Scholarships & Awards

How to Apply

Most of the applications for Community-based Scholarships can be completed via our online portal. Please review the eligibility criteria before applying. A list of scholarships is provided below.

1. The Dave Donley Jr. Memorial Scholarship 

The Dave Donley Jr. Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to two students pursuing post-secondary studies in Alberta in the areas of computing and Information Technology. There are two awards available annually of $7500 each. Candidates must demonstrate an intention or passion for pursuing a career related to Information Technology and exhibit the ability to problem solve through creative thinking. The funds awarded shall provide assistance with tuition and general educational support at a post-secondary institution of the student’s choice, located in Alberta. The scholarship will be awarded on the following criteria in the descending order:

• Demonstrate a passion for information technology or computer programming
• Demonstrate the ability to problem solve through creative thinking
• Demonstrate an enthusiasm to help others

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be either accepted to or currently attending a post-secondary institution in Alberta, Canada 
• Applicants must be pursuing a program related to or in the area of computing and/or Information Technology

The submission deadline for 2024 has closed. The application portal will reopen in early 2025.

2. The North Queens Community Scholarship 

The North Queens Community Scholarship aims to provide consistent financial support to capable students who demonstrate a combination of academic success, financial need, community engagement, and extracurricular involvement.

The renewable $5000 scholarship will be awarded to three (3) graduates of North Queens Community School in Caledonia, NS each year. The scholarship will be awarded based on the following criteria: 

• Grade 12 student status at North Queens Community School in Caledonia, Nova Scotia. 
• Academic competence. Please note that there is no minimum average and students will instead be considered based on demonstrated commitment, dedication, and passion for their chosen course(s) of study. 
• Financial need as evidenced by personal testimony, however, all applicants regardless of their financial situation will be considered.
• Commitment to non-academic pursuits that demonstrate commitment, leadership, and/or potential. 
• Acceptance and/or enrolment in an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution of the student’s choice. 

Scholarships are renewable for up to three years (maximum four years of funding), provided that the student remains in academic good standing at their post-secondary institution. Students will be required to provide a proof of enrolment each year. The scholarship is administered by Aqueduct Foundation. 

The submission deadline for 2024 has closed. The application portal will reopen in early 2025. 

3. The Ignite Resilience Scholarship  

The Ignite Resilience Scholarship is available to individuals in the greater Toronto area who have been accepted at or who are currently enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution (university, college, or technical school). Preference will go to mature students who are currently attending a post-secondary institution or who wish to return to school following a hiatus.

The scholarship will be awarded to two (2) students per year and has a value of $5000 per annum, per student. The scholarship is renewable for each year of the student’s post-secondary program (up to four years total) if the conditions of the scholarship continue to be met.

The Scholarships shall be awarded on the basis of; 1) individuals who are currently dealing with or have dealt with addiction and/or substance abuse in the past; 2) financial need; 3) demonstrated commitment to non-academic pursuits that indicate commitment, leadership or potential; 4) acceptance in a post-secondary institution in Canada of the student’s choice;

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This scholarship has been established in honour of James*. James was a warm and loving person who touched the lives of many. Known for his sharp intellect, sense of humour, kindness, and determination, James was popular in school and quickly made a name for himself in his career. Despite his many accomplishments, James faced significant challenges, battling mental and physical pain that led to struggles with substance abuse.

Through it all, James’ resilience and drive helped him to pursue his goals. Inspired by a DUI lawyer who had a deep impact on his life, James returned to school with a newfound passion for law to combine with his business acumen. He was committed to turning his personal challenges into a source of strength, determined to make a difference in the lives of others who faced similar struggles. Going back to school seemed to really drive James and keep him on track. He worked very hard to succeed and was well respected by his professors and schoolmates.

Tragically, James’ journey was cut short at the age of 34. His story is heartbreaking as he was just a year away from graduating, but it is also one of caring and perseverance. His memory will live on as a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles.

This scholarship honours James’ desire to help others and has been established to aid those who have had a similar journey and need assistance to achieve their own success.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual and their family.