Calgary Foundation · Regional
Shannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business and/or Agricultural Studies
About this award
Get at least $5,000 for your tuition if you are a Canadian student in your third year of undergrad or in a graduate program focusing on the horse industry — apply by June 1, 2026.
You can receive one of two or more awards valued at a minimum of $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 deeply involved in the horse world and want to lead the equine industry through your career or high-level breeding and competing. You must apply by June 1, 2026. When you apply, ask Calgary Foundation how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their 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 tuition rather than sent to you as cash. Confirm with your school's financial office how this credit will appear on your account. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you are counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it is a one-time award or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate, Graduate — study level
- Studying agriculture, agri-business, veterinary medicine — field of study
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.
Request your official transcript1–2 weeks
Order through your school registrar — allow 1–2 weeks.
Collect reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
Submit by Jun 1, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is listing titles without results.
Winners instead describe exactly how they led others in the horse industry, such as managing a stable or organizing a clinic.
Give a specific example of a time you took charge.
The biggest mistake is using a generic teacher who barely knows you.
Winners instead use mentors from the equine industry who can vouch for your skills with horses.
Get letters from people who have seen you compete or breed animals.