Education has long been a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter future. In pursuit of this vision, numerous scholarships exist to support students in their academic journey. Among these, the Louise McKinney Scholarship stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a remarkable woman who blazed trails in Canadian history. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the Louise McKinney Scholarship, delving into its eligibility criteria, application process, selection procedure, and the invaluable opportunities it presents to aspiring scholars.
However, before we delve into the intricacies of the scholarship program, it’s essential to understand the extraordinary life and contributions of Louise McKinney herself. As we progress through this article, we’ll also take a brief glimpse into the biography of this popular figure, whose dedication to progress and equality continues to inspire generations of Canadians.
Louise McKinney Biography
Louise McKinney, born Louise Crummy on September 22, 1868, was a prominent Canadian figure known for her multifaceted contributions. She made history as the first woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the British Empire’s first female legislator. Serving from 1917 to 1921, she was a member of the Non-Partisan League.
Before her political career, McKinney was a dedicated schoolteacher and a fervent advocate for temperance. Her involvement in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was extensive; she led the Alberta branch for 22 years, from 1908 to 1930. In 1930, she was elected president of the Dominion WCTU and played a pivotal role in organizing the 1931 World Convention in Toronto.
McKinney’s advocacy extended to social issues, supporting stricter immigration laws and the establishment of institutions for “feeble-minded” individuals. Her influence was not confined to her lifetime, as in 2009, the Senate of Canada posthumously honored her, alongside other members of the Famous Five, as Canada’s first honorary Senators. Her legacy endures as a trailblazer for women’s rights and progressive causes in Canada.
Jason Lang Scholarship & Louise McKinney Scholarship
The Louise McKinney Post-secondary Scholarship, named in honor of Louise McKinney, is designed to acknowledge and incentivize academic excellence among students, motivating them to pursue their undergraduate or professional studies further. This scholarship has a value of $2,500 and is available to a substantial number of students, with up to 1,450 scholarships being awarded every year. It serves as a commendable recognition of students’ dedication to their educational pursuits and provides financial support to help them continue their academic journey. The scholarship not only honors Louise McKinney’s legacy but also contributes to the educational aspirations of many deserving students.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the Louise McKinney Scholarship are as follows:
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons. Visa students are not eligible for this scholarship.
- They must be residents of Alberta, which can be established under several conditions:
- One parent or legal guardian has maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before starting post-secondary studies and currently resides in Alberta.
- Alberta is the last place where the student lived for 12 consecutive months before commencing post-secondary studies.
- The student’s spouse or partner has maintained permanent residence in Alberta for 12 consecutive months before the student attends post-secondary education.
- Eligible applicants should be enrolled full-time in the second year or beyond of an undergraduate or professional program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta.
- They must maintain satisfactory academic standing, as determined by the post-secondary institution they are attending.
It’s important to note that students are not eligible for the Louise McKinney Scholarship if they have already been nominated for a Jason Lang Scholarship in the same academic year, are enrolled in a graduate program, are apprentices, or are pursuing upgrading courses. These criteria ensure that the scholarship is awarded to deserving candidates who meet the specified requirements and are committed to their undergraduate or professional education in Alberta.
Application Process
The application process for the Louise McKinney Scholarship involves contacting the Student Awards Office at your school to obtain information on how to apply and to inquire about the application deadline. Once you have the necessary details, you should submit your scholarship application directly to the Student Awards Office. This process ensures that your application is properly handled and considered for the scholarship opportunity. It’s essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your school’s Student Awards Office to complete your application successfully and have the chance to receive the scholarship.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Louise McKinney Scholarship primarily relies on academic standing. Candidates are assessed based on their academic performance. However, it’s important to note that there is a limited number of scholarships available at each educational institution, and application deadlines may differ from one school to another. To get more information or clarify any questions regarding the scholarship policy at a specific school, applicants should reach out to the Student Awards Office of that institution.
For students considering changing their educational institution or program, it’s advisable to contact the Awards Office at their current institution to determine their eligibility for the Louise McKinney Scholarship in the new context.
Students studying within the province of Alberta are typically nominated for the scholarship by the Student Awards Offices at eligible public post-secondary schools in Alberta.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that numerous other scholarships and awards are offered by various organizations, and applicants are encouraged to explore the scholarship opportunities available on the websites of Alberta’s universities and colleges. This broader research can help students identify additional sources of financial support for their educational pursuits.