Scholarship Value $1,500

Number of Scholarships 2

Description What the program is:

The Indigenous Education Partnership Program supports Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education by combining financial assistance with mentorship and community-focused encouragement. It helps recipients access accredited degree and diploma programs and is administered by Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac). The program is intended to remove financial barriers and promote long-term educational success among First Nation, Inuit, and Métis community members.

Key takeaways

• Provides financial support plus mentorship to Indigenous post-secondary students.
• Administered by Alberta‑Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al‑Pac).
• Aims to remove barriers and promote sustained educational success.

History of the award Established legacy:

The program has operated since 1995 and reflects Al‑Pac’s long-term commitment to Indigenous education and community partnerships. Over multiple decades it has offered recurring support to students from communities within Al‑Pac’s operating area. The award’s longevity signals an ongoing investment in skills development and local capacity building.

Key takeaways

• Launch year: 1995.
• Reflects a long-standing corporate commitment to Indigenous education.
• Focuses on local community capacity and long-term support.

Eligibility Who may apply:

Applicants must be Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit, or Métis) and have lived within the Forest Management Agreement (FMA) area or the company’s sphere of influence for at least one year prior to applying. Candidates must be accepted into or returning to full‑time studies at an accredited post‑secondary institution. Meeting these residency, status, and enrollment conditions is required before the application is considered.

Key takeaways

• Open to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis applicants.
• One year of residence in the FMA area or sphere of influence required.
• Must be accepted to or enrolled in full‑time post‑secondary studies.

Award value Tuition coverage:

Successful recipients receive full tuition coverage for their approved program. Coverage extends up to five years for degree programs and up to three years for diploma programs, aligned to the student’s program duration. The award covers tuition only; other expenses are not described as part of the award.

Key takeaways

• Full tuition paid for the duration of the approved program.
• Degree programs: up to 5 years of tuition coverage.
• Diploma programs: up to 3 years of tuition coverage.

Application criteria Required materials and attributes:

Applicants must provide proof of Indigenous status and proof of full‑time acceptance or enrollment at an accredited institution. The application package must demonstrate financial need, community involvement, and a positive attitude; include a 500‑word essay outlining the chosen field and potential for success; and supply at least three positive references. Meeting these criteria is necessary for consideration.

Key takeaways

• Provide proof of status and full‑time enrollment/acceptance.
• Submit a 500‑word essay and at least three references.
• Demonstrate financial need, community involvement, and a positive outlook.

Conditions of support Ongoing requirements and leaves:

Recipients must maintain passing grades and satisfactory attendance while receiving support. A one‑year leave of absence may be requested under special circumstances, but financial support stops during the leave and will resume only when the student returns to full‑time studies. Recipients must also agree to the program conditions presented in the application package.

Key takeaways

• Maintain passing marks and satisfactory attendance to continue funding.
• One‑year leave may be granted; funding pauses during leave.
• Acceptance of the program’s conditions is required.

Application process How to apply:

Complete the official application form and submit it by the mailing address or email provided in the application materials. Applicants should follow the instructions in the application package and include all required supporting documents. Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may not be considered.

Key takeaways

• Submit the completed application form to the listed mail or email address.
• Follow the instructions and include all supporting documents.
• Incomplete applications risk disqualification.

Selection process and timeline Review and decision schedule:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a face‑to‑face or telephone interview with the selection committee. The committee aims to reach a decision by July 15, and applicants will be notified soon after the selection is made. Interviews and reference checks inform the final selection.

Key takeaways

• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person or by phone.
• Selection committee targets a decision by July 15.
• All applicants will be informed of the outcome after decisions are made.

Recipient promotion and reporting Publicity and updates:

Award recipients must provide Al‑Pac with a photo, a brief biography, and a statement describing the scholarship’s impact, and they must grant publication rights to Al‑Pac. Recipients are expected to share their story in their hometown newsletter, community website, or other suitable media using the official Al‑Pac logo (available from the Stakeholder Relations Business Unit). Within the first year, recipients are also asked to provide a briefing, update, or photo to Al‑Pac’s business unit.

Key takeaways

• Recipients must supply a photo, bio, and impact statement and grant publication rights.
• Recipients are required to publicize their story locally and use the Al‑Pac logo.
• A briefing/update/photo is requested within the first year of receiving the scholarship.