Calgary Foundation · Regional
Kids Cancer Care Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship
About this award
Get $2,500 or more for your tuition if you are a childhood cancer patient or survivor living in Southern Alberta — apply by May 1, 2026.
You can receive a one-time award starting at $2,500. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. Some applicants may get additional funding if they show they have faced extenuating circumstances because of their experience with cancer. This is for you if you are a childhood cancer patient or survivor who is continuing your education after your diagnosis. You must apply by May 1, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through an 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 the provider if there are any specific steps you need to take to ensure the funds reach your school account. Renewal conditions aren't listed — since this is a one-time award, you cannot apply for it again in future years.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate, Diploma, Certificate — study level
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.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
Submit by May 1, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is only listing your basic tuition costs.
Winners instead explain the specific extenuating circumstances caused by their cancer journey to justify why they need additional funding beyond the base amount.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic character reference.
Winners instead use a letter from a healthcare provider or caseworker who can verify their history as a patient or survivor.
The biggest mistake is treating this as a general academic scholarship.
Winners focus their personal statement on their resilience and how surviving childhood cancer has shaped their drive to pursue a degree, diploma, or certificate.