entrance awards guide - sait and finance aid/student... · you do receive an award, please take a...

Entrance Awards Guide 2017/2018 | 1

EntranceAwards Guide 2017/2018

Welcome to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

Whether you are starting your very first semester or getting ready to graduate, a student award in the form of a scholarship or bursary can help you achieve your goals.

The first scholarships for our students were created in 1954 and this year, more than $5 million in awards is available to SAIT students in almost every program. Some awards recognize academic success; others recognize community involvement. Some awards are sponsored by SAIT alumni, faculty and staff; others are the result of generous donations from corporate partners and friends. Every student award is dedicated to helping SAIT students find success.

I encourage you to apply for a student award. In this publication, you’ll find everything you need to know about the application process.

This is an exciting time to be at SAIT. In October 2016, we celebrated our centennial and launched our next 100 years as a global leader in applied education.

Throughout our first 10 decades, more than 220,000 students have graduated from SAIT, and the Alumni and Development team is proud of all that our alumni have achieved.

But our team is also dedicated to SAIT students. Alumni and Development works year-round to support current students and their career goals. We’re here to help, and we’d love to meet you. Drop by the Alumni and Development window (AA113 in Heritage Hall) to say hello.

On behalf of the Alumni and Development team, I wish you a great year and continued success.

Brian Bowman Director, Alumni and Development

Welcome to SAIT


The alumni and development team is here to support you from orientation to graduation.SAIT’s Alumni and Development team offers:

THE SAIT STUDENT AWARDS PROGRAM

We are proud to offer more than $5 million in awards to students in almost every program. Awards are available to all qualifying students in recognition of academic success, financial need, community involvement and more.

CONNECTIONS TO INDUSTRY

Get involved with your student club and get connected to alumni and other industry leaders. We contribute to a number of networking events that will connect you to your industry. It’s a great way to learn more about your future career and to meet people who may someday become your employer.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We invite you to roll up your sleeves with a number of events throughout the year. You’ll gain experience to add to your resumé, meet industry professionals and stay connected with fellow students. For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit sait.ca/alumni or email [email protected].

We look forward to meeting you and seeing you throughout the year. Drop by our office at any time. We’re located in room AA113 in Heritage Hall. Good luck with your studies — we can’t wait to celebrate your successes.

PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US!

SAIT Alumni @SAITAlumni SAIT Alumni SAITAlumni SAITAlumni

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Student Awards — a Big BenefitEach year thousands of worthy SAIT students receive over $5 million in awards from our donors. A student award can mean the difference between attending SAIT or not, or having to work while in school and taking longer to graduate. These awards can help you manage your finances so that you are able to start your careers off right.

SAIT offers more than 4,000 awards in the following categories: Entrance, General, School-Nominated and Government.

Entrance AwardsThis brochure outlines the 2017/2018 Entrance Awards that are available online for application until May 30, 2017. Entrance Awards are designated for students who are beginning a new program in the upcoming fall. In some instances they are program-specific and in others, students in all programs may apply.

Please Note: If you are an apprentice, you must apply during your first period of apprenticeship training at SAIT during the 2017/2018 year.

Additional Award CategoriesAdditional awards available to SAIT students are detailed in the Student Awards Guide made available in August each year. Once you are confirmed in your program and have paid your tuition deposit, you can apply for awards in these other categories.

GENERAL AWARDS

Undesignated awards that, in most circumstances, any student in any program may apply for provided they meet the criteria.

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC AWARDS

Designated to the academic schools and specific to each program of study.

GOVERNMENT AWARDS

Designed and issued directly by the government. All details on these awards can be found by visiting alis.alberta.ca/scholarships.

Award CriteriaSAIT awards are given based in whole or in part on the following criteria:

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Academic achievement from high school and/or on specific pre-requisites.

FINANCIAL NEED

Financial need is determined on the comparison of a student’s income and the expenses for the academic year. Students receiving student loans may still be considered in financial need.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Participation in high school events or clubs, community events, volunteer commitments with non-profits and/or charities, and involvement in extracurricular activities such as sports or church. It is important to

My education means the world to my family (fiancé and young son) as we are one step closer to realizing our dreams.


include as much information as possible on these in your application.

DONOR SPECIFIC

Criteria which the donor of the award has identified as important to them.

General InformationWHO MAY APPLY?

Once you are accepted into SAIT as a full-time student in a program or apprenticeship you may be eligible to apply. You must have a SAIT student ID number, have paid your tuition deposit and have access to your mySAIT account.

ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE?

Yes, students who are citizens of countries other than Canada and who have been accepted at SAIT on a student visa are eligible for SAIT student awards. In order to collect the award however, an international student must have either a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or an Individual Tax Number (ITN). International students should contact the SAIT International Student office for details and assistance with this. The office may also suggest other awards that are directed specifically to international students.

How to ApplyApplications are only accepted online at mySAIT.ca. Click on your myStudent tab and look under the Finance Information section for Scholarships and Awards and for the Online Student Awards Application Form. These pages list all of the Entrance Awards – simply check off the awards you wish to apply for. Apply anytime, anywhere. It’s that simple.

Application DeadlinePlease note that Entrance Awards are

open for application until May 30, 2017. This deadline is firm and cannot be extended.

For Apprentice Entrance Awards, you must apply during your first period of training while you are attending SAIT during the 2017/2018 year.

TranscriptsApplicants MUST submit the most recent copy of their high school transcripts to the Alumni and Development office (AA113 or via email to [email protected]) prior to May 30, 2017. If you have provided a copy of your transcript to Student Services when you applied to SAIT, you will still need to provide an additional copy specifically for your awards application.

Application TipsREAD THE CRITERIA

Read the criteria for each award carefully. Please do not apply for an award if you do not meet the essential criteria. Targeting your application will save you time.

A WORD ABOUT YOUR REFERENCES

Choose your references with care. Employers, religious leaders, community leaders, teachers and instructors can serve as excellent references. Ideally your references should have known you for a minimum of six months. Avoid using family members, best friends or roommates.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

If you are applying for any awards that have financial need as a criterion, you must fill in this section. Please provide accurate information on monthly expenses and income. If you are unsure of the exact amounts, please provide estimates.

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ESSAYS, WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION, SPECIALTY CRITERIA

Please read these sections carefully and answer the questions as specifically as you can. It is best to provide as much detailed information as possible.

If I win an award — how will I know?The SAIT Alumni and Development office will notify you if you are selected as a recipient.

There are at least 465 words for “thank you”No matter how you say it — cheers, merci, danke, shukran, xie xie, gracias, shukriya. If you do receive an award, please take a moment to write a thank you note to the donor. in addition, when you are successful in the work force, please keep in touch with us and consider supporting SAIT in any way you can.

Taxation of AwardsScholarships, fellowships or bursaries are usually not taxable and are not reported as income on your tax return provided you are eligible for the education amount. Please visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca and search for “taxation of scholarships” or call the CRA at 1.800.959.8281 to determine your specific tax status.

PLEASE NOTE:

All awards, amounts and numbers of awards as listed in this brochure are subject to receipt of funding. In the event of program cancellation, awards will be reallocated to a program area designated by Alumni and Development.

If there is a discrepancy between the published award criteria or value and the official award documentation located in the Alumni and Development office, the official documentation is deemed accurate.

Award criteria and values are subject to change.

Thank you for your generosity through providing me with this award. Not only has it given me a financial leg up from the burden of full-time studies and lack of income, but it has reinforced my decision to pursue post-secondary and has given me confidence in my ability to succeed.


2017/2018 Entrance AwardsNOTE: Applicants MUST submit the most recent copy of their high school transcripts to the Alumni and Development office (AA113 or via email to [email protected]) prior to May 30, 2017 to be considered for these awards. This transcript is in addition to the transcript submitted to Student Services at the time of application to SAIT.

ALBERTA BLUE CROSS 50TH ANNIVERSARYValue: $1,250 Number: 5Criteria:• Entering a Diploma program• Academic achievement• Attended last year of high school in

Alberta• Alberta resident• Financial need• One award for the Information

Technology program• One award for any Health and Public

Safety diploma program• One award for any diploma program• One award for a student who has

relocated more than 100 km (one way) to attend SAIT

• One award for a student with disabilities where additional expenses are not covered by government funding

Students who have previously successfully completed a certificate, diploma or degree are not eligibleDeadline: May 30

ALBERTA ADVANCED EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGYValue: $5,000 Number: 4Criteria:• Entering one of the following programs:

Automated Systems Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems, Bachelor of Applied Technology Information Systems, Broadcast Systems Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Object-Oriented Software Developer

• Academic merit• Leadership through community

involvement• May study at SAIT or at distance

delivery sites within CanadaProcess:• In the event of a tie, financial need will

be consideredDeadline: May 30

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ANNE AND CHRISTOPHER KEANValue: $2,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering the Bachelor of Business

Administration program in the School of Business

• Financial need• Academic achievement• Canadian citizen or permanent resident• Preference given to single parentsDeadline: May 30

BARB HIGGINS — INSPIRATIONValue: $1,200 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering the Film and Video Production,

Journalism or Radio, Television and Broadcast News programs

• Financial need• Extra-curricular and community

activities• Preference given to females and single

parentsDeadline: May 30

BISSETT BURSARY PROGRAM Value: up to $6,500, tuition only Number: up to 20Renewal availableNominated from designated area High Schools, and identified as meeting the following criteria:• Academic achievement• Financial need• Community involvementProcess:• To qualify for renewal of award,

recipients must maintain minimum academic requirements, complete Lamb Learner Services Centre requirements and continue to demonstrate eligibility under the criteria outlined above.

• For more information about this award, please visit sait.ca and search for Bissett Bursary Program.

Deadline: Apply through your guidance counsellor or success coach anytime. First selection deadline: November 15, 2016; second selection deadline February 24, 2017

CARTHY FOUNDATIONValue: $5,000 Number: 4Criteria:• Entering one of the following programs:

Administrative Information Management, Bachelor of Applied Technology Information Systems, Baking and Pastry Arts, Broadcast Systems Technology, Business Administration, Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Technology — Paramedic, Film and Video Production, Graphic Communication and Print Technology, Health Information Management, Hospitality Management, Journalism, Legal Assistant, Library Information Technology, New Media Production and Design, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles, Professional Cooking, Radio Television and Broadcast News, Respiratory Therapy, Travel and Tourism

• Academic achievement• Financial need• Leadership/community involvementDeadline: May 30

CALDWELL FAMILY AWARDValue: $2,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering the Bachelor of Applied

Technology Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Technology or Power Engineer Technology programs

• Financial need• Academic achievement in prerequisite

subjects required for admission• Female studentDeadline: May 30


CALGARY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION CENTENNIALValue: $1,750 Number: 2Criteria:• Entering the School of Construction in a

degree or diploma program or apprenticeship, or one of the following: Electrician apprentice, Welding apprentice, Crane Operator or Iron Worker

• Financial need• Academic achievement in prerequisite

subjects required for admission• Demonstrates leadership, volunteerism

and a positive attitude• One award for a female student and

one for a male student• Canadian citizen or landed immigrant• Preference given to an Alberta residentDeadline: May 30

DALE LANDRY MEMORIALValue: $1,830, $2,750 Number: 2Criteria:• One award for entering a Certificate

program• One award for entering a Diploma,

Applied Degreeor Degree program

• Financial need - intended to assist individuals with extenuating circumstances who may not be able to attend SAIT without financial assistance

Deadline: May 30

DICK AND LOIS HASKAYNEValue: $4,000 Number: 5Criteria:• Entering a Certificate or Diploma

program• Financial need• Academic achievement• Graduate of a rural Canadian high

school• Preference given to students who

intend to live in SAIT residence during their first year

Deadline: May 30

I am grateful for this award because I’m a student new to Calgary and Alberta and new to living on my own. This award means less pressure to make ends meet, more time to study and keep a balanced life, and it means being able to visit my family for the holidays.

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Student award relieves financial burdens

Graduating from high school, enrolling into post-secondary and moving away from home all at once is no walk in the park.

Elise Wocknitz felt the pressure when she packed her bags and left her hometown of Lethbridge to begin SAIT’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program. Wanting to pursue her dreams, she began looking for ways to pay for her education.

“I’ve stressed out about money a lot so anything that could take that stress off and make it easier to focus on my schoolwork would definitely be beneficial,” she said.

One of Wocknitz’s options was to apply for an Entrance Award through SAIT’s Student Awards program. She took a chance, and applied online.

She was so excited to hear the news that she’d been selected to receive a Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Award. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement and community involvement. Wocknitz was even more pleased to learn that it was a renewable award, which meant that if she maintained her grades, she’d receive more funds in her second year.

“I was carrying some student loans because I didn’t have enough money coming out of high school, so the scholarship took a big weight off my shoulders,” she said.

DMS is a demanding program with an intense course load and a thorough work placement practicum that didn’t leave much time for an additional part-time job. Paying rent, living expenses and tuition would’ve made for a tough two years, but the award Wocknitz received helped her keep up with her work and she graduated with flying colours.

After graduation Wocknitz landed a job at a clinic in Lethbridge. She says it was great to have the opportunity to apply her training in her chosen field.

“I like how basically every day I go to work, I learn something new. There are no two cases that are exactly alike and I’m always on my toes. I feel like I’m challenged every day. The technology is always changing and it’s something that I need to keep learning about.”

Wocknitz loved the community at SAIT. She says everyone she encountered helped make a demanding program easier and she even works closely with one of her fellow alumni.

“Coming to class and interacting with the instructors was a great day, every day,” Wocknitz says.

She advises new students to seek out SAIT’s Student Awards Program. “Don’t be afraid to apply,” she says. “You never know what you might get unless you try.”

by Jolisa Tweedie | SAIT Journalism Student


DR. FAYAZ BHARWANIFunded by: Esmail Safana Farzana Fayaz Bharwani Foundation

Value: $750 Number: 3Criteria:• Financial need • Academic achievement• One award for a student who is a

landed immigrant entering the Bachelor of Business Administration program

• Two awards for students entering any full time program in the School of Health and Public Safety:

» One for an international student demonstrating community spirit

» One for a mature student demonstrating career discovery

Deadline: May 30

EHT STUDENT BURSARY Value: $1,500 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering a Certificate or Diploma,

Applied Degree or Degree program• Financial need• Intended for a student with a

documented learning disabilityDeadline: May 30

ESMAIL BHARWANI Funded by: Esmail Safana Farzana Fayaz Bharwani Foundation

Value: $750 Number: 4Criteria:• Financial need • Academic achievement• Two awards for students entering the

Bachelor of Business Administration program:

» One for a single parent » One for a mature student

demonstrating career discovery• Two awards for students entering any

full time program in the School of

Health and Public Safety: » One for a student demonstrating

community involvement with preference for a student employed or recently employed with a Not for Profit


Deadline: May 30

FAIRFAX FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITEDValue: $3,500 Number: 1Possible renewal for 3 years for an additional $3,500 annuallyCriteria:• Entering a Diploma, Applied Degree or

Degree program• For a recent high school graduate (no

longer than 18 months between graduation and SAIT enrolment)

• Financial need• Academic achievement of 75% based on

prerequisite marks• Community involvement• Canadian citizen or landed immigrantProcess:• To qualify for renewal of award,

recipients must continue enrolment in their chosen program in consecutive semesters (excluding four month semester break), and continue to demonstrate eligibility under the criteria outlined above.

• Recipients must re-apply each year and declare if participating in a work-study program.

• This award is also listed on the Online Application under the General Awards Section.

Deadline: May 30

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FARZANA BHARWANI Funded by: Esmail Safana Farzana Fayaz Bharwani Foundation



» One for an international student demonstrating community spirit


• One award for landed immigrant entering any full time program in the School of Health and Public Safety.

Deadline: May 30

GENE HAAS FOUNDATIONValue: $1,000 Number: 3Criteria:• For a student entering the Machinist

Technician program• Financial need• Preference for a student who has

completed high school Registered Apprentice Program (RAP) training

• Preference given to female students• Preference given to a student with a

documented disabilityDeadline: May 30

HIRE A STUDENT / THE CALGARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEValue: $390 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering a Certificate, Diploma, Applied

Degree or Degree program• Financial needDeadline: May 30

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AWARD Value: $1,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering a full time certificate, diploma

or degree or applied degree program• Academic achievement in previous

education• Why you chose SAIT and your program Deadline: May 30

RICHARD BERNHARDT MEMORIAL Value: 3 installments of $750 Number: 1Criteria:• Enrolled in the first period of an

Apprenticeship program• Academic achievement• Financial need• Leadership/community involvement• Alberta resident• Preference given to applicants travelling

to attend SAIT from Coronation or the surrounding towns in the County of Paintearth

• In the event that there are no applicants from the above area, preference will be given to applicants registered in the Auto Body Technician, Automotive Service Technician and Parts Technician Apprentice programs

Process:• The intent of this award is to provide

three equal installments of $500 to the student in their first, second and third periods of continuous apprenticeship training at SAIT

• This award is also listed on the Online Application under the General Awards Section.

Deadline: Apply during your first period of apprenticeship training during the 2016/2017 year


ROBERT SPENCE MEMORIALValue: $2,965 Number: 3And possible renewal in future years

Criteria:• Entering a Certificate, Diploma, Applied

Degree or Degree program• Must be bilingual (French/English) or

have an educational background in French language or French immersion/bilingual programs

• Scholastic achievement of 70% based on prerequisite subjects

• Financial need• Canadian citizenProcess:• Recipients who remain in good

academic standing must re-apply for assistance in each future year

• This award is also listed on the Online Application under the General Awards Section

Deadline: May 30

SAFANA BHARWANI Funded by: Esmail Safana Farzana Fayaz Bharwani Foundation



» One for a student demonstrating community involvement with preference for a student employed or recently employed with a Not for Profit


• One award for a single parent entering any full time program in the School of Health and Public Safety.

Deadline: May 30

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SAIT ACCESSValue: $1,375 Number: 2Criteria:• Entering a Certificate, Diploma, Applied

Degree or Degree program• Financial needDeadline: May 30

SAIT ACCESS, APPRENTICEValue: $1,375 Number: 1Criteria:• Enrolled in the first period of an

Apprenticeship program• Financial need• This award is also listed on the Online

Application under the General Awards Section.

Deadline: Apply during your first period of apprenticeship training during the 2016/2017 year

SAIT ENTRANCE Value: $895 Number: 8Criteria:• Entering a Certificate or Diploma

program, one award per department• Entering SAIT directly from high school• Academic achievement in prerequisite

subjects required for admission• Financial needDeadline: May 30

SAIT FAMILY CAMPAIGN PEER RECOGNITION Value: $1000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering a full time Certificate, Diploma

or Degree program• Financial need• Community involvement• Academic achievement in prerequisite

subjects required for admission• Preference for dependents of current

SAIT staffDeadline: May 30

SAIT FIRST CHOICE — BMO FINANCIAL Value: $5,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering a diploma program• Academic achievement• Extra-curricular and community

activities• Must be a Canadian CitizenDeadline: May 30

SAIT FIRST CHOICE — CIBCValue: $5,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering the Bachelor of Business

Administration Degree program• Overall highest average high school

marks• Extra-curricular and community

activities• Canadian citizen or landed immigrantDeadline: May 30

SAIT FIRST CHOICE — SAIT BOARD OF GOVERNORSValue: $4,000, $2,500 Number: 8Criteria:• Two awards for entering a Certificate

program• Four awards for entering a Diploma,

Applied Degree or Degree program• Academic achievement based on

prerequisite marksDeadline: May 30

SAIT FIRST CHOICE — SAIT BOARD OF GOVERNORS, APPRENTICE(Listed on the Online Application under the General Awards Section)Value: $1,500 Number: 5Criteria:• Enrolled in the first period of an

Apprenticeship program• Financial need• Leadership/community involvementDeadline: Apply during your first period of apprenticeship training during the 2016/2017 year

But as a dark cloud has a silver lining, your generous donation came into my life…and I have no words to explain how much it means to me.

SAIT FIRST CHOICE — SCOTIABANKValue: $3,000 Number: 2Criteria:• Entering a Diploma program• Academic achievement based on • prerequisite marks• Extra-curricular and community

activities• Canadian citizenDeadline: May 30

STEPPER HOMES Value: $2,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering Architectural Technologies

program in the School of Construction• Community involvement • Academic achievement (75% or higher) • Financial need • Alberta resident• Preference given to students who have

taken construction related courses in high school.

Deadline: May 30

THE TD BANK GROUP Value: $1,000 Number: 9Criteria:• Entering the Bachelor of Business


• Academic achievement (75% or higher)• Community involvementDeadline: May 30

THE TD BANK GROUP Value: $2,000 Number: 4

Criteria:• Entering the Bachelor of Business


• Financial need• Academic achievement (75% or higher)• Community involvementDeadline: May 30

WXN INSPIRING LEADER Value: $5,000 Number: 1Criteria:• Entering one of the following programs:

Mechanical Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Applied Technology, Petroleum Engineering or Chemical Engineering

• Leadership and community involvement • Academic achievement in prerequisite

subjects • Financial need • Female studentDeadline: May 30

1301 –16 Ave. NW Calgary, AB T2M 0L4Canada403.284.7248 1.877.284.7248 (Toll Free) sait.ca

entrance awards guide - sait and finance aid/student... · you do receive an award, please take a...

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