The VJKF Program offers Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) high school students* an opportunity to spend one week conducting research in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. As one of our Kirkness Scholars, you’ll work with university professors and graduate students from one of our partner universities. All of our students are given an opportunity to let us know which areas of STEM research interests them the most!
About Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF)
The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation addresses the under-representation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students at Canadian universities. One of the factors contributing to this is the lack of academic role models for Indigenous students. The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program develops motivated role models who foster the importance of graduating from high school and obtaining a postsecondary education. Our Foundation addresses this by offering scholarships to Indigenous students in grades 11 and 12 to spend a week at a Canadian university, interacting with scie...... continue reading
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VJKF Program
Aim and Benefits of VJKF Program
- All expenses are paid if a student is accepted into the VJKF Program.
- 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 of lab projects that interest them most and we will do our best to match students with one of their top choices (we can’t guarantee that will be possible in every case).
- All students participate in our Certification Celebration on Thursday night.
- On the final afternoon of the Program, each group will make a presentation about their learnings from the lab and their experiences throughout the week. There will be plenty of time to build a successful presentation!
Requirements for VJKF Program Qualification
- 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).
- Confirmed availability for at least one of the Program weeks (see above).
- Student must agree to provide a short update regarding ongoing education activities when requested by VJKF staff.
Documents Required for Application
DEADLINE TO APPLY: DECEMBER 15, 2023.
2024 In-Person Program Dates:
- WEEK ONE: May 12th – 17th
- WEEK TWO: May 26th – 31st
- WEEK THREE: July 7th – 12th
- WEEK FOUR: July 28th – 2nd
- WEEK FIVE: August 11th – 16th
Application Deadline
December 15, 2023
How to Apply
For more details, visit VJKF website.
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