Through the support of dedicated donors, Calgary Foundation offers post-secondary entrance awards, scholarships and bursaries for Calgary and area high school students.
Online application forms will be available before the end of January.
Most of Calgary Foundation’s awards are for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Student award applicants must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a “qualified donee.” To determine if your post-secondary institution is a qualified donee, please visit the CRA’s website.
Established in 2018 by family and friends in memory of Frances (Frankie) Bates. This award celebrates those who volunteer to help others and recognizes the importance of the role that lifeguards play in the community.
Click here to learn more about Frankie Bates, Bob Wardle, and the Bates Wardle Award for Lifeguards.
There are two $750 awards, ideally one award for Innisfail students and one award for Cochrane students.
The applicant must be:
- Aged 12 and upwards to Grade 12, pursuing certification or advancing training as a lifeguard.
- A well-rounded student who contributes to the community through volunteering.
- Attending one of the following schools: Bow Valley High School, Cochrane High School, St. Timothy Jr./Sr. High School, Innisfail Middle School, Innisfail High School, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School, or École Secondaire Notre Dame High School (residency within the Innisfail catchment school boundary).
This bursary was established by the Canadian Progress Club Stampede City to honour the contributions of their longest serving member, Bill Gibson.
The bursary is $10,000, applied directly to tuition and renewable for three (3) years of consecutive study as long as the student achieves good academic standing and maintains a full-time course load (as defined by the institution).
The applicant must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, residing in Calgary.
- A grade 12 student graduating from the Calgary Board of Education or Calgary Catholic School District.
- Accepted to an undergraduate degree program at a Calgary post-secondary institution.
- Entering first year of post-secondary directly from high school (no gap year).
- Able to demonstrate leadership in the Calgary community by volunteering through community organizations, athletics, and cultural activities.
- In need of financial support. (Students must not be recipients of an award/bursary of equal or greater value from EducationMatters or the Calgary Foundation).
New bursary available in even years.
Established by members of the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family, this bursary provides financial support to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who plan to pursue post-secondary education.
Six bursaries valued at $3,000 each, applied directly to tuition. Four bursaries provided by the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family Fund at Calgary Foundation and two bursaries provided by Calgary Foundation.
Applicant must:
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be attending any year of study at an Alberta post-secondary institution pursuing an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program.
- Write a short essay sharing their connection to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit culture and community, describing their future plans and aspirations and how financial support will help them achieve their goals.
- Provide one letter of reference.
Established by the Aufricht Family to support students entering the University of Calgary or Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Click here to learn more about the Aufricht Family Fund Student Award.
One or more awards valued at $4,000-$5,000 applied directly to tuition. Renewable for three years of consecutive study as long as student achieves good academic standing and maintains a full-time course load (as defined by the post-secondary institution). Students planning a gap year may apply.
The applicant must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Graduating this year from a Calgary High School or Charter School.
- Entering first year at the University of Calgary or SAIT, pursuing an undergraduate degree or diploma.
- In need of financial support (students must not be recipients of an award/bursary of equal or greater value from EducationMatters or the Calgary Foundation).
- High academic standing (average grade greater than or equal to 80%)
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
The Kerry Dyte Educational Scholarship was established in 2005 by Kerry Dyte to allow one student to attend a post-secondary educational institution who otherwise might not be able to due to financial restrictions.
One scholarship valued at $4,000 minimum, applied directly to tuition. Scholarship awarded to the student who best meets the eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria.
Applicants must have:
- Graduated Grade 12 from a Calgary Catholic High School during the year the application is made.
- Demonstrated outstanding citizenship and leadership.
- Demonstrated financial need.
Established by Julia Turnbull to recognize future leaders, especially those with an interest in volunteering internationally.
Click here to learn more about Julia Turnbull and the award.
Five (or more) awards at $1,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicants must be:
- Entering their first year of full-time undergraduate studies directly from Grade 12 from either a Public (Calgary Board of Education), Separate (Calgary Catholic School District), or Calgary Charter School.
- Demonstrate school leadership (preferably through student politics), community leadership and initiative, and volunteerism (local and international).
Established to help a Grade 12 student graduating from a Fairview, Alberta area high school attend a recognized Canadian university.
One scholarship of $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be graduating Grade 12 this year from a high school in the Fairview, Alberta area: Fairview High School, Fairview and Area Learning Store, St. Thomas Moore Catholic School, Hines Creek Composite School, or Worsley Central School.
- Be entering a four-year undergraduate degree at a recognized Canadian University in the upcoming year.
- Demonstrate high academic standing, community involvement, and future goals and aspirations.
The Dr. Scott Rairdan Memorial Agriculture Award was established to recognize aptitude and encourage learning in the area of Agriculture and Large Animal Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Scott Rairdan graduated from William E. Hay Composite High School in 1973 with honours. He starred on the football team, served on the student’s union executive, participated in intramural sports, curling and ski clubs. Scott was outgoing, positive, and clearly an achiever who was well respected by his peers. After completing two years of pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Alberta, Scott was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently graduated in 1979. After building a successful veterinary practice, Dr. Rairdan went on to co-found Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants Ltd., an industry leader in bovine embryo transfers. Scott’s sudden passing at the young age of 40 years spawned the creation of the Scott Rairdan Foundation Fund at Calgary Foundation. Awards such as this one bestowed upon deserving young people serve to honour Scott’s memory and celebrate his zest for life!
One or more awards valued at $1,500 minimum, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be in any year of study pursuing an undergraduate or graduate diploma or degree at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Be studying in the field of agriculture with emphasis on Animal Science, Agribusiness or Veterinary Medicine.
- Demonstrate aptitude and experience in agriculture with an emphasis on Animal Science or Large Animal Veterinary Medicine.
- Demonstrate leadership and active participation in extra-curricular activities.
In memory of John and Ann Scheer, deeply rooted members of the Wheatland community and proud farmers of the family homestead east of Strathmore. The John and Ann Scheer Memorial Award has been established to honour their passion for life-long learning, their unrelenting optimism and perseverance through life’s challenges, and their enthusiasm for serving the Wheatland community they loved. The award will recognize a graduating Grade 12 student from a Wheatland County high school who is pursuing post-secondary education, has shown personal perseverance in their own life, and has demonstrated service to their community.
One award valued at $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be graduating Grade 12 this year from a Wheatland County high school (Strathmore High School, Holy Cross Collegiate, Strathmore Storefront School, Golden Hills Learning Academy, or Wheatland Crossing School).
- Be enrolled in their first year of a certificate, diploma, or degree program in any field of study at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrate community involvement through volunteerism, and personal perseverance.
Established to honour the legacy of Shannon’s love for the horse and extensive involvement in the Quarter Horse industry. Shannon was an active director and treasurer for both the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta and the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, and was an Alberta director for the American Quarter Horse Association. Her involvement also extended to Equine Canada committees.
To learn more about Shannon Burwash click here. To read about past recipients click here.
The goal of these awards is to attract and encourage horse-oriented students to pursue post-secondary education so they are better prepared for leadership and excellence in the equine industry.
Two awards valued at $1,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
Applicant Criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be entering first or second year of full-time study at a Canadian post-secondary.
- Be in one of the following fields of study: agriculture, agri-business, animal health technology, or veterinary medicine with potential application to horses or the horse industry.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%)
- Show leadership and volunteerism in school and the community.
- Preference will be given to students with a rural background and/or with extensive participation in the horse industry.
Financial need may be considered.
*Note: If you are entering your third year of undergraduate study or beyond, please apply for the Shannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agribusiness, and/or Agriculture Activities.
In memory of Shelagh Mikulak who was a leader in the library community, an innovator in her field, and an inspiration to those she worked with. Shelagh valued and respected the individuals she worked with throughout her career, mentoring aspiring and established librarians alike. As a long-standing and executive member of the Calgary Law Library Group, past president of the Special Libraries Association of Western Canada, and volunteer with the Canadian Library Association and Canadian Association of Law Libraries, Shelagh dedicated her time to encouraging the professional development of others in her field.
Click here to learn more about Shelagh Neary Mikulak.
Two awards at approximately $2,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must be:
- Enrolled in a Library and Information Sciences or Library Technician program, (Certificate, Diploma, or Graduate degree) who demonstrates a passion for the library sciences field.
- In any year of study at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Able to demonstrate financial need.
This award has been established in recognition of the community service contributions and professional achievements in rural Canada across six provinces plus two territories by four generations of the extended Smillie family (Burrow, Robbins, Smellie, Smiley).
The Smillie Family Education Award encourages and supports post-secondary educational opportunities for students who have resided in rural towns, villages, hamlets or on agricultural operations across Canada. Applicants should demonstrate active leadership and volunteerism in their community and how this award would assist them in achieving their goals.
Two awards valued at $2,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has resided in a rural Canadian community.
- Be entering first or second year of a full-time undergraduate degree or diploma program at a qualified Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Be enrolled in a program that can lead to a career in agriculture, education, or health care.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%) and financial need.
- Demonstrate leadership and volunteerism in school and the community.
The Rotary Career Opportunity Fund is a program of the Rotary Club of Okotoks.
Two awards valued at $1,500 each, applied directly to tuition. Ideally one award for a Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools student, and one award for a Foothills School Division student.
Applicants must:
- Be graduating Grade 12 this year from an Okotoks High School: Foothills Composite High School, Holy Trinity Academy, St. Luke’s Outreach Okotoks, Cameron Crossing School, or The Centre for [email protected] and entering an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Demonstrate leadership and motivational skills through participation in student, community, and/or business activities.
- Demonstrate academic standing adequate to gain admittance to the school and program of choice.
The Owen Hart Foundation Awards were established in memory of Owen Hart who died while working for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Click here to learn more about the Owen Hart Foundation Awards.
These awards recognize students who are motivated to improve their lives through education. High academic achievement is not a requirement, but acceptance to a college, university or technical school is – a minimum 70 percent average and acceptance to post-secondary is required.
Ten or more awards valued at $4,000 each, applied directly to tuition. Two awards provided to students at each eligible high school. Additional honorariums may be available.
Applicant must:
- Be graduating with completed grade 12 from one of the following high schools: Forest Lawn, Western Canada, Ernest Manning, Crescent Heights, or Sir Winston Churchill.
- Plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in the next academic year, including college, university or technical school.
- Be motivated toward improving their life through education.
- Have at least a 70 per cent average or above or acceptance to post-secondary based on entry requirements.
- Provide a brief summary of their goals, plans and/or career dreams, family circumstances, contributions to the school community and/or the broader community. The summary should also define the applicant’s abilities and strengths and descriptions of any personal challenges or obstacles that the applicant had to overcome.
Financial need may be considered. Preference given to students who hold part-time employment.
Established to honour the memory of Fraser Lockwood, this scholarship recognizes the special ties he and his family developed with the Filipino community throughout his life.
Click here to learn more about the Fraser W. Lockwood Memorial Scholarship.
One award valued at $2,500 minimum applied directly to tuition. Renewable for three consecutive years of study as long as student maintains enrollment in a full-time course load (as defined by the institution).
The applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident entering first year of full-time undergraduate studies immediately following graduation from Grade 12 from either a Public (Calgary Board of Education) or Separate (Calgary Catholic School District) school in Calgary.
- Have received acceptance to university or college.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have contributed to the community by volunteering through church, community organizations, athletics, and cultural or political activities.
- Preference will be given to students whose families have a connection to the Filipino community.
Established by a donor who recognizes the unique challenges that single mothers face, especially the financial strain of a single income household and juggling work, school, childcare costs and motherhood. The donor wishes to help women seeking to fulfill their lives through education by opening up career choices that are satisfying and rewarding while quenching the desire for independence and self-sufficiency. This bursary is intended to support, encourage, and uplift women who experience the unusual demands of being the sole, key figure in their child or children’s lives.
One or more awards valued at a minimum of $2,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicant must:
- Be a single mother.
- Be attending full or part-time studies at a Calgary post-secondary institution.
- Be able to demonstrate financial need.
- Write a short 500 word essay that describes the challenges experienced and how achieving a post-secondary education will help to surmount these challenges.
The Calgary Black Chambers Scholarships were established by the Calgary Black Chambers, a non-profit organization, consisting of individuals working to support diversity in and around Calgary, and to foster the growth of Black culture in Calgary. The Calgary Black Chambers serves as mentors and advocates, fostering the growth of great students and future professionals. Its four pillars are: Mentorship, Scholarship, Fellowship and Advocacy.
One award of $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be currently enrolled in any year of study in an undergraduate degree or diploma program.
- Be attending a Calgary post-secondary institution or have graduated from a Calgary high school and attending a Canadian post-secondary.
- Demonstrate financial need, good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%), and present involvement in athletics.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their involvement in sports, some of their achievements and their views on the role of sports in society.
- Provide one reference letter from a current or former coach.
The Calgary Black Chambers Legacy Scholarships were established by the Calgary Black Chambers, a non-profit organization, consisting of individuals working to support diversity in and around Calgary, and to foster the growth of Black culture in Calgary. The Calgary Black Chambers serves as mentors and advocates, fostering the growth of great students and future professionals. Its four pillars are: Mentorship, Scholarship, Fellowship and Advocacy.
One Calgary Black Chambers Legacy Scholarships application is submitted for consideration for the following scholarships:
- Calgary Black Chambers Anderson Ruffin Abbott Academic Achievement Scholarship
- emphasis on outstanding academic achievement (GPA greater than or equal to 3.7 or 80%)
- Calgary Black Chambers John Ware Fellowship Scholarship
- emphasis on community leadership
- Calgary Black Chambers Olivier Le Jeune Advocacy Scholarship
- emphasis on advocacy and social justice
- Calgary Black Chambers Viola Desmond Mentorship Scholarship
- emphasis on mentorship
- Calgary Black Chambers Violet King Legacy Scholarship
- emphasis on personal development
Two awards available for each scholarship listed above, valued at $2,500 each, applied directly to tuition. Of the two awards available for each scholarship, one award is for a Grade 12 student graduating this year and entering the first year of their undergraduate degree or diploma program, and one award is for a student entering second year or beyond of their undergraduate degree or diploma program.
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or diploma program.
- Be attending a Calgary post-secondary institution or have graduated from a Calgary high school and attending a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Demonstrate good academic standing (GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%).
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Demonstrate school and/or community involvement.
- Provide one reference letter.