Great Plains College in Swift Current held their winter scholarship reception back on Monday, and $15,000 will be going into the pockets of new students starting at the campus for the winter semester.

Generally the winter reception isn't as big, since not as many students start their programs this time of year. But Carrie Voysey, the college's director of communications and development, said the night went very well.

"It's really important to us to ensure that our students are given the best opportunity to succeed, so by awarding them with scholarships it obviously takes away their financial burden somewhat, and the pressures around anything to do with affordable education."

There were 15 scholarships given out, ranging from $500 to $5,000. That includes $1,000 going to Diane Entz as the Basanti Ghosh Memorial Scholarship.

(Bula Ghosh left, Diane Entz right - photo courtesy of Great Plains College)

The scholarship is named after college employee and literacy advocate Bula Ghosh's late mother.

"[Bula] established a scholarship with her sisters to essentially support a student that has transitioned from adult basic education into postsecondary," said Voysey. "It was a very special moment for everyone in the room."

Around $182,000 has been doled out in scholarships during the 2017-18 academic year from Great Plains College, with approximately $128,000 of that going to students at the Swift Current campus.