Owen Hart Foundation Awards

What you will need

• ✓ One letter of reference
• ✓ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Proof of graduation from Forest Lawn, Western Canada, Ernest Manning, Crescent Heights, Sir Winston Churchill, or Lord Beaverbrook high schools
• ✓ Proof of at least a 70% average or post-secondary acceptance
• ✓ Community involvement
• ✓ Statement detailing your goals, education/career dreams, strengths, and abilities

About this award

You can receive one of twelve or more awards valued at $4,000 each, which are applied directly to your tuition. There are also additional small awards that may be available. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a motivated student from one of the eligible Calgary high schools who wants to improve your life through education. You must apply by May 30, 2026. When you 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. Note that two awards are provided to students at each eligible high school. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Ask Calgary Foundation during your application if there are any other ways the funds are handled so you can plan your cash flow. 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

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident graduating Grade 12 this year from one of these Calgary high schools: Forest Lawn, Western Canada, Ernest Manning, Crescent Heights, Sir Winston Churchill, or Lord Beaverbrook. You must plan to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution in the upcoming academic year. You need at least a 70% average or above, or you must have been accepted to post-secondary based on their entry requirements. You must demonstrate financial need and community involvement. Preference is given to you if you hold a part-time job.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying writing or arts

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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   This round closed on May 30, 2026

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

Tips for applying

• Community LeadershipAvoid listing tasks without results. Instead, show exactly how your school or neighborhood improved because of your work. List specific projects you led and the number of people you helped.
• ReferencesAvoid providing a generic letter. Instead, provide a reference who can speak to your specific goals and strengths. Ask your referee to mention your motivation to improve your life through education.
• StrategyAvoid treating the personal statement as a resume. Instead, tell a story about your dreams and why you are determined to succeed. Focus on your "why" and your vision for your future career.
• RealismAvoid ignoring the high school restriction. Instead, double-check that your specific campus is on the list before spending hours on the application. Since only two awards go to each school, focus heavily on your unique contributions to your local campus.

Questions students ask

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