What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Permanent public service employment within Edmonton city limits.
• How the proposed course of study will promote public service excellence.
• Residence in the greater Edmonton area and permanent residence or citizenship of Canada.
• Pursuit of a program of study leading to a recognized certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree, or professional designation at a school operating in Edmonton.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate:

• Commitment to an ongoing career in the public service.
• Educational goals related to refining the employee’s ability to promote public service excellence.
• Financial need to cover educational costs beyond those provided by the employer.

What is the application deadline and process?

The Awards Panel will review applications and select award recipients by Mid-October. Candidates will be advised of the status of their application by email by the end of October. Edmonton Community Foundation will notify accepting post-secondary institutions of any scholarship recipients once all award conditions have been fulfilled.

In general, awards will be paid directly to the institution of study, to be applied to the recipient’s tuition.

Who is a public service employee?

Employees of the federal, provincial or municipal governments are eligible to apply. Employees of universities, hospitals, school boards or other similar bodies are not eligible to apply. Employees who have a direct reporting relationship to elected officials (such as deputy ministers, executive assistants, constituency office staff, etc.) are also not eligible.

Applicants must be permanent public sector employees. Employees on maternity leave or self-funded leave are eligible.

What documents do I need to provide?

With the completed application form, applicants must provide:

• A reference letter from their manager or supervisor which recommends the student and the course of study. Reference letters should clearly address how the applicant meets the criteria and priorities.
• A personal reference from someone (not a relative) who can address how the applicant meets the criteria.
• A resume which outlines the applicant’s employment and educational (including training provided by the employer) history.

Before an award is confirmed, recipients must provide:

• Proof of enrollment in the program of choice. If available, submit this with your application.

What schools and programs are eligible?

Awards can be used at any public university, college, or technical institute operating in Edmonton, as well as at any private institution or vocational school in Edmonton which is accredited by the Province of Alberta.

An applicant’s program of study must lead to a recognized degree, diploma, certificate, or professional designation (a certification that attests to the competence of an individual to practice within a profession related to public administration, including, but not limited to, law, accounting, urban planning, business, social planning, engineering, and architecture).