Micheal D. Laird Memorial Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Completed General Application via the NAIT awards portal
• ✓ Enrollment in the third period of the Cook apprenticeship program at NAIT
• ✓ Completion for "Tough Enough to Talk About It" or similar mental health resiliency training
• ✓ Academic record showing achievement in A18C0310 – Trade Math and Management or an equivalent menu planning course

About this award

You get a $500.00 grant, which is a payment you do not have to pay back. Since this is award, it is not renewable. This is for you if you are pursuing a career as a Red Seal Chef (a nationally recognized standard for skilled trades in cooking) and share a passion for farm-to-table cooking. You must apply by June 7, 2027. When you apply, ask NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) how and when you will hear back—whether by email, phone, or through the awards portal. You are automatically considered for this award based on your completed General Application. Selection is based on your academic achievement in the A18C0310 – Trade Math and Management course, or an equivalent course that teaches menu planning. Ask NAIT how many students typically receive this award so you can judge your odds. Ask NAIT during your application how the money will reach you—some awards pay students directly, while 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 NAIT whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be enrolled in the third period of the Cook apprenticeship program at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). You must be pursuing a career as a Red Seal Chef and show a passion for farm-to-table cooking. Additionally, you must have completed the "Tough Enough to Talk About It" course or other similar mental health resiliency training to help you handle the high stress of a professional kitchen.

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
• ✓ Studying Cook apprenticeship

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

• StrategyAvoid leaving your General Application incomplete. Instead, fill out every section of the NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) awards portal thoroughly. Since consideration is automatic, a complete profile is your only way to be seen.
• RealismAvoid treating this as guaranteed money. Instead, remember that this is a specialized memorial award for a specific apprenticeship period. Focus on highlighting your specific interest in local, farm-to-table ingredients in your profile.

Questions students ask

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