Optimist Club William J. Cummer Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Proof of Alberta residency
• ✓ Proof of enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution
• ✓ Confirmation that you are entering the final year of your first undergraduate certificate, degree, or diploma
• ✓ Documentation demonstrating financial need
• ✓ Evidence of volunteerism, service to youth, and leadership experience

About this award

You can receive one award at approximately $2,500, though additional smaller awards may be available. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have dedicated your time to volunteering, leading others, and serving youth in your community. You must apply by May 30, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation during your application if there are any other payment options available. Renewal conditions aren't listed — since you must be entering your final year of study to qualify, confirm with Calgary Foundation if this is a one-time award.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a resident of Alberta. You need to be enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution and entering the final year of study in your first undergraduate certificate, degree, or diploma program. You must demonstrate financial need, a history of volunteerism, leadership experience, and service to youth. Academically, you need a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average — the average of all your grades) greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%. While open to Alberta residents, preference will be given to students from the Calgary area.

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to certificate or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's own page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

4. 4

   This round closed on May 30, 2026

   Check the award's own page for the next round before you prepare anything.

More details