Calgary Foundation · Regional
John Shirra Memorial Scholarship
About this award
Get at least $2,000 for your tuition if you are a 3rd-year or senior Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Calgary — apply by June 1, 2026.
You can win one of two awards valued at a minimum of $2,000 each. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an adventurous, athletic student with an entrepreneurial spirit who balances hard work with a strong sense of humor and community friendship. You must apply by June 1, 2026. When you apply, ask Calgary Foundation how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their 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 tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if this happens as a single payment or in installments so you can plan your budget. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you are counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it is a one-time award or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate — study level
- Studying Bachelor of Commerce — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Collect reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
Submit by Jun 1, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is listing a series of clubs you joined without explaining your impact.
Winners instead describe specific projects they led or people they helped, showing the "community spirit" the donor valued.
Give a concrete example of a time you organized an activity for others.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic letter from a teacher who barely knows you.
Winners instead choose a referee who can vouch for their personality, specifically their humor, friendliness, and athletic drive.
Ask your referee to use those specific words in their letter.