Support that continues after the week ends.
Kirkness Scholars who go on to post-secondary study may be eligible for scholarships created by our board, our founders’ families, and partners who believe in their potential.
Applicants self-identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit, and have completed the VJKF Program. Payment is made once you have begun attending a publicly funded university or college — a copy of your schedule confirms enrolment.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Foundation. To ask about a specific award or request an application form, email info@vjkf.org.
Susan O’Brien was a shy, intelligent, athletic youth with a passion for basketball. After high school she attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she completed her degree in science.
In 2008, Susan and her husband Ron Woznow co-founded what became the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation. In her volunteer role as foundation administrator from 2009 to 2020, she facilitated 550 students’ attendance at 10 different universities, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and care of every participant. Susan passed away suddenly in January 2022, and the Board unanimously approved this scholarship in her honour.
The same application form covers both this award and the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Scholarship. You only apply once — the committee considers you for both.
Eligibility
- Self-identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit
- Have completed the VJKF Program
- Apply in the year you graduate from the program, while in Grade 11 or 12
Basis of the award
Leadership potential demonstrated during the week-long VJKF Program. The annual recipient is recommended to the Board by the Program Committee.
Terms
- One award of $1,500 per year, for five years beginning in 2023
- Payment is made once you have begun attending a publicly funded university or college, within two years of completing Grade 12
- A student may receive this scholarship only once
Essay questions
The application asks for three short essays, each a maximum of 250 words: describe your experience at the program and the most interesting thing you learned; tell us about volunteer work you have done or would like to do; and describe your future goals.
This scholarship was created by the VJKF Board to provide financial assistance to our Kirkness Scholars. It recognizes your potential, your drive, and the experience you gained during your program week.
The same application form covers both this award and the Susan O’Brien Memorial Scholarship. You only apply once — the committee considers you for both.
Eligibility
- Self-identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit
- Have participated in and graduated from one of our annual programs
- Apply in the year you graduate from the program, while in Grade 11 or 12
Terms
- Up to twenty awards of $500 each year, beginning in 2023
- Payment is made once you have begun attending a publicly funded university or college, within two years of completing Grade 12
- An individual can receive this scholarship only once
Essay questions
Three short essays, each a maximum of 250 words: your experience at the program and the most interesting thing you learned; volunteer work you have done or are interested in doing; and your future goals.
Perseverance is the strength to endure challenges and overcome obstacles, even when the path forward seems impossible. Tony Williams embodied that spirit throughout his life, achieving remarkable success despite the barriers he faced.
Tony dedicated many years to the Foundation as supporter, director, treasurer, and board chair. Through PBI Actuarial Consultants he provided actuarial and investment consultation to many First Nation Settlement Trusts. In retirement he established several bursaries for Indigenous students and served on the University of Manitoba Alumni Council, the Dean of Science’s External Advisory Board, and the Wawatay Advisory Board.
In his memory, the Fred and Karen Green Fund of the Vancouver Foundation donated the funds to establish these scholarships.
Eligibility
- Self-identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit
- Enrolled full-time in a Canadian post-secondary degree program in pure and applied science, engineering, or mathematics
- Have completed the VJKF Program
Basis of the award
The primary criterion is demonstrated perseverance, determination, and the overcoming of obstacles and challenges. The application includes an essay of up to 600 words showing how you have shown these qualities. A copy of your university or college schedule is required to prove enrolment.
Terms
- Two awards of $2,500 each year, for a minimum of ten years
- Recipients are chosen by a selection committee from the Foundation
Tony Williams was a devoted supporter, director, treasurer, and board chair of the Foundation for many years. Before retiring he provided actuarial and investment consultation for First Nation Settlement Trusts and other trust funds. In retirement he established several bursaries for Indigenous students and served on the University of Manitoba Alumni Council, the Dean of Science’s External Advisory Board, and the Wawatay Advisory Board.
As a youth and young student, Tony faced steep obstacles — and persevered to overcome them. In memory and recognition of that perseverance, the Board of Directors created this scholarship.
Eligibility
- Self-identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit
- Enrolled full-time in a university or college degree program in pure and applied science, engineering, or mathematics
- Have completed the annual VJKF Program
Basis of the award
Demonstrated perseverance in the face of obstacles. The application includes an essay of up to 600 words describing the obstacles you have faced — financial, situational, or otherwise — and your determination in overcoming them.
Terms
- One award of $2,000 each year
- Recipients are chosen by a selection committee appointed by the Foundation
Other opportunities for Indigenous students.
Scholarships, awards, co-op placements and summer research programs run by other organizations. These are not administered by VJKF — contact each organization directly.
seed2STEM
Paid six-week summer research internships for Indigenous students in Grades 9–12 across Metro Vancouver and Kelowna. University labs host students on projects in neuroscience, engineering, chemistry, biology, math and physics, at minimum wage for 25 hours a week.
Transit passes, loaner laptops, some meals and youth support workers are provided, with travel bursaries for students from remote communities. Alumni are invited back for four-month paid research assistantships.
icord.org/seed2stem →University of Victoria scholarships
UVic awards a substantial amount in scholarships and awards each year, and many are designated specifically for Indigenous students.
Browse UVic scholarships →Babcock Canada
Babcock Canada provides student awards and co-op opportunities for Indigenous students.
Babcock student opportunities →Help us fund the next scholarship.
Every award on this page exists because someone decided a Kirkness Scholar’s education was worth investing in.