Scholarship Value $500

Number of Scholarships 6

Description This scholarship program supports Alberta post‑secondary students who have shown leadership and volunteer commitment to their communities and agricultural societies. It recognizes continuing students pursuing agriculture‑related education and aims to reinforce community engagement through financial support. Nominations must come through the local Agricultural Society; students cannot apply directly.

• Purpose:

Support leadership and volunteerism among Alberta students in agriculture-related post‑secondary programs.

• Target audience:

Continuing post‑secondary students from Alberta with demonstrated volunteer service.

• Access route:

Applicants must be nominated by their local Agricultural Society.

• Focus:

Community and Agricultural Society volunteer involvement.

Eligibility Eligibility defines who may be considered for nomination and award. Applicants must be enrolled in at least a two‑year post‑secondary program and must demonstrate active volunteer involvement in their community and Agricultural Society. Part‑time students may be eligible, and previous recipients are not permitted to receive a second scholarship.

• Minimum program:

Enrolled in a two‑year (or longer) post‑secondary program.

• Volunteer requirement:

Active volunteer service in community and Agricultural Society.

• Part‑time status:

Part‑time students are eligible.

• Single award rule:

Past recipients are ineligible to reapply.

Nomination & Sponsorship Nominations must be submitted by the applicant’s local Agricultural Society; self‑nomination or direct student applications are not accepted. The nominating Agricultural Society must be a member in good standing with the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) with current-year dues paid. Additionally, the applicant or their parent/guardian must belong to that nominating society.

• Who nominates:

Local Agricultural Society only.

• Society standing:

Nominating society must have current AAAS membership in good standing.

• Membership link:

Applicant or parent/guardian must be a member of the nominating society.

• No direct applications:

Only society-nominated candidates are considered.

Application Requirements Applications require written materials and any supporting documentation specified by AAAS. Two essays are mandatory: a 500‑word essay describing the applicant’s future volunteer plans and a 200‑word statement explaining why the AAAS scholarship is deserved or how the community benefits from the local Agricultural Society. Nomination letters and any requested supporting documents (for example, confirmation of enrollment or volunteer references) should accompany the essays.

• 500‑word essay:

Plans for future volunteer contribution to community.

• 200‑word essay:

Why the scholarship is deserved or community benefits from the society.

• Supporting documents:

Nomination letter and additional evidence as requested (e.g., enrollment confirmation, volunteer references).

• Submission package:

Essays plus society nomination form/letter.

Application Timeline The scholarship operates on an annual cycle with a firm application deadline each fall. Applications must be received by the October deadline for consideration in that award year. AAAS administers the schedule and will determine award timelines accordingly.

• Annual cycle:

Scholarships awarded once per year.

• Deadline:

Applications due in October.

• Timing note:

Follow AAAS guidance for precise submission dates and any updates.

Award Value AAAS intends to award up to six scholarships each year, each valued at $500. The program’s funding level and number of awards are designed to provide modest but meaningful support to multiple community‑minded students across Alberta.

• Number of awards:

Up to six scholarships annually.

• Amount per award: $500 each.
• Objective:

Provide targeted financial support to multiple students.

Selection & Awarding Conditions AAAS evaluates nominees for suitability and may award fewer than six scholarships if qualified candidates are not identified. Selection is based on the nomination, volunteer record, essays, and any supporting documentation. Receiving an award disqualifies the individual from future AAAS scholarship consideration.

• Award cap:

Up to six recipients; fewer awards possible if candidates are unsuitable.

• Evaluation factors:

Nomination quality, volunteer service, and essays.

• Reaward restriction:

Recipients cannot receive the scholarship again.

Disbursement & Payment Conditions Scholarship funds are paid to recipients only after academic progress is verified. Payment occurs upon successful completion of the student’s first term at a post‑secondary institution and requires official transcripts. For part‑time recipients, disbursement is deferred until completion of a full first year of the program.

• Trigger for payment:

Successful completion of first academic term.

• Required proof:

Official transcripts must be provided for disbursement.

• Part‑time rule:

Funds withheld until completion of full first year for part‑time students.

History of the Award The scholarship was established in 1995 using funds from the Special Project Trust Fund to support Alberta students entering or enrolled in agriculture‑based post‑secondary programs. Its founding purpose was to strengthen ties between agricultural societies and the next generation of community leaders by channeling trust fund resources into educational support.

• Founding year: 1995.
• Funding source:

Special Project Trust Fund.

• Founding intent:

Support Alberta agriculture‑based students and promote community engagement.