

The 14 students from across Canada, the United Kingdom and France will travel through Europe from August 11 to August 20. The nine-day experiential learning program includes visits to significant sites, museums, cemeteries, and historic battlefields from the First and Second World Wars in France and  Belgium. Through a theme-based and on-site learning approach, students will gain international perspectives on key historical events, whether well-known or lesser-known, and understand their lasting impact.

The program aims to teach students about the history of the First and Second World Wars by letting them experience these sites firsthand, beyond books or textbooks. This method of experiential learning allows students to connect more deeply with history, providing a tangible understanding of the events that shaped our world. By walking the same grounds where soldiers once stood, students gain a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made and the enduring lessons from these pivotal moments in history.

This experience will provide them with transferable skills and unique historical perspectives, while also allowing the students to connect with peers from multiple countries.

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About the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize Program

The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize program is a rigorous and comprehensive initiative aimed at educating youth about the pivotal moments of the First and Second World Wars. Students are selected based on a competitive application process that evaluates their academic engagements and their responses to various components:

1. Essay: Students submit an essay on the long-term and short-term environmental impact of the First World War in Belgium and France.
2. Art Analysis: Applicants analyze a piece from the Beaverbrook Collection of War Art, describing the artist's intent and the emotions conveyed.
3. Personal Statement Video: Students record a video explaining the importance of learning about the FWW and SWW history, how they can promote awareness in their community, what they hope to gain from the program, and what they can contribute to it.
4. Resume: Detailing relevant experiences such as volunteer work, projects, community involvement, and awards.
5. Letter of Reference: A reference letter from a teacher, counselor, or community leader highlighting the student's character and suitability for the program.

This comprehensive selection process ensures that participants are not only academically proficient but also passionate about history and community engagement.

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For press statements, to learn more, or to connect with a recipient:

Kevin McGaw, Communications Coordinator, kmcgaw@vimyfoundation.ca

Executive Director Caitlin Bailey is also available for interview upon request.

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About The Vimy Foundation

The Vimy Foundation was established in 2006 and is a charity focused on raising awareness of the role Canada played in the First World War. In 2022, the Foundation amalgamated with the Canadian Centre for the Great War, a Montreal-based community museum dedicated to the First World War. The Foundation works to preserve and promote Canada's ongoing legacy of Leadership. All activities originated and all activities originated by the Foundation have this aspect in mind and aim to help educate and raise awareness for youth and all Canadians. The First World War victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917, a milestone where Canada came of age and was recognized on the world stage and acts as a symbol of this rich legacy.

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