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CFNWAB

Applications for student awards through CFNWAB up sharply this year

Aug 25, 2022 | 11:31 AM

The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is currently in the midst of reviewing the 121 applications that they have received for student awards.

That is a sharp increase from the 49 applications they got last year.

Community Foundation CEO Laura Lavalley feels it is another sign that life is returning to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Students are looking at those post-secondary opportunities again, where they maybe had those ambitions on hold for some of them. We are also just seeing that the need is great, that these students are looking for support to go to post-secondary. We support students that are just out of high school but we also support mature students as well.”

Lavalley says they introduced a new online portal this year, which made the application process much easier for students.

“Allowing them to see more awards that they might be eligible for. So we are really pleased with the response.” said Lavalley.

“We do have a handful of awards that did not receive any applicants that we are still working on, particularly in the trades. We are still looking for any applicants that are going to trades school to contact us as we do have money available for their schooling as well.”

She encourages students attending a trade school to check out their social media platforms for more information on those awards, and how to apply for them.

Lavalley adds they are currently in the midst of reviewing all applications.

“Sometimes, our fund holders do help with deliberating on the awards. Our portal has an anonymous evaluation system that will allow people to look at the applications and evaluate their merits. We also have a granting committee that takes a look at those applications as well and helps us make those decisions.”

Lavalley says they hope to present a list of award recipients to their board of directors for approval at their September 7th meeting.

Once that happens, they will contact the recipients before announcing the winners on their social media platforms.