Julia Turnbull Leadership Award

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of graduating Grade 12 from a Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District, or Calgary Charter School
• ✓ Proof of acceptance into a full-time undergraduate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution
• ✓ One letter of reference
• ✓ Community involvement
• ✓ Leadership experience

About this award

You can receive one of four or more awards valued at $1,500 each. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a future leader who has spent your time taking initiative and volunteering in your school and community. The May 30, 2026 deadline has passed and this round is closed. Check Calgary Foundation's awards page for the next application window. When you do apply, 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 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 graduating Grade 12 this year from a Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District, or Calgary Charter School. You must also be directly entering your first year of full-time undergraduate studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution. You need to show an outstanding commitment to leadership through volunteer work and initiative. You will have a better chance if you are involved in student politics (such as student council, student union, or Model UN — a simulation of the United Nations), youth councils, committees, or debate and speech clubs.

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 high school or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta

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 May 30, 2026

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

Tips for applying

• LeadershipAvoid simply listing titles like 'President' or 'Captain'. Instead, describe the specific initiative you took and the actual impact you had on your community. List a concrete project you started or a problem you solved.
• ReferencesAvoid providing a generic letter from a teacher who barely knows you. Provide a reference who can give specific examples of your leadership in action. Choose a mentor who has seen you lead a team or organize an event.
• StrategyFocus your application on 'active engagement'. Instead of saying you are interested in leadership, prove it by detailing your roles in student politics or speech clubs.

Questions students ask

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