The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program offers an incredible opportunity for Indigenous students in Grades 11 and 12 to experience hands-on research at Canada’s top universities!
bout the Program:
Each year, VJKF provides Indigenous students with an immersive experience in STEM fields, giving them the chance to:
– Work on real research projects with university professors.
– Experience what it’s like to live on a university campus.
– Build meaningful connections with mentors and peers from Indigenous communities.
– Gain the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue post-secondary education in STEM.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
- Applicant self-Identifies as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student currently in grades 11 or 12.
- Completed application (online or mailed in).
- Signed guardian consent form.
- Reference letter from teacher or guidance counsellor.
- Essay written by the student indicating why they are interested in attending the VJKF Program (100–400 words).
- OR, Video submission from student indicating why they are interested in attending the VJKF Program (1-3 minutes)
- Confirmed availability for at least one of the Program weeks.
- Student must agree to provide a short update regarding ongoing education activities when requested by VJKF staff.
- DEADLINE TO APPLY: DECEMBER 20, 2024
How to Apply:
STEP 1 – REFERENCE LETTER
The letter of reference should indicate that you have the interest and ability to attend college, university or other post-secondary education after graduating from grade 12 and that attending the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program would help you to decide what you would like to study. Student grades are not a factor in attending the VJKF Program.
Your reference should indicate how they know you and explain why you would be a good participant for this Program.
STEP 2 – PERSONAL ESSAY OR VIDEO
In a maximum of 400 (TYPED) words, tell us why you are interested in attending the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program. Applications with less than 50-word essays will not be considered. This essay is the most important part of the application!
OR
In a 1 – 3 minute video please explain why you are interested in attending the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program. This video is the most important part of the application. The more information you provide, the better chance you have of being accepted. Upload your video to Youtube, TikTok or another platform of your choice and share the link with us in the application form below.
STEP 3 – GUARDIAN CONSENT FORM
Please have a parent or guardian sign the guardian consent form. Upload this form as part of your application below.
STEP 4 – PROGRAM DATES
Accepted students will be assigned to a university and week, and provided with the list of research opportunities at that university. Students will be able to select their top 5 choices that interest them most. We will do our best to match students with their #1 choice, but we can’t guarantee that will be possible in all cases.
2025 In-Person Program Dates:
Option 1: May 11–16
Option 2: May 19–23
Option 3: June 1–6
Option 4: July 6–11
Option 5: July 20–25
*Students can only participate in 1 program week.
STEP 5 – SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
You can use the online form below to submit your application, or download the application package to submit your application by mail.
Carefully fill out all your details and upload all of your documents including your guardian consent form and reference letter. If you have any questions please call our office at (587) 814-0444 or email ProgramManager@vjkf.org
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
