Closed
Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program
Free Indigenous youth STEM university experience
Last Update: May 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The VJKF Program offers accepted Indigenous high school students a free week at a Canadian university. It supports hands-on STEM learning, mentorship, and campus experience, with travel, accommodation, meals, and program participation covered.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- One-week STEM learning experience at a Canadian university
- Hands-on research with professors, researchers, and mentors
- Campus-based learning, workshops, and cultural activities
Documents Needed
- Brief essay
- Letter of recommendation
- Signed parent or guardian consent form, if under 18
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit high school students
- Grade 11 students
Who is not eligible
- Grade 10 and Grade 12 students are waitlisted.
Eligible expenses
- Travel, accommodation, meals, and program participation
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchases from the university gift store
- Airport purchases
- Snacks outside meal times
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission.
- Accepted students receive a confirmation and are notified before the trip.
- Accepted participants must sign a situation-specific consent form before participating.
Additional information
- Applications for the 2026 program are closed.
- Applicants can submit the form online, or by printed, mailed, or emailed application.
- Accessibility support and a paper application are available on request.
- A confirmation email is sent after submission.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program?
The VJKF Program offers accepted Indigenous high school students a free week at a Canadian university. It supports hands-on STEM learning, mentorship, and campus experience, with travel, accommodation, meals, and program participation covered.
Who is eligible for the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program program?
To be eligible for the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program program, you must:
First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students.
Grade 11 high school students.
Interest in the program.
What expenses are eligible under Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program?
One-week STEM learning experience at a Canadian university
Hands-on research with professors, researchers, and mentors
Campus-based learning, workshops, and cultural activities
Who can I contact for more information about the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program?
You can contact Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation by email at programs@vjkf.org or by phone at none.
Where is the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program available?
The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program?
Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) Program is funded by Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation