High School Scholarships

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Two-Spirit etc. (2SLGBTQIA+). Applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining what identifying as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community means to them and how this award will help them achieve their post-secondary goals;
• submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character, as well as any obstacles or financial needs the person has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals.

Value: $1,500 (each)
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Two (2) awards are available to grade 12 Indigenous students who are enrolled in or accepted into a business program offered by an Alberta college, polytechnic, or university that offers the prerequisite courses required for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Preference is given to students who intend to pursue a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Applicants must:

• be residents of Alberta;
• be a person who self-identifies as Indigenous (i.e. Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to, or are currently pursuing, a career in business or as a professional accountant;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement; and
• submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor.

Value: $1,500 each
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining the qualities they believe are the most important in order to become a successful business leader today and why they believe these qualities contribute to success;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement; and
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher and one (1) additional letter from someone other than a teacher or family member (e.g. former employer, community leader).

Awarded to a student of Rimbey High School based on academic achievement, community service in Rimbey and intends to enter post-secondary institution after graduation. Selection is made by Rimbey High School.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

One award is granted annually to one (1) student in Grade 12 at any Alberta high school. Preference will be given to applicants/nominees who will need to relocate within Alberta in order to attend a post-secondary institution. Selection is based on involvement in volunteer activities, satisfactory academic achievement, and an expressed interest in pursuing a professional accounting designation.

Applicants/nominators must:

• submit one application letter on why applicant/nominee should be considered for the award, indicating financial need, and demonstrating express interest of applicant/nominee in pursuing a professional accounting designation;
• must have completed Grades 10 and 11 in Alberta and is completing/has completed Grade 12 in Alberta in the year of application;
• provide proof of enrollment of applicant/nominee at an Alberta high school;
• provide proof of acceptance into an Alberta post-secondary institution offering the courses required to enter a professional accounting designation program;
• submit transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing of applicant/nominee; and
• submit at least one nomination letter to demonstrate that the applicant/nominee has a record of involvement in volunteer activities.

*Preference will be given to applicants/nominees residing outside of Alberta’s major cities.

The Bentley Awards are funded by two distinguished Albertans who have dedicated much of their lives to serving non-profit entities and the accounting profession.

David DeWolfe Bentley FCA began his accounting career articling with Winspear Hamilton Anderson in Edmonton. He was Managing Partner at Winspear Higgins Stevenson and Doane in Edmonton from 1975-1980, and Managing Partner at Deloitte Haskins and Sells in Edmonton from 1980-84 after the merger of Winspear and Deloitte firms. Throughout his career, Mr. Bentley has been actively involved in the accounting profession. He served as a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) Council from 1967-72, President of the ICAA from 1971-72, and an Alberta Member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Council from 1974-76. Mr. Bentley was recognized for his contributions to the accounting profession and to the community in 1973 when he received his FCA designation.

Mr. Bentley has been an enthusiastic volunteer with Edmonton's Citadel Theatre for 50 years. Beginning as a founding member of the Board in 1965, Mr. Bentley has succeeded in the roles of Treasurer, President of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Board of Governors, and now as a member of the Board of Governors, as the Citadel celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2015.

Janet Bentley graduated from the University of Alberta in Arts and has served on the University’s Senate and Board of Governors. She was the first female member of the Banff School of Advanced Management Board of Governors. Mrs. Bentley has had major roles in many volunteer organizations, including the Citadel Theatre, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Junior League. In 1987, the Bentley's established a Doctoral Fellowship in their names at the University of Alberta School of Business.

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who identifies as a girl/woman including non-binary, transgender and two-spirited individuals. Applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining what being an “empowered young woman” means to them and how this award will help them achieve their post-secondary goals;
• submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character, as well as any obstacles or financial needs the person has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals. 

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who demonstrates leadership through their volunteer activity at school or in their community. Applicant must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining a volunteer activity they currently participate in and how giving back to the community has contributed to their success;
• submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character as well as any obstacles or financial needs the person has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals.

About our Donor
Leo Kelly FCPA, FCA, CFF, Joe Creaghan CPA, CA, and Dmitry Kalchenko CPA, CA are partners of the firm Kelly & Creaghan Chartered Professional Accountants in Calgary, Alberta. They are avid volunteers within their community and are dedicated to advancing the profession forward. Through their firm, they want to give back and support the educational dreams of Alberta high school students who commit their time to their community.

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 FCPA, FCA 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.

Awarded to two Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta and two Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta Company Program participants. The recipients of this award will be sponsored to attend the annual Next Generation Leaders Forum.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who is a member of the Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Colour (POC) community. Applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining what their heritage means to them and how this award will help them achieve their post-secondary goals;
• submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character, as well as any obstacles or financial needs the person has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals.

About our donors
Paula Weiss, CPA, CA and Spencer Weiss, CPA, CA and their children are committed to learning about the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, and the ways that access to education is hindered by systemic and systematic oppression. They understand that they can play a role in repairing history by educating themselves, learning from different communities, and giving back wherever possible. This is why they are happy to fund the BIPOC Success Award and they challenge other CPAs to do the same.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who resides in a community with a population of fewer than 50,000. Applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining what growing up in a rural community means to them and how this award will help them achieve their post-secondary goals;
• submit proof of address (to confirm applicant does not reside in an Urban Centre);
• submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character, as well as any obstacles or financial needs the person has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals. 

About our donors
Paula Weiss, CPA, CA and Spencer Weiss, CPA, CA both spent the majority of their childhoods growing up in small urban centres including Prince Albert, SK, Morden, MB and Lloydminster, AB. They feel it is important to recognize the extra perseverance required to relocate from home to attend post-secondary education. Both graduates of the University of Alberta School of Business in 2003, Paula and Spencer articled and spent their early careers at a national firm. They are happy to support the Rural Learners Award to help other rural youth achieve their educational goals.

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: May 1, 2024

Awarded annually to one (1) grade 12 Alberta high school student who is a current or aspiring entrepreneur. Applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: good character and leadership skills. Preference will be given to applicants who express an interest in pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining the qualities they believe are the most important in order to become a successful entrepreneur and how these qualities help create thriving businesses;
• submit a copy of their post-secondary acceptance letter from an Alberta post-secondary institute and;
• submit one (1) letter of support from a teacher or community leader that describes how the applicant demonstrates good character as well as any obstacles or financial needs the applicant has had to overcome to pursue their educational goals.