Scholarships

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The Edmonton Refugee & Emerging Community (EREC) scholarship fund was established at Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) to enhance the quality of life for refugees and members of Emerging Communities living in the greater Edmonton area. Africa Centre, ECF and Canadian Western Bank (CWB), have established a partnership in the management and delivery of the EREC Scholarship initiative. In order to facilitate the operation of this initiative, Africa Centre collaborates with the emerging community through a scholarship advisory committee.

In this context, “Emerging Community” is defined as a group of people who are immigrants, refugees, or part of a family that includes immigrants or refugees from a particular cultural, national, or ethnic background where a significant number of the members of that community face barriers to full participation in education and employment. Without limiting the generality of this definition, barriers may include but are not limited to poverty; unemployment; lack of / or limited English language skills; low levels of education and skills; and, limited access to mainstream services and resources.

The intent of the initiative is to support the educational aspirations of the families from emerging communities.

The Scholarship Award aims to support families obtain employment in their chosen field or pursue further educational opportunities at a post-secondary level. Awards generally range from $1,000-$3,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship award you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a member of an emerging community 

  • You are attending a school in the greater Edmonton area, or intending to attend a school in the greater Edmonton. 

  • Applicants must be Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected 

  • Persons under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Visa Students are not eligible)

To be eligible for the scholarship award you must meet the following criteria:

  • Experience financial need 

  • Current residents of Edmonton or the four surrounding areas 

  • Demonstrate commitment to studies, maturity, and likelihood of their program leading to improved employment opportunities

Program of study must lead to a recognized undergraduate, professional, or applied degree, a diploma, or certificate. Academic upgrading, college preparation, after degrees, graduate programs, and international students are ineligible.

EREC Scholarship 2024

To Apply

Click the button below and select Edmonton Refugee and Emerging Communities Award

Applications open on March 1, 2024

Applications close on May 1, 2024

For more information about the review process or for questions, contact scholarships@africacentre.ca

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TESTIMONIAL

The scholarship was a really uplifting moment for me. It encouraged me to value the work I do in my community and motivated me to further build on my leadership skills, so that I can continue that path. I am genuinely grateful for opportunities such as the EREC scholarship that allow me to advance my education, while still striving to make a difference in my community.

Sometimes it feels like those goals are incompatible, due to the emphasis typically put on academic achievements, but I appreciate this award for showing me that this does not have to be the case. Thank you to the awards committee for granting me this award.

— ROBYN TAYLOR

I'm going to be a social worker and this scholarship came at the right time...it will help me with my education and...when I'm done, I'll be able to give back to the community.

— INTISAR MOHAMMED
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