James Roach Memorial Award

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution
• ✓ Proof that you are entering second year or beyond in a full-time Pilot or Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program
• ✓ School and/or community involvement and leadership through long-term volunteerism
• ✓ Aptitude and experience in aviation

About this award

You can receive one award valued at $1,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a passionate aviation student who has dedicated significant time to helping others through long-term volunteer work. You must apply by June 1, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. 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 during your application if there are any specific steps you need to take to ensure the funds reach your school account. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident attending a Canadian post-secondary institution. You must be entering your second year or beyond in a full-time Pilot or Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program. Additionally, you need to show your aptitude and experience in aviation, along with a record of school and/or community involvement and leadership through long-term volunteerism.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying Pilot or Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

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

   This round closed on June 1, 2026

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

Tips for applying

• Community LeadershipAvoid listing a few random events you attended. Instead, showcase a deep commitment to a cause through long-term volunteerism. List the specific number of hours and the lasting impact you had on the organization.
• SupportAvoid providing a generic character reference. Instead, secure letters from aviation mentors or supervisors who can vouch for your technical aptitude and professionalism in the cockpit or hangar.
• StrategyAvoid focusing only on grades. Since this award honors a professional calling, emphasize your passion for the aviation industry and how you intend to mentor others in the future.
• RealismAvoid assuming enrollment is enough. Because there is only one award available, you need to prove you are a leader in your community to stand out from other qualified pilots and engineers.

Questions students ask

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