Leif Pederson Spirit Award

What you will need

• ✓ Enrollment in the Auto Service Technician or Heavy Equipment Technician program at the Vermilion campus
• ✓ Providing cooperation, support, and mentorship to fellow students
• ✓ Demonstration of hands-on/practical skills in your field of study (preferred)

About this award

You can receive a $1,000 award. 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 leader who focuses on helping your classmates succeed through mentorship, support, and cooperation. You must apply by January 20, 2027. When you apply, ask Lakeland College how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through a student portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Lakeland College how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Lakeland College 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 Lakeland College whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a continuing student in either the Auto Service Technician or Heavy Equipment Technician program at the Vermilion campus. You must have a track record of helping fellow students achieve success through cooperation, support, and mentorship. A preference will be given to a student who demonstrates excellent hands on/practical skills in their field of study.

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 trades students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying Auto Service Technician or Heavy Equipment Technician

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

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• MentorshipAvoid simply stating that you help others. Instead, describe a specific time you mentored a classmate through a difficult technical task. Give a concrete example of how your support helped them succeed.
• SupportAvoid vague claims about being a team player. Instead, explain the specific ways you cooperate with peers in the shop or classroom. Mention a project where your collaboration improved the outcome for everyone.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the preference for practical skills. Instead, highlight your hands-on abilities alongside your leadership. Ensure your application shows you are both technically skilled and helpful to others.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is a general academic award. Instead, remember that this targets a very specific set of programs at one campus. Focus your energy on proving you fit the spirit of mentorship defined by the award.

Questions students ask

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