Your future is waiting
New awards for high school students open doors
It can be hard to look to the future while dealing with an ongoing pandemic and complex economic and societal challenges. Last year, students dealt with new concerns, including a switch to online learning, while having important conversations about diversity and inclusion. In the midst of this upheaval, financial support is more important than ever.
The CPA Education Foundation encourages students to continue looking ahead, and it provides the support they need to achieve their education and career goals. Each year, the Foundation awards more than $150,000 to students at all stages of their education, including those who are about to graduate high school.
“Students right now are experiencing tremendous upheaval and change, including the economic challenges that have resulted for many families during the pandemic,” says Rachel Miller FCPA, FCA, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We hope our awards help mitigate some of the financial barriers to them pursuing their post-secondary goals.”
The Foundation offers 10 awards, totalling nearly $20,000, specifically to high school students. This includes several new awards created this year as part of the Stepping Up initiative, which helps promising young Albertans, especially those in rural areas, overcome barriers and pursue their dream careers. These new awards not only continue to address financial challenges, but also support BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ students.
Priscilla Chirom, who received the CPA Young Emerging Professionals Award in 2020 as a high school student, says receiving a Foundation award is an honour. “To know that such distinguished and accredited supporters of the CPA Education Foundation believe that I am deserving of such an award is so inspiring. It encourages me to explore my fullest potential,” she says.
She also explains that, in addition to the award helping her pursue her education, she appreciated the opportunity to showcase her culture. “A big part of my identity lies in my culture and my relationship with our very small, tight-knit Meitei community,” says Priscilla. “Meitei roughly translates to ‘mixed people’—mei meaning ‘people’ and tei meaning ‘mix’—and is a fusion of various nations, such as China, Mongolia, and India. It is a great privilege to be able to represent my unique heritage to all of the donors of this award.”
Although the world continues to seem uncertain right now, the Foundation believes education offers a path forward and the hope of a future filled with possibilities. Helping students overcome the barriers that may limit that future is the Foundation’s responsibility and privilege.
The CPA Education Foundation is committed to supporting students, like Priscilla, along their educational journey. Whether you’re an avid volunteer or have appeared on the Dean’s list, there is a Foundation award for you! Check out the full list of awards and information on how to apply.