J. Elmer & Elise Hynes Aboriginal Student Achievement Award

What you will need

• ✓ One page essay explaining how you meet the criteria
• ✓ Resume
• ✓ One letter of reference submitted to the Scholarship and Awards Office

About this award

You can receive a maximum of $1,000. This is an award, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Aboriginal student who is actively involved in supporting other Aboriginal students on campus or in your community. You must apply by October 15. When you apply, ask the University of Prince Edward Island how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through a portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask University of Prince Edward Island how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Prince Edward Island during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of Prince Edward Island whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a first year or returning Aboriginal student in full-time undergraduate studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. To qualify, you need to be positively and actively involved with Aboriginal students on campus and/or in the community. You also need a good academic record that reflects perseverance in your studies and demonstrated leadership qualities.

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 undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Prince Edward Island

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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic summary of your grades. Instead, tell a specific story about a time you showed leadership or helped other Aboriginal students. Describe one concrete project or event you led.
• ReferencesAvoid using a reference who only knows you as a student in a classroom. Instead, choose someone who has seen you work with the community or lead others. Ask them to provide a specific example of your impact.
• StrategyAvoid submitting a basic resume. Instead, highlight your volunteer work and community involvement prominently. List the specific organizations where you supported Aboriginal students.

Questions students ask

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