Every year, the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation brings Indigenous students from communities across Canada into university research labs — hands-on, mentored, and one step closer to a degree in science, engineering, or math.
The mission of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is to increase the number of Indigenous students — First Nations, Métis, and Inuit — graduating from pure and applied science, engineering, and mathematics programs in Canada.
Students arrive Sunday and spend the week living in residence, working directly alongside faculty mentors in real research labs. The week closes with a traditional feast and a Friday research presentation — theirs, start to finish.
Dr. Verna J. Kirkness founded the program that bears her name and continues to serve as Honourary Board Chair.
Students work directly in research labs, engaging in real-world projects that spark their passion for STEM — not a tour, an actual bench seat.
Living in residence, exploring the facilities, and learning about the support systems in place — students start to picture themselves at university.
Fellow participants, dedicated mentors, and university allies become a support network that carries students through their academic and career goals.
Every dot on this map is a real Kirkness Scholar hometown — more than 175 communities across all 13 provinces and territories, many of them hours from the nearest university.
With thanks to our individual donors, including Ron Woznow & Susan O’Brien.
Every donation goes directly to travel, housing, and mentorship for a student who’s never set foot in a university — yet.