INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NOW OPEN Starting today, we’re accepting applications for our Indigenous Scholarship program. This year, a total of nine $1,500 awards are available—six for mature students and three for students who’ve recently completed high school and are entering their first year of post-secondary study. Our scholarships for Indigenous students work to address the education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by reducing financial barriers and making post-secondary studies more financially accessible. The awards are based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement. Recipients are selected by an external committee with expertise in academia and Indigenous education. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2023. We encourage you to share information about the Indigenous scholarship program with your networks and anyone you think could benefit from this support. Learn more about the program on our website and hear from past recipients like two of our 2022 Indigenous scholarship recipients Luke Klug and Taylor Sample.
Luke has big plans to open up his own physical therapy clinic after graduating to help others overcome injuries and relieve pain—watch the video our Community Impact team created!
Taylor became inspired to build a career helping children after working as an educational assistant at a preschool—read about her journey and focus on wellness on our blog.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS! Last month, we presented six Albertan students with $1,500 scholarships as part of our 2021 Indigenous Scholarship program after receiving a total of 53 applications. Luke Klug, Chantelle Quinney and Crystal Cardinal were presented with the scholarship for mature Indigenous students, as defined by their post-secondary institution. Austyn Gratton, Taylor Sample and Ina Old Shoes received the scholarship as Indigenous students completing their high school education and entering their first year of post-secondary study at an accredited institution. As part of our contribution to reconciliation, we’re working to address the education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by reducing financial barriers of postsecondary education for Indigenous students. Each year, we create opportunities for better access to education through our scholarship
program, which supports not only the financial wellness of students but the overall wellness of the communities they give back to. We support the belief that overall community wellness is impacted by a variety of factors, and that education opens doors to young Albertans to lead better lives. Our Indigenous Scholarship program awards scholarships based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement. For more than two decades, Indigenous students across Alberta have been able to reach their goals with the help of our scholarship program. We’re proud of the achievement of our scholarship recipients and their resiliency, especially during the past two years. Hear from one of our recent recipient’s how the program has impacted their life on the next page.
Dear Alberta Blue Cro
ss team,
Words cannot describ e how grateful my fam ily and I are that I am [a] chosen recipien t for the Indigenous [Sc holarship program]. I want you to know how much of a di fference this is going to make for us with our finances. The aw ard will help me pay the remainder of my tuition, purchase my textbooks, send out the applicatio n for next year [and] pu rchase a Chromebook so I am ab le to continue my onlin e studies. The laptop I currently use is a borrowed one and I may not have it next year, so thank you. I am excited to co ntinue into the diploma program to ge t closer to reaching m y goals. Every little bit of assistance goes a long way. I take my education very seriously and am honored that my efforts are being recognized. I’ve had m any sleepless nights an d time taken from my children while working on my studies , so this award is a boost of motivatio n to maintain and grad ua te with the 4.0 grade average I curren tly hold. You are doin g amazing work— it’s a beautiful feeling to know there are still kind humans in this world that like to make a difference fo r struggling students like myself. It gives me hope and ha s proved to my children and I that tim e and hard work really does pay off. I wish you happiness, he alth and prosperity. Go od deeds come back around, so I hope great things come your way.
Hiy Hiy (Thank you),
Crystal Cardinal
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS A P P L I C AT I O N
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
PROGRAM AND ELIGIBILITY PURPOSE Our scholarships for Indigenous students work to address the education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by making post-secondary studies more financially accessible. Three $1,500 scholarships are awarded annually to students who are completing their high school education and entering their first year of post-secondary study at an accredited institution.
APPLICATION DEADLINE The deadline to apply is January 16, 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA • Member of a first nation or band, or has Inuit, Métis or Indian Status as referenced on the Indigenous Services Canada website at sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032374/1572457769548 • Resident of Alberta and living in the province for the past 12 months • Enrolled in the first year of any full-time post-secondary certificate or diploma program of two or more years duration at an accredited post-secondary institution as listed below Alberta College of Art and Design
Lethbridge Community College
Ambrose University College
MacEwan University
Athabasca University
Maskwacis Cultural College
Augustana Campus, University of Alberta
Medicine Hat College
Bow Valley College
Mount Royal College
Burman University
NAIT
Concordia University of Edmonton
NorQuest College
Fairview College / Northwestern Polytechnic
Northern Lakes College
Keyano College
Olds College
The King’s University College
Old Sun Community College
Lakeland College
Portage College
VALUE Alberta Blue Cross issues three awards valued at $1,500 each year.
PRESENTATION OF THE AWARD Successful recipients will be notified by February 6, 2023. Scholarships will be disbursed by February 28, 2023.
1 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
Red Crow Community College Red Deer Polytechnic SAIT St. Mary’s University University of Alberta University of Calgary University of Lethbridge University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak, Blue Quill Yellowhead Tribal College
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR APPLICATION Information and application forms are available on the Alberta Blue Cross website at community.ab.bluecross.ca/programs/indigenous-scholarships.php. Note: incomplete applications will not be considered.
FOLLOW THE BELOW STEPS TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION Step 1: Complete the application form found on page three. Step 2: List or describe your involvement with community or school-sponsored events or organizations during the past two years—use the space provided on pages four and five, or provide as an attachment to your application. Step 3: Share a short story of 500 to 1,500 words about yourself, including your financial reasons for applying for the scholarship, your educational and personal goals and how you would like to give back to your community—please use the space provided on pages six and seven, or provide as an attachment to your application. Step 4: Complete the declaration on page eight.
ADDITIONAL PIECES YOU MUST PROVIDE INCLUDE • proof of your status or membership (for example, a copy of your Métis Status card, Indian Status card or band or First Nations membership card); • a letter confirming your attendance from one of the accredited post-secondary educational institutions named within this application (most registrar’s offices can provide this for you); • a copy of your Alberta Education High School transcript; and • two reference letters from relevant individuals or organizations, such as a high school teacher, someone within the Indigenous community or a program director or supervisor from an Indigenous association with which you’ve been involved. 2 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
APPLICATION FORM PERSONAL INFORMATION Last name
First name
Address
Middle initial
Town/city
Province
Postal code
Phone
Birth date (YYYY-MM-DD)
How long have you lived in Alberta? Since (MM-YY)
Where did you hear about this scholarship? Social media
Digital ad
School Grant database Internet search
Word of mouth Other (please specify)
EDUCATION INFORMATION Name of high school
Town/city
Which post-secondary institution are you enrolled at?
Program name
Province
Date of high school completion (YYYY-MM-DD)
Location
Degree or diploma sought
Entry date for program (YYYY-MM-DD)
Program length
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS/FUNDING Will you be receiving additional scholarship money or funding for the current academic year? Yes No If you answered “Yes” to the above, please provide details below on the amount and nature of this funding. Please note that you are ineligible for this scholarship if you are receiving more than $7,000 in other awards, bursaries or scholarships for the current academic year.
3 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Please list or describe your involvement with community or school-sponsored events or organizations during the past two years. Please use the space below or attach your typed response to your application.If the below box does not provide enough space, please continue on the next page. Check here if you have provided additional information or have typed and attached your community involvement.
4 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (continued)
5 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
TELL YOUR STORY In 500 to 1,500 words, please provide a short story about yourself, including your financial reasons for applying for the scholarship, your educational and personal goals and how you would like to give back to your community. Please use the space below or attach your typed response to your application. Check here if you have provided additional information or have typed and attached your community involvement.
6 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
TELL YOUR STORY (continued)
7 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
IS YOUR APPLICATION COMPLETE? To be considered for this scholarship, your application must be complete. Part 1—Within this application Completed application form: F
Page 3: Personal information
F
Page 4: Community involvement
F
Page 6: Tell your story
F
Page 8: Completed declaration
Part 2—Additional pieces you must provide
CHECKLIST
F
Proof (copy) of status or membership
F
A letter confirming your admission to a post-secondary education institution (for list of eligible institutions, see the criteria section on page one)
F
A copy of your Alberta Education High School transcript
F
Reference letters (minimum two)
Part 3—Submission F
Collect the items listed under the checklist sections Part 1 and Part 2
F
Ensure your application is complete and error free.
F
Email or mail your application to the address listed below.
I have read and understand the instructions and declare that: a. all information provided is true and complete and I understand it is subject to audit; b. I will be a full-time student at the institution named for the period stated; and c. I will immediately notify Alberta Blue Cross if I withdraw from full-time studies before completing one semester of studies.
DECLARATION OF APPLICANT
I authorize Alberta Blue Cross to release information, including my name and the award value, if I receive a scholarship. Please check one: Yes No Name of applicant Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Email (preferred): scholarships.indigenousstudents @ab.bluecross.ca
Or mail to: Alberta Blue Cross, Community Impact 10009 108 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3C5
®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan. ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ABC 81096 2022/07
8 | SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Our scholarships for Indigenous students work to address the education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by making post-secondary studies more financially accessible. Scholarship recipients are selected by an external committee with expertise in academia and Indigenous education.
INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Three scholarships are awarded annually to students who are completing their high school education and entering their first year of post-secondary study at an accredited institution.
The $1,500 awards are based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement.
LEARN MORE
MATURE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Three scholarships are awarded annually to individuals, deemed as mature by their post-secondary institution, entering their first year of a post-secondary study at an accredited institution.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA •
Member of a first nation or band, or has Inuit, Métis or Indian Status as referenced on the Indigenous Services Canada website
•
Resident of Alberta during most recent year of study and accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution as listed on the application and website
•
Enrolled in the first year of any full-time post-secondary certificate or diploma program of two or more years duration
•
Defined as a mature student by the post-secondary institution (for the scholarship for mature Indigenous students)
All applicants must clearly describe their community involvement, personal goals and financial need, and submit three reference letters for evaluation.
HOW TO APPLY Application forms will be available at community.ab.bluecross.ca/programs/indigenousscholarships.php starting September 1, 2022. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2023.
SUPPORT If you have questions or need support, please email scholarships.indigenousstudents@ab.bluecross.ca.
®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan. ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ABC 81096 2022/06
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA •
Member of a first nation or band, or has Inuit, Métis or Indian Status as referenced on the Indigenous Services Canada website
•
Resident of Alberta during most recent year of study and accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution as listed on the application and website
•
Enrolled in the first year of any full-time post-secondary certificate or diploma program of two or more years duration
•
Defined as a mature student by the post-secondary institution (for the scholarship for mature Indigenous students)
All applicants must clearly describe their community involvement, personal goals and financial need, and submit three reference letters for evaluation.
HOW TO APPLY Application forms will be available at community.ab.bluecross.ca/programs/indigenousscholarships.php starting September 1, 2022. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2023.
SUPPORT If you have questions or need support, please email scholarships.indigenousstudents@ab.bluecross.ca.
®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan. ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ABC 81096 2022/06
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Our scholarships for Indigenous students work to address the education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by making post-secondary studies more financially accessible. Scholarship recipients are selected by an external committee with expertise in academia and Indigenous education. The $1,500 awards are based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement.
LEARN MORE
INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Three scholarships are awarded annually to students who are completing their high school education and entering their first year of post-secondary study at an accredited institution.
MATURE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Three scholarships are awarded annually to individuals, deemed as mature by their post-secondary institution, entering their first year of a post-secondary study at an accredited institution.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Our scholarships for Indigenous students work to address the education inequity faced by Indigenous peoples in Alberta by making post-secondary studies more financially accessible. Scholarship recipients are selected by an external committee with expertise in academia and Indigenous education. The $1,500 awards are based on scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement.
INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Three scholarships are awarded annually to students who are completing their high school education and entering their first year of postsecondary study at an accredited institution.
MATURE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS Three scholarships are awarded annually to individuals, deemed as mature by their post-secondary institution, entering their first year of a post-secondary study at an accredited institution.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA •
Member of a ¬first nation or band, or has Inuit, Métis or Indian Status as referenced on the Indigenous Services Canada website
•
Resident of Alberta during most recent year of study and accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution as listed on the application or website
•
Enrolled in the ¬first year of any full-time post-secondary certi¬ficate or diploma program of two or more years duration
•
Defined as a mature student by the post-secondary institution (for the scholarship for mature Indigenous students)
All applicants must clearly describe their community involvement, personal goals and ¬financial need, and submit three reference letters for evaluation.
HOW TO APPLY Application forms will be available at community.ab.bluecross.ca/programs/indigenous-scholarships.php starting September 1, 2022. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2023.
SUPPORT If you have questions or need support, please email scholarships.indigenousstudents@ab.bluecross.ca.
LEARN MORE ®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan. ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ABC 81096 2022/06