Kelsey Serwa Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Graduation from School District #23
• ✓ Participation in competitive sport as a student-athlete

About this award

You can win one of two scholarships valued at $5,000 each. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a student-athlete who balances a demanding competition schedule with your studies, especially if you have taken an unconventional academic path like summer classes or correspondence courses to stay on track. You must apply by April 17, 2026. When you apply, ask Central Okanagan Foundation how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Central Okanagan Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Central Okanagan Foundation 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 Central Okanagan Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a student-athlete graduating from School District #23. You should demonstrate a strong commitment to both your classroom studies and your sport, showing resilience and discipline while managing the pressures of competition and potential time away from school.

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 students
• ✓ Resident of British Columbia

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 April 17, 2026

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

Tips for applying

• Athletic AchievementAvoid just listing your medals or trophies. Instead, describe how balancing your sport with your studies taught you time-management or leadership. Give a specific example of a time you had to use self-guided learning to keep up with school during a competition season.
• StrategyAvoid focusing only on your sporting success. Instead, show how your experience as an athlete makes you a better student. Explain how the resilience you learned in sport helps you tackle difficult coursework.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed award since only two scholarships are available. Instead, treat this as one part of a larger financial plan. Apply to other awards that support student-athletes to increase your chances of funding.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• University of Toronto (Rotman Commerce)U of T International Scholar Award — Rotman Commerce$100,000
• McMaster University — Faculty of EngineeringClass of 1952 Mel Hawkrigg Honour Award$4,500
• BC Ministry of Education and Child CarePathway to Teacher Education Scholarship$5,000
• Greater Saint John Community FoundationThe Suzanne Doyle-Yerxa Award$500
• University of SaskatchewanUniversity of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarship (Best and Brightest)$30,000
• University of British Columbia — Vantage CollegeVantage One Excellence Award
• University of WaterlooUniversity of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship$10,000
• University of TorontoU of T President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP)