2026 Awards & Scholarships
Seymour Schulich Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Mr. Seymour Schulich, a long-time investor in Junior Achievement and a former Governor of Junior Achievement of Canada, created this scholarship to encourage the development of entrepreneurship in Canada.
Award Value: $2,000 CAD
To be eligible for this award you must:
- Be a participant of JA Company Program (in-school or after-school) during the 2025-26 school year through one of the 15 local offices across Canada.
- Be graduating high school during the current academic year with a graduation/completion date of no later than June 30, 2026.
- Be attending an accredited college, university or apprenticeship program in Fall 2026 (proof of enrolment will be requested if selected as a recipient of the award).
- Adhere to the rules and regulations concerning the award including the completion of all requested documentation and information in the application.
Application Requirements
Personal Reflection Essay
- 500-word personal reflection (essay) of your experience with the JA Company Program
- Essay topic: Drawing on your experience as a JA Company Program participant, describe what you have learned about entrepreneurship and business operations and explain how this knowledge will support your future success.
Video Submission
- complete a video of no more than 90 seconds (answering the video topic question). This should be an authentic raw video of you speaking on the screen.
- Video Topic: How has being part of JA helped you see the value of entrepreneurship in Canada? Share an example or takeaway.
1 Letter of Recommendation
- The letter must be from a JA contact that can speak on behalf of your growth and participation in the JA Company Program. It is highly recommended that this recommendation come from your JA volunteer/advisor of the program (for after-school) or your teacher (for in-school) as they should be able to speak to your experience in the program.
Applications Close on April 10, 2026
JA Skills in Action Award
JA programs provide youth with opportunities to learn new skills, show competency and potentially move toward expertise. This award is to showcase how you’ve developed competency with transferable skills through your experience with a JA program or event.
Award Value: $2,000 CAD
To be eligible for this award you must:
- Be a participant of a JA program or event during the 2025-26 school year through one of the 15 local offices across Canada (i.e. JA Company Program, World of Choices etc).
- Be a high school student in Canada during the 2025-26 school year (grades 9-12).
- Local JA office is able to confirm or validate the JA experience that you participated in.
- Adhere to the rules and regulations concerning the award including the completion of all requested documentation and information in the application.
Application Requirements
Personal Reflection Essay
- 500-word personal reflection (essay) answering the topic and sharing your experience with JA.
- Essay topic: Explain how your JA experience helped you develop competency – or move towards expertise – in one ore more of the following transferable/essential skills: adaptability, collaboration, communication, creativity & innovation, digital, numeracy, problem solving, reading or writing.
- Take a look at this resource for examples of each of these skills as a reference point.
Video Submission
- complete a video of no more than 90 seconds (answering the video topic question). This should be an authentic raw video of you speaking on the screen.
- Video Topic: Please share at least one example of how building competency in these skills has prepared you for success.
1 Letter of Recommendation
- Letter of recommendation is a character reference to share why you are an outstanding candidate for this award. It is recommended you share the award requirements and any other details you feel may be helpful.
Applications Close on April 10, 2026
JA Resilience Award Presented by Sandra Rondzik Popik
This award serves to recognize JA participants who were newcomers to Canada within five years of their high school graduation & equity-seeking youth who have demonstrated exceptional resilience. The award celebrates students who have navigated challenges with determination, perseverance, & the strength from overcoming obstacles.
Sandra’s journey as a teenager moving to Canada was defined by intense culture shock and a total language barrier – unable to speak a word of English, she found herself temporarily unable to share her values, aspirations, beliefs, and sense of self. Facing these challenges gave her deep empathy for students overcoming adversity and a true appreciation for the courage and determination it takes to thrive. As a banking executive, she believes in the potential of young talent and wants to help propel resilient students toward their goals. This award is a tribute to those who persevere, and Sandra hopes to provide encouragement and tangible support, allowing the recipient to focus on their dreams and passions as they embark on their post-secondary education.
Award Value: $2,500 CAD
To be eligible for this award you must:
- Be a participant of a JA program or event during the 2025-26 school year through one of the 15 local offices across Canada (i.e. JA Company Program, World of Choices etc).
- Students who were newcomers to Canada within five years of their high school graduation and equity-seeking youth (award to recognize students’ resilience across diverse backgrounds).
- Be a graduating high school student in Canada during the 2025-26 school year.
- Be attending an accredited college, university or apprenticeship program in Fall 2026 (proof of enrolment will be requested if selected as a recipient of the award).
- Local JA office is able to confirm or validate the JA experience that you participated in.
- Adhere to the rules and regulations concerning the award including the completion of all requested documentation and information in the application.
Application Requirements
Personal Reflection Essay
- 500-word personal reflection (essay) answering the topic and sharing your experience with JA.
- Essay topic: Describe a personal moment where you faced adversity and had to adapt, persevere, or find a new path forward. Explain what helped you through and reflect on how this resilience can influence your future. If applicable, share how your JA experience contributed to equipping you with the skills/confidence/mindset to navigate this moment.
Video Submission
- complete a video of no more than 90 seconds (answering the video topic question). This should be an authentic raw video of you speaking on the screen.
- Video Topic: ell us about a challenge you’ve overcome and how it has prepared you to succeed. If applicable, what role did JA play in helping you move forward?
1 Letter of Recommendation
- Letter of recommendation is a character reference to share why you are an outstanding candidate for this award. It is recommended you share the award requirements and any other details you feel may be helpful.
Applications Close on April 10, 2026
