CEEA Indigenous Award

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit identity
• ✓ Proof of enrollment in a full-time petroleum-focused undergraduate degree or diploma program
• ✓ School and/or community involvement and leadership
• ✓ One letter of reference

About this award

You can receive one of one or more awards valued at $8,500 to $10,000. Specifically, you get $8,500 if you are in a diploma program and $10,000 if you are in a degree program. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. If you maintain your eligibility, the award is renewable for up to three consecutive years. This means you can get up to four years of support total for degree programs and up to two years of support total for diploma programs. This is for you if you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student who wants to build a career in the Canadian energy industry. Applications closed on June 15, 2026. Ask Calgary Foundation whether it will run again and when the next deadline falls. Also ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are any other specific payment schedules you should know about. To keep this funding, you must maintain your award eligibility. Renewal conditions aren't listed in detail — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation exactly what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student. You must be directly entering the first year of a full-time petroleum-focused undergraduate degree or diploma program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Examples of eligible programs include Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, and Engineering Technology in those same fields. You also need to show a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%, demonstrate financial need, and show a history of leadership and involvement in your school or community.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to certificate or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering Technology or Instrumentation Engineering Technology

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   This round closed on June 15, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• LeadershipAvoid listing titles without explaining the impact. Instead, describe exactly how you helped others or led a project. Give a specific example of a time you took initiative in your community.
• ReferencesAvoid providing a generic letter that just says you are a good student. Provide a reference who can speak specifically to your leadership and character. Ask your referee to highlight a specific instance where you showed leadership.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the "petroleum-focused" requirement. Clearly explain why you chose this specific career path in the energy industry. Make sure your application connects your personal goals to the energy sector.
• RealismAvoid assuming a high GPA is enough. This award requires a mix of grades, financial need, and community leadership. If you lack one of these, focus your application on the areas where you are strongest.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Calgary FoundationShannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business and/or Agricultural Studies$5,000
• Calgary FoundationJeanne Henuset-Fraser Memorial Bursary for Rural Manitoba Students$2,500
• Calgary FoundationCalgary Black Chambers Nutrien Community Scholarship$7,000
• Calgary FoundationOptimist Club William J. Cummer Scholarship$2,500
• Calgary FoundationBeyond the North Scholarship$1,000
• Calgary FoundationFogolâr Furlan di Calgary Graduate Scholarship in Italian Studies$5,000
• Calgary FoundationVicky Oveson Memorial Award$1,500
• Calgary FoundationAcademic Excellence at MRU Scholarship$7,000