Learn more about our Program
Spend a week at a Canadian university exploring STEM, working with researchers, and gaining hands-on lab experience.
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YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Your contributions ensure we can continue to deliver our programs to students across Canada.
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Exciting Scholarship Opportunities!
If you are a VJKF alumni pursuing post-secondary education, you may be eligible for exclusive scholarship opportunities!
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The mission of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is to increase the number of Indigenous students graduating from pure and applied science, engineering, and mathematics programs in Canada.
Our students work directly in research labs, allowing them to engage in real-world projects and spark their passion for STEM.
Spend a Week at a University
Students experience the real of campus life—staying in residence, exploring facilities, and connecting with peers & learning about support systems that are in place—helping them envision themselves in a university environment.
Lasting Connections & Opportunities
By connecting with fellow participants, dedicated mentors, and university allies, students create a supportive community that encourages personal growth and paves the way toward achieving their academic and career goals.
This was a really good week for me. Definitely a lot of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Savannah
Kirkness Scholar | St. Theresa Point, Manitoba
I now have more options to become what I want to become in life.
Harley
Kirkness Scholar | St. Theresa Point, Manitoba
There is constantly something to learn, something new in science and you can help people in many ways with science, even yourself.
Georgina
Kirkness Scholar | Norway House, Manitoba
I now know I would’t want to work in a lab but I am still interested in science. I am very capable of graduating and going to post-secondary school. It will be hard but I can do it. I loved this program and it was a great opportunity. I would do it again if I could.
Trina
Kirkness Scholar | Baker Lake, Nunavut
This was a once in a lifetime experience and I am honoured to have participated in it. Makes me feel special – and the interviews, with all the TV people, were awesome!