Shelagh Neary Mikulak Memorial Scholarship for Leadership and Innovation in Library Sciences

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of enrollment in a Library and Information Sciences or Library Technician program (certificate, diploma, or graduate degree)
• ✓ Proof of Canadian post-secondary institution enrollment
• ✓ One letter of reference

About this award

You can receive one of two awards valued at approximately $2,500 each. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are passionate about the library sciences field and are pursuing a career as a librarian or library technician. 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 money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are any specific steps you need to take to ensure the funds reach 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

You must be enrolled in a Library and Information Sciences or Library Technician program, which can be a certificate, diploma, or graduate degree. You can be in any year of study at a Canadian post-secondary institution. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing with a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average — the average of all your final grades) greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%. While anyone in these programs can apply, the funder prefers to give one award to an undergraduate student and one to a graduate student.

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 certificate, graduate or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta
• ✓ Studying Library and Information Sciences or Library 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

   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 official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• PassionAvoid writing a generic statement about liking books. Instead, describe your specific vision for innovation in library sciences and how you intend to lead in the professional community.
• ReferencesAvoid providing a generic character reference. Instead, secure a letter from a professor or library supervisor who can vouch for your academic discipline and professional potential.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the preference for different student levels. If you are a graduate student, emphasize your advanced research or leadership skills to distinguish yourself from undergraduate applicants.
• RealismAvoid assuming a 2.7 GPA is a guarantee. Since there are only two awards available, you should treat this as a highly competitive supplement to your financial plan rather than a primary source of funding.

Questions students ask

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