Scholarship Value $7,000

Number of Scholarships 2

Description Purpose and funding

The Charmaine Letourneau Fund provides annual scholarship support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Albertans pursuing post‑secondary education or vocational training. The fund is sustained by ongoing donations from individuals and community organizations and honors the legacy of a community leader and educator. Awards are administered to help recipients access recognized programs that increase employment or further education opportunities.

Key takeaways

• Scholarships support post‑secondary and vocational study for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Albertans.
• Fund is supported by individual and community donations.
• Awards aim to improve employment and educational outcomes.

Eligibility Who can apply

Applicants must be Deaf or Hard of Hearing with a significant hearing loss, be permanent residents or citizens of Canada, and live in Alberta. Candidates must be entering or enrolled in a qualifying post‑secondary or vocational program in Alberta, or in a specialized out‑of‑province program for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of sign language and have financial need.

Key takeaways

• Must be Deaf or Hard of Hearing with significant hearing loss.
• Must be an Alberta resident and Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be enrolled in a qualifying program; sign language knowledge and financial need required.

Award value Amount and purpose

Typically two awards are issued each year, with individual awards generally ranging from $2,000 to $7,000; the number and size of awards may vary. Awards are intended primarily to assist with mandatory educational costs such as tuition and fees. Exact award amounts are determined annually based on fund resources and applicant pool.

Key takeaways

• Usually two awards annually, typically $2,000–$7,000 each.
• Awards are intended for mandatory costs (tuition, fees).
• Award amounts and counts can change year to year.

Schools and programs eligible Approved institutions and program types

Eligible institutions include public universities, colleges, technical institutes, community consortia, accredited private degree‑granting colleges, and provincially recognized private vocational schools in Alberta. Out‑of‑province programs are eligible when the program is unavailable in Alberta or when the institution specializes in Deaf or Hard of Hearing programming (examples: Gallaudet University, NTID, CSU Northridge). Programs must lead to a recognized degree, diploma, certificate, license, or be an academic upgrading/bridging program that leads to further post‑secondary study or employment.

Key takeaways

• Most Alberta post‑secondary and provincially recognized vocational schools are eligible.
• Specialized out‑of‑province Deaf programs may qualify (e.g., Gallaudet, NTID, CSUN).
• Program must lead to a recognized credential or prepare for further study/employment.

Application requirements (documents) What to submit

Applications must include two reference letters from people who have known the applicant for at least six months and can comment on eligibility criteria. Submit a personal letter describing how you meet the award priorities, an audiogram or medical documentation of hearing loss, and a recent statement of grades (unofficial transcripts or scans are acceptable). Additional documents may be requested to verify residency, enrollment, or financial need.

Key takeaways

• Two reference letters (6+ months relationship) and a personal letter required.
• Audiogram/medical proof of hearing loss required.
• Recent grades acceptable as unofficial statements; official transcripts not required.

Selection criteria and priorities How applications are evaluated

The Awards Panel prioritizes applicants who are actively involved in Deaf organizations, demonstrate school or community leadership, show diligence and reliable attendance, and commit to a program likely to lead to employment or further education. Personal and reference letters should emphasize these priorities. Applicants may be evaluated on combined evidence of community engagement, academic potential, and realistic career pathways.

Key takeaways

• Priority for community involvement, leadership, and volunteerism.
• Evaluation considers diligence, attendance, and commitment to study.
• Letters should explicitly address these priority criteria.

Application timeline, process, and payment Deadlines, interviews, and award disbursement

Applications open May 1 each year. The Awards Panel reviews submissions and selects recipients by the end of October; applicants may be invited to an interview (in ASL or with an interpreter). Successful applicants are notified by email in early November. Awards are generally paid directly to the recipient’s institution upon receipt of an invoice after all award conditions are met; recipients remain responsible for institutional deadlines and any costs not covered by the award. Applicants may reapply in subsequent years; each application covers one academic year.

Key takeaways

• Application opens May 1; decisions made by end of October; notification in early November.
• Interviews may be conducted in ASL or with an interpreter.
• Awards are paid to institutions on invoice; recipients must meet all institutional deadlines and conditions.

History of the award About Charmaine Letourneau

The fund and scholarship honor Charmaine Letourneau, an educator and Deaf advocate who received the Order of Canada in 2001 for her work improving quality of life for Deaf people. The scholarship was established to continue her legacy by supporting post‑secondary opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Albertans. Ongoing community support keeps the fund active and enables annual awards.

Key takeaways

• Scholarship honors Charmaine Letourneau, Order of Canada recipient (2001).
• Created to extend her advocacy by funding education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Albertans.
• Sustained by donations from individuals and community organizations.