Scholarship Value $5,000

Number of Scholarships 1

Description The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) Scholarship is an annual award intended to support undergraduate students pursuing environmental studies or closely related programs. The scholarship recognizes emerging professionals whose academic focus aligns with conservation, stewardship, or other environmental fields. It is designed to help cover education-related expenses and encourage continued engagement in the environmental sector. The award is open to students who meet the eligibility criteria (see Eligibility).

• Purpose:

Support undergraduate study in environmental fields.

• Frequency:

Awarded once per year.

• Target:

Students entering careers or further study in the environmental sector.

• Sponsor:

Alberta Wilderness Association.

History of the Award The scholarship was created as part of AWA’s legacy planning tied to its 60th anniversary celebration. In recognition of six decades of conservation work, the Association decided to launch a recurring scholarship to invest directly in the next generation of environmental leaders. The fund was established to mark this milestone and to provide an ongoing way to commemorate AWA’s history through education and professional development. The scholarship will continue as an annual program going forward.

• Origin:

Established to mark AWA’s 60th anniversary.

• Motivation:

Legacy-focused support for environmental education.

• Start:

Inaugural funding tied to the anniversary program.

• Continuity:

Intended as a recurring, annual award.

Eligibility Applicants must meet specific academic and residency criteria to qualify for the scholarship. Eligible candidates are undergraduate students enrolled in environmental studies or a closely related program, must be Alberta residents, and must hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. The award is available to Alberta residents attending any university anywhere in Canada. Meeting all eligibility requirements is a prerequisite for application review.

• Academic:

Undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies or similar program.

• Residency:

Resident of Alberta.

• Status:

Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.

• Enrollment:

Attending any Canadian university.

Award Value The scholarship carries a fixed monetary value intended to provide meaningful support during undergraduate studies. The award amount is set at $5,000 and is granted once per recipient each award year. Funds are intended to offset tuition, textbooks, and other education-related expenses that support academic progress in environmental programs. Disbursement details will be handled by AWA in accordance with their award policies.

• Amount: $5,000 per award year.
• Nature:

Single annual payment to one recipient.

• Use:

For tuition and education-related costs.

• Administration:

Distributed by AWA under their award procedures.

Application Procedure Applicants must submit a concise package of documentation directly to the Alberta Wilderness Association for consideration. Required materials include a university acceptance letter or current academic transcripts, and a resume plus a cover letter that explains how the applicant’s program connects to the environmental sector and outlines post-graduate goals. All materials should be compiled and submitted to AWA according to their submission guidelines. Incomplete packages will not be considered.

• Documents:

Acceptance letter or current transcripts; resume; cover letter.

• Cover letter focus:

Fit with the environmental sector and post-graduate goals.

• Submission:

Send materials to Alberta Wilderness Association.

• Completeness:

Incomplete applications are not eligible.

Application Timeline The scholarship operates on an annual schedule, with applications reviewed on a yearly cycle. AWA conducts an internal review of submitted applications and selects a recipient through their scheduled process. Applicants should plan to submit materials ahead of AWA’s annual review window to ensure full consideration. Specific submission deadlines and opening dates will be announced by AWA in the year the scholarship is offered.

• Cycle:

Annual application and award.

• Review:

Yearly internal review of applications.

• Deadlines:

Announced by AWA; submit before the review window.

• Planning:

Apply early to ensure eligibility for that year’s award.

Winner Selection and Permissions The recipient is chosen by a selection committee appointed by AWA, which evaluates eligible applications against the scholarship’s purpose and criteria. By applying, candidates agree that the winner’s name may be published by AWA across its communications channels, including social media, the Wild Lands Advocate, and the annual report. The committee’s decision is final and made in accordance with AWA’s selection procedures. Any additional privacy or publicity questions should be directed to AWA at the time of application.

• Selection:

Decision made by an AWA-appointed committee.

• Publication consent:

Applicant agrees the winner’s name may be published if selected.

• Finality:

Committee decision is final.

• Inquiries:

Direct questions about privacy or publicity to AWA.