Apply to join the 2020 Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Program
Are you a First Nations, Métis or Inuit grade 11 high school student who wonders what it would be like to study science or engineering at University? Please watch and read some of the experiences from students who have attended the program from years past.
You may apply for the program starting October 1 and the deadline for applications is December 20th.
USE THE BUTTONS ABOVE TO NAVIGATE THE APPLICATION PAGE
Past Student Experiences
Student Interview with Brian - University of Manitoba
Student Interview - Olivia Baptiste
Application Details
This is a truly Unique Experience!
Selection is based on the student’s essay which is their opportunity to talk about what they would like to do after completing grade 12 and how the Kirkness Program would help them make a choice regarding post secondary studies. The application also includes a reference letter from a teacher or counselor who indicates how the Kirkness Program would be of benefit to the student. Students will be chosen from across Canada to spend a week in a University research lab. With 2-4 students per lab, you will have someone your own age on this adventure with you! You will become a member of a research team for the week doing experiments and attending lab meetings. Successful applicants will be assigned to the university in their province. However, if you have volunteer experience involving science or engineering that is not offered in your home province, you may ask to be considered for a program outside of your home province.
Indigenous Student Centre
The University of Manitoba, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, the University of Calgary, Queens University and University of Victoria, all have excellent Indigenous Student Centres that are great resources and staff to answer any questions you have on attending University. You and your fellow students will spend Monday morning of the Program at the Centre with Elders and staff.
Student Residence
You will spend the week in a student residence on the campus and eat at one of the many food outlets on campus. This experience will help you to understand what it is like to live on a university campus. For students attending the Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University transportation will be provided to and from the campus each day.
We cover your Expenses
Successful applicants will have their meals, accommodations and travel expenses covered.
Instructions
In addition to the application form you will fill out down below, you will need the following 4 items to complete your application. If you have any trouble attaching your documents, you can email the files to once you have completed your application.
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Reference Letter
Ask one of your teachers or guidance counsellors to provide a letter of reference
The letter of reference should indicate that you have the interest and ability to attend college, university or other post-secondary schools after graduation from grade 12 and that attending the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program would help you to decide what you would like to study.
Your reference should indicate how they know you and explain why you would be a good participant for this Program.
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Essay
In a maximum of 400 (TYPED) words, please explain why you are interested in attending the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Program. Please include your volunteer experience. Applications with less than 50-word essays will not be considered. This essay is the most important part of the application!
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Parental/Guardian Permission Form
Please click here to download the permission form. You will need to print this form then have your parent/guardian sign the document. You will need to include this completed form to submit your application form. If you do not have access to a printer, please ask your teacher or councillor for help.
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Choose a university and mentor
Locations for the 2020 Verna J. Kirkness program are shown on the map below. Click on the pin to open a list of mentors at your selected university. Make note of your top 3 choices and include them in the application form below.
Mentors & May Program Dates
Click on the name of the university below, or click on the blue pins on the map to view the mentors in your chosen province
February 2020 Program Dates
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Kwantlen Polytech University, Langley BC
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February 17th to Feb 21st
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May 2020 Program Dates
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May 3rd to May 8th
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May 3rd to May 8th
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May 10th to May 15th
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May 10th to May 15th
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University of British Columbia
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May 24th to May 29th
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May 24th to May 29th
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Please note:
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Normally, applicants will be assigned to the university in their province. However, if you have volunteer experience involving science or engineering that is not offered in your home province, you may ask to be considered for a program outside of your home province
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It is not always possible to match each student with their selected mentor. All efforts will be made to accommodate selected choices.
Application timetable
You may apply for the program starting October 1 and the deadline for applications is December 20th. Interviews with students and parents selected for the program will take place in January. Final assignments of students for KPU will be made on January 13 and for the other programs on Feb 14.
Thank you for submitting your application. We will be in contact with you shortly
Application Form
To submit your application, please fill out the form below. If you require any assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at