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.
The Calgary Black Chambers BMO Community Leadership Scholarship was 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 $5,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be currently enrolled in any year of study of an undergraduate degree or diploma program studying finance or accounting.
- Be attending a Calgary post-secondary institution or have graduated from a Calgary high school and attending a Canadian post-secondary.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic standing and community involvement.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their involvement in community and views on diversity in finance.
- Provide two letters of reference from community leaders.
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, 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 two reference letters, one from a former coach and one from a teacher familiar with their athletic career.
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.
Two awards available for each scholarship listed below, 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 financial need.
- Provide two reference letters.
Through a single application form, applicants can apply for the following legacy scholarships:
Calgary Black Chambers Anderson Ruffin Abbott Academic Achievement Scholarship
- Demonstrate high academic standing.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their perspectives on the role of education in our society.
Calgary Black Chambers John Ware Fellowship Scholarship
- Demonstrate good academic standing, and involvement (past or present) in community leadership.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their involvement in the community.
Calgary Black Chambers Olivier Le Jeune Advocacy Scholarship
- Demonstrate good academic standing, and involvement (past or present) in social justice issues.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their involvement in social justice issues and views of advocacy.
Calgary Black Chambers Viola Desmond Mentorship Scholarship
- Demonstrate good academic standing, and involvement (past or present) in aiding, tutoring, or mentoring fellow students.
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their involvement in the mentorship of fellow and younger students.
Calgary Black Chambers Violet King Legacy Scholarship
- Provide a brief summary (one-page) of their most important accomplishment and their future goals.
The Calgary Black Chambers Tony E. Anidu Bursary was 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.
This bursary was established in loving memory of Tony E. Anidu, husband, father, Architect, and community builder, who achieved many successes despite daunting obstacles. This bursary intends to support a student in a single parent family pursuing post-secondary education.
One award valued at $1,000, applied directly to tuition.
Applicants must:
- Be a Black Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be graduating Grade 12 this year from a Calgary high school.
- Be entering first year of full-time study at a Canadian post-secondary institution, pursuing an undergraduate degree or diploma program.
- Demonstrate financial need, preference will be given to an applicant in a single parent family.
- Write a one-page essay about how they have demonstrated resiliency and perseverance to overcome a personal challenge, and what their future goals and aspirations are.
- Provide one reference letter.
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 and Bob Wardle.
There are two $750 awards, ideally one for the Innisfail area schools and one for the Bow Valley.
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.
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.
- Applicants must be 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 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 $3,000-$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.
- 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.
This scholarship was established to provide financial support to Rocky View area students entering their first year of a practical health care program at a Calgary post-secondary institution.
One or more awards valued at $2,000, applied directly to tuition.
The applicant must:
- Be graduating this year from a Rocky View Schools high school or an Airdrie, Cochrane or Chestermere Calgary Catholic School Division high school.
- Be entering their first year of a practical program in health care (certificate, diploma or degree), directly related to patient care (e.g. nursing, rehabilitation therapy assistant, health care aide, etc.). Students pursing after degrees are not eligible.
- Attending one of the following Calgary post-secondary institutions: Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, SAIT or the University of Calgary.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School Division (City of Calgary only) students can apply for the EducationMatters Eimer Scholarship Fund Award for Health Care.
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 Charter School in Calgary.
- Demonstrate school leadership (preferably through student politics), community leadership and initiative, and volunteerism (local and international).
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 a good academic record.
- Show leadership and volunteerism in school and the community.
- Financial need may be considered.
- Preference will be given to students with a rural background and/or with extensive participation in the horse industry.
*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 Program, Undergraduate or Graduate degree who demonstrates a passion for the library sciences field.
- In any year of study at a Canadian post-secondary.
- Able to demonstrate financial need.
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 achievement, community involvement, and future goals and aspirations.
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.
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 Learning@HOME and entering an accredited Canadian post-secondary.
- In financial need.
- Student must have demonstrated leadership and motivational skills through participation in student, community, and/or business activities.
- Academic achievement must be 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 valued at $500 may be offered.
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.
- Be in need of financial support.
- 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.
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.
Four bursaries valued at $3,000 each, applied directly to tuition.
Applicant must:
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be attending any year of study at an Alberta post-secondary 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.