We know Big Lakes County grows innovative, hard-working students – so we wanted to make it easier for you to return back to your roots. Through the Return of Service Bursary Program, Big Lakes County hopes to incentivize post-secondary graduates originally from our County to return and provide their expertise in our diverse workforce. Council Policy ADMIN-58 governs this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Big Lakes County students in grade twelve at the time of application; or
  • Students registered or currently attending a post-secondary institution, who were residents of the County for at least one year preceding the start of their program.

One award of $3,000 is available each year.

  • Proof of residency;
  • Proof of enrollment; and
  • Two recommendations.

What you need to know

  • Preference will be given to post-secondary students in their last year of studies or students enrolled in a specialty program like medicine or dentistry;
  • Three months residency is required for each $500 of bursary support;
  • If you weren’t selected to receive the bursary, you are eligible to reapply every year that you’re enrolled in your program.

Apply Online

Apply for a Return of Service Bursary online below or download an application and submit it in person, by mail, fax, or email to:

 

Attn: Grants Officer

Big Lakes County

5305 56 street, Box 239

High Prairie, AB   T0G 1E0

P: 780 523 5955   F: 780 523 4227

Email: [email protected]

Step 1 of 5

Applicant Information

Contact

For more information, please refer to the Return of Service Bursary Policy or contact Kimberly Moore, Grants Officer at 780-523-5955 or [email protected]

Deadline

Deadline to apply is May 15.

Other Opportunities

Ruth Pratt Memorial Bursary

The High Prairie Agricultural Society has been active in the High Prairie area since 1911, making us one of the oldest community organizations in the region. Upon request by Mr. Frank Pratt, the High Prairie Agricultural Society is pleased to offer the Ruth Pratt Memorial Bursary, beginning in 2022, to a local student pursuing secondary education in an agricultural program. This bursary will honor Mrs. Pratt, her commitment and contributions to the community, and her passion for the agricultural way of life. The application deadline for student applications is June 1st, 2022 and the winner will be announced June 30, 2022. application form can be found online.

 

Elliot & Rosche Memorial Bursary

The Lesser Slave Watershed Council (LSWC) is a non-profit, charitable Watershed Planning and Advisory Council that has been active in the region since the mid 1990’s, and formally operating since 2007. Mr. Brian Elliott and Mr. Brian Rosche were two of the founding members and served on our Board of Directors from its inception until their passing. The LSWC is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the first annual Elliott & Rosche Memorial Bursary of $1000. The bursary will be awarded to a post-secondary student pursuing environmental sciences, biology, earth sciences, or a water focused program starting in September 2022. The application deadline for student applications is June 1st, 2022 and the winner will be announced June 30, 2022. The application form and can be found online.

 

Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) Bursary Program
The NADC Bursary is a return service bursary of $6,000 per year for a maximum of two years and is offered to students in their final two years of post-secondary studies. It is meant to encourage students to train for jobs that are in demand in northern Alberta. To learn more about the NADC’s bursaries, visit their website. Applications are due April 30. 

 

RMA Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
The RMA Scholarship Program is designed to encourage young rural Albertans to pursue further education, and thereby enhance the ability of these young people to make meaningful contributions to their communities in subsequent years. Through the Scholarship Program, RMA provides funding assistance to five rural students each year (one student in each of the five RMA geographic districts). To learn more about the RMA Scholarship, visit RMA’s website. Applications are due August 30.