Scholarship Value $1,500

Number of Scholarships 6

Description

Purpose

The RMA Post‑Secondary Scholarship supports young rural Albertans who plan to pursue post‑secondary education and later contribute to their local communities. The program recognizes that educated residents strengthen the long‑term wellbeing of rural municipalities. It awards multiple scholarships each year to help offset education costs and encourage community‑focused career paths.

Key takeaways

• Designed to encourage rural Albertans to continue post‑secondary education.
• Focus on contributions to local government and rural communities.
• Administered by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA).

History of the

Award

Origin and intent

The scholarship program was established by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta in 1995 to address the importance of an educated population for rural community sustainability. Since then, RMA has offered the awards as part of its commitment to develop local leadership and capacity. The program continues to be an RMA initiative aimed at supporting students with rural ties.

Key takeaways

• Founded in 1995 by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta.
• Created to support rural community wellbeing through education.
• Ongoing RMA‑administered scholarship program.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Eligible applicants must live in a municipality that is a member in good standing with RMA—typically municipal districts, counties, specialized municipalities, and the Special Areas (residents of incorporated villages, towns, and cities are generally not eligible). Applicants must be in their first four years of study at a recognized post‑secondary institution and must not already hold a degree or diploma. Candidates should be pursuing studies relevant to local government or rural communities and explain that relevance in their application; preference is given to those attending institutions in Alberta unless the chosen program is unavailable in the province.

Key takeaways

• Residency in an RMA member municipality (municipal districts, counties, specialized municipalities, Special Areas).
• First four years of post‑secondary study; no prior degrees/diplomas.
• Studies should relate to local government or rural community needs; preference for Alberta institutions.

Award

Value

Number and amount

Each award is a cash scholarship of $1,500. Six scholarships are available to be awarded to successful applicants in each award cycle.

Key takeaways

• Individual scholarship value: $1,500.
• Total number awarded: six recipients per cycle.
• Monetary amount awarded to each successful applicant.

Application

Procedure

Required submission materials

Applications must be submitted as a complete package to be considered. Required items include: the completed RMA Post‑Secondary Scholarship application form; a letter from the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) verifying residency; a personal letter describing educational goals and program relevance to rural/local government; transcripts (high school if entering first year, otherwise most recent year of post‑secondary); proof of acceptance or enrollment; and a brief resume outlining work, volunteer, and community involvement. Contact information for your CAO is available on your municipality’s website.

Key takeaways

• Submit a complete package with form, CAO residency letter, personal letter, transcripts, enrollment proof, and resume.
• High school transcripts for first‑year applicants; most recent post‑secondary transcripts for returning students.
• CAO contact details can be found on the municipality’s website.

Judging

Procedure

Selection criteria

RMA evaluates all applications internally against a combination of factors designed to identify community‑minded, high‑potential candidates. The primary criteria are citizenship and community involvement, the strength and clarity of the applicant’s personal letter, and academic performance. RMA uses these criteria together to select recipients who demonstrate both commitment to rural communities and the capability to succeed academically.

Key takeaways

• Applications judged by RMA using multiple criteria.
• Main evaluation factors: community involvement, personal letter, and academics.
• Selection balances community commitment with academic merit.

Application

Timeline

Process and timing considerations

Specific deadlines and award cycles are set by RMA and should be confirmed on the RMA website or through RMA communications. In general, applicants should allow time to obtain the CAO residency letter and any official transcripts, submit the complete package before the posted deadline, and expect an internal review period before recipients are notified. Successful candidates will be asked to confirm registration before funds are released.

Key takeaways

• Check RMA for current deadlines and submission windows.
• Plan ahead to secure CAO letters and official transcripts.
• Recipients are notified after RMA’s review and must confirm enrollment to receive funds.

Presentation of the

Award

Payment conditions

Scholarship funds are disbursed by cheque upon receipt of confirmation of registration at a recognized post‑secondary institution (Alberta institutions are preferred when the program is available in‑province). The payment condition ensures recipients are actively enrolled in the stated program before funds are released. Award presentation follows RMA’s verification of enrollment and final recipient confirmation.

Key takeaways

• Funds released as a cheque after confirmation of registration.
• Registration confirmation at a recognized post‑secondary institution is required.
• Recipients must verify enrollment to receive the $1,500 award.