Sparking Great Careers Initiatives

Find the spark that could lead to a career! With the help of generous donors, Sparking Great Careers will help introduce students to the CPA profession. In this section you’ll find some of the programs and services – like internships, scholarships and soft-skill development seminars – that will help students build the skills to prepare them for the workforce.

Internships

Are you curious about what it’s like to be a CPA? Sparking Great Careers Internships offer students a unique opportunity to work alongside CPAs, all while gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.

Internships are available for both high school and post-secondary students at various locations throughout the province. Placements occur during the summer months:

  • May to August for post-secondary, and
  • July to August for high school students.

If you are interested in applying for a spot, please complete the form, indicating preferred location, and attach a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in an internship position.

Apply now! 

Application deadlines:

  • Post-secondary students - January 31, 2024
  • High school students - May 1, 2024

High School Internship Criteria

High School Internships Post-Secondary Internships

Scholarships

Value: $1,250 (each)
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Four (4) awards granted annually to four high school students enrolled in grade 12 at an Alberta high school and accepted into a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Management, or Bachelor of Commerce program at an Alberta post-secondary institution.

Applicants must:

  • submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award, indicating financial need and demonstrating professionalism, integrity, ethics and leadership qualities, and expressing an interest in the CPA profession, while indicating that they do not have current ties to the CPA profession (i.e., an immediate family member who is a CPA);
  • provide proof of acceptance at an Alberta post-secondary institution in the programs listed above; and
  • submit at least one nomination letter of support from a current teacher or community leader.

About our donor

Michael Burnyeat CPA, CA is the Vice Chair of the CPA Education Foundation Board of Governors. He is currently an independent consultant in the public sector with experience in the energy, IT and insurance industries. Michael is passionate about ensuring young Albertans have access to opportunities to learn more about careers in accounting.

How to Apply

Value: $2,500 (each)
Application deadline: January 31, 2024

Two (2) awards granted annually to two post-secondary students enrolled in any year of study in a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Management, or Bachelor of Commerce program at an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers all the prerequisite courses for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

Applicants must:

  • submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award, indicating financial need and demonstrating expressed interest of applicant/nominee in pursuing a CPA designation, while indicating that they do not have current ties to the CPA profession (i.e., an immediate family member who is a CPA);
  • provide proof of enrolment at an Alberta post-secondary institution in the programs listed above; and
  • submit at least one nomination letter of support from a current instructor or community leader.

About our donor

Michael Burnyeat CPA, CA is the Vice Chair of the CPA Education Foundation Board of Governors. He is currently an independent consultant in the public sector with experience in the energy, IT and insurance industries. Michael is passionate about ensuring young Albertans have access to opportunities to learn more about careers in accounting.

How to Apply
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