Shannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business and/or Agricultural Studies

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Confirmation of enrollment at a qualified Canadian post-secondary institution
• ✓ Proof of enrollment in third year or beyond of a full-time undergraduate degree OR graduate level study (including DVM)
• ✓ Proof of study in agriculture, agri-business, or veterinary medicine with a horse-industry focus
• ✓ Documentation demonstrating financial need
• ✓ Evidence of leadership experience

About this award

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. The money is applied directly to your tuition. This is for you if you are deeply involved in the horse industry and plan to build a career in equine leadership, breeding, or competition. You must apply by June 1, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back—whether it is by email, phone, or through the 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 funds are applied directly to your tuition rather than sent as a cash payment. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are specific steps you need to take to ensure the money reaches your school account. 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

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident attending a qualified Canadian post-secondary institution. You must be entering your third year of study or beyond in a full-time undergraduate degree, or you must be studying at the graduate level, which includes Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM — a professional degree for veterinarians) programs. Your field of study must be agriculture, agri-business, or veterinary medicine with a specific focus on application to horses or the horse industry. Additionally, you must demonstrate financial need, show leadership experience, and prove your active involvement in the horse industry with plans for an equine-oriented career.

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to graduate or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying agriculture, agri business or veterinary medicine

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's own 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

   This round closed on June 1, 2026

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

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