Edmonton Refugee and Emerging Communities Awards

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 National Bank of Canada have established a partnership in the management and delivery of the EREC Scholarship initiative. The awards support members of emerging communities who are residents of the greater Edmonton area attending educational institutions in the region. 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 face barriers to full participation in education and employment. Barriers may include poverty, unemployment, lack of or limited English language skills, low levels of education and skills, and limited access to mainstream services and resources. Each year typically 40 students receive awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Priority is given to students who are current residents of Edmonton or the four surrounding counties, provide evidence of positive community involvement and volunteerism particularly pertaining to refugee and emerging communities, demonstrate commitment to studies and maturity, attend public institutions, and experience financial need. The program of study must lead to a recognized undergraduate, professional or applied degree, a diploma, or certificate. Applicants must be attending or intending to attend a school in the greater Edmonton area and must be able to provide their social insurance number to receive their award. International students are not eligible. Students may reapply in future years but cannot receive this award more than twice.