Apply to the VJKF 2025 Program Scholarship

Deadline to apply: January 20, 2025

Eligibility and Application Requirements

• Applicant self-Identifies as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student currently in grades 11 or 12.
• Completed application (online or mailed in).
• Signed guardian consent form.
• Reference letter from teacher or guidance counsellor.
• Essay written by the student indicating why they are interested in attending the VJKF Program (100–400 words).
• OR, Video submission from student indicating why they are interested in attending the VJKF Program (1-3 minutes)
• Confirmed availability for at least one of the Program weeks.
• Student must agree to provide a short update regarding ongoing education activities when requested by VJKF staff.
• DEADLINE TO APPLY: JANUARY 20, 2025

How to Apply:

STEP 1 - REFERENCE LETTER

The letter of reference should indicate that you have the interest and ability to attend college, university or other post-secondary education after graduating from grade 12 and that attending the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program would help you to decide what you would like to study. Student grades are not a factor in attending the VJKF Program.

Your reference should indicate how they know you and explain why you would be a good participant for this Program.

STEP 2 - PERSONAL ESSAY OR VIDEO

In a maximum of 400 (TYPED) words, tell us why you are interested in attending the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program. Applications with less than 50-word essays will not be considered. This essay is the most important part of the application!

OR 

In a 1 - 3 minute video please explain why you are interested in attending the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program. This video is the most important part of the application. The more information you provide, the better chance you have of being accepted. Upload your video to Youtube, TikTok or another platform of your choice and share the link with us in the application form below.

Ensure your video is publicly viewable. For YouTube uploads, find instructions to make your video public here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

STEP 3 - GUARDIAN CONSENT FORM

Please have a parent or guardian sign the guardian consent form. Upload this form as part of your application below. 

Download Guardian Consent form here: 2025 VJKF Guardian Consent.pdf 

STEP 4 - PROGRAM DATES

Accepted students will be assigned to a university and week, and provided with the list of research opportunities at that university. Students will be able to select their top 5 choices that interest them most. We will do our best to match students with their #1 choice, but we can't guarantee that will be possible in all cases.

2025 In-Person Program Dates:

Option 1: May 11–16

Option 2: May 19–23

Option 3: June 1–6

Option 4: July 6–11

Option 5: July 20–25

*Students can only participate in 1 program week.

STEP 5 - SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION 

You can use the online form below to submit your application, or download the application package to submit your application by mail. 

Carefully fill out all your details and upload all of your documents including your guardian consent form and reference letter. If you have any questions please call our office at (587) 814-0444 or email ProgramManager@vjkf.org 

Thank you for submitting your application to attend the VJKF 2025 In-Person Program! 

I just applied, now what?

Our team has been diligently reviewing each application, and we would like to provide you with an update on our process.

Here's an overview of our application review process:

• Individual Review: Each application is carefully reviewed by two members of our dedicated team. These reviewers assess the letter of reference, and personal essay independently, taking into consideration your interest in VJKF, passion for STEM, and overall fit for the Program.

• Team Review: Following the individual assessments, the entire review team will convene to collectively evaluate all applications. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and fair decision-making process.

Please be assured that we are aware of the high number of applications received, and our team is working to guarantee that all 100 spots are filled appropriately. We understand the importance of this process to you and want to express our gratitude for your patience during this period.

You will receive one of the following notifications in February:

• Offer of Acceptance: Congratulations! You have been selected to join the VJKF 2025 Program. Further details will be provided in your acceptance package.

• Waitlist Notification: Your application is on our waitlist. While we cannot guarantee a spot at this time, we will notify you if a spot becomes available.

• Letter of Rejection: We appreciate your interest in the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation, but unfortunately, we are unable to offer you a spot to attend the VJKF 2025 Program.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our Program!