Increasing Indigenous graduation in STEM since 2008 Questions Contact
Support Our Work

Send an Indigenous student to a university lab.

$4,000 sends one student to a university research lab for a week: travel, residence, meals and the program itself. Every student attends at no cost to their family, because donors like you cover it.

Tax receipt issued Charity No. 82284 3629 RR 0001
Three Kirkness Scholars holding their program certificates on campus

The week changes what happens next.

98%
of surveyed alumni graduate high school
91%
of alumni go on to college or university
65%
study a STEM major or minor

Alumni outcome rates reflect all program years since 2009. Faculty, staff, and mentors have contributed more than 17,500 volunteer hours.

Impact of your gift.

Your donation directly supports:

  • ✓ Scholarships for Indigenous grade eleven students to attend a week-long university experience
  • ✓ Travel, meals, accommodation, and programming costs, so every student attends free
  • ✓ A safe, supportive environment, including cultural events and traditional feasts hosted by Indigenous student centres
$4,000
Sponsors one student in full: travel, residence, meals, lab supplies and cultural programming
80%
Of every dollar goes directly to student and program costs

Your donation bridges the gap between what our university partners contribute and what it costs to bring each student to campus.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners.

The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation is deeply grateful for the generous contributions of our supporters. Their commitment helps us provide life-changing educational experiences for Indigenous high school students across Canada.

Five campuses opened their labs in 2026.

UMUniversity of Manitoba, Winnipeg
McGillMcGill University, Montréal · new in 2026
USaskUniversity of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
UCalgaryUniversity of Calgary, Calgary
UBCUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver

With thanks to the campus Indigenous student centres, Elders, faculty mentors and graduate students at each host university, and to the community and industry sites that opened their doors to a cohort in 2026.

Prefer to give another way?

For major gifts, multi-year commitments, or questions about how your donation is used, we’d be glad to talk.

Email Us

Where would you like to start?

Kirkness Scholars in VJKF shirts working together on a long wooden frame
New to VJKF?

Learn about the week first

What you’d do in the lab, where you’d stay, what a typical day looks like, and what it costs you (nothing).

Explore the Student Experience →
Ready to apply?

Start your application

Seven steps, about 20 minutes, plus your essay. Applications close December 11, 2026.

See what you’ll need → Go straight to the application form
How to applyApply now