The CST Foundation supports access to post-secondary education (PSE) for all Canadians. We are passionate about higher learning and believe that finances should not be a barrier to accessing post-secondary education.
The Founders’ Awards support students who have benefited from a Canadian Scholarship Trust RESP and are entering or enrolled in post-secondary studies in Canada for Fall 2026. This year’s program features three distinct award categories: undergraduate programs, graduate studies (Masters+), and skilled trades & community college-based programs. The funds can be used to cover the cost of tuition and related expenses such as books, supplies or living expenses.
2025 Founders’ Award Winner Melanie Elliston, pictured with Chair, Governance and Human Resources Committee, Bonnie Patterson & President and CEO, Peter Lewis.
In 2026, the CST Foundation will award 20 Founders’ Awards, for a total investment of $140,000.
Be a CST Beneficiary
Demonstrate financial need
(considered as secondary evaluation criteria)
Be entering or enrolled in an eligible Canadian post-secondary program for Fall 2026 OR be entering or enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible Masters or graduate-level program in Canada for Fall 2026
* Qualifying educational Institutions include universities, colleges, trade schools, vocational schools, technical schools, as well as distance learning or correspondence learning programs which are either certified by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or designated under the Canada Student Loans Program of ESDC.
The earlier launch date aligns with peak student planning periods, when schools actively use myBlueprint for course selection, helping maximize awareness and access.
Applications Open: February 18, 2026
Phase 1 Deadline: March 25, 2026
Phase 2 Video Submissions: March 31 – April 25, 2026
Winner Notification: June 2026
Awards Ceremony: September 2026
All applications are to be submitted through our online portal. Requirements may vary year-to-year, but the core components always include the below.
Phase 1 – Written Application
(February 18 – March 25, 2026)
Applicants submit written responses evaluated using a structured scoring rubric developed in partnership with myBlueprint. Submissions are assessed based on:
- Motivation and commitment to post-secondary education
- Clarity of educational and career goals
- Demonstrated financial need
Phase 2 – Video Submission
March 26 – April 25, 2026
Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a short video based on their program category. Each video prompt is designed to develop practical skills such as communication, storytelling, and career articulation.
Video themes by category:
- Undergraduate programs: Elevator Pitch Challenge — Explain your future career vision and how your studies will help you achieve it.
- Masters+ programs: Project-Based Pitch — Present your thesis, research, or advanced project and how it connects to your long-term goals.
- Skilled Trades & Community College-Based programs: Industry Focus — Describe the trade you are pursuing and how it supports your career aspirations.
The Founders’ Awards are about more than financial support. They recognize students who are: