Calgary Foundation · Regional
Smillie Family Education Award
About this award
Get approximately $2,000 for your tuition if you are a rural Canadian student entering your first or second year of a full-time undergraduate program — apply by June 1, 2026.
There are three awards valued at approximately $2,000 each. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you grew up in a small community and have spent your time leading others and volunteering in your hometown. 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 your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if this happens as a single payment or in installments so you can plan your budget. 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 — study level
- Studying agriculture, education, health care — 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.
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 a long list of clubs without explaining what you actually did.
Winners instead describe a specific problem they solved or a project they led in their rural town.
Give a concrete example of how your volunteer work helped someone else.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic letter from a teacher who barely knows you.
Winners instead find a community leader or employer who can vouch for your leadership skills outside of the classroom.
Ask your referee to use specific stories that prove you are a leader.