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BETTY FINCH SCHOLARSHIP

Betty Finch Betty Finch worked for Edmonton Public Schools for three decades, mainly as a specialist who focused on students with learning disabilities. When she retired in 1987, her friends and family, along with the Learning Disabilities of Alberta (Edmonton Chapter) established this scholarship to recognize her commitment to education. Betty passed away on August 14, 2002, at the age of 82. Through an endowment in her will, Betty has ensured her legacy of learning will live on. Her funds will allow students with learning disabilities to access this scholarship for years to come.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist a student in Edmonton Public Schools who is completing high school in the current year and receives or received specialized supports to accommodate a learning disability, and requires financial support to attend a post-secondary program.  

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,000

CRITERIA 

An applicant must: 

  • be registered at an Edmonton Public Schools high school and completing high school in the current year    
  • have or had a diagnosis of a learning disability, or receive or received specialized supports consistent with a person with a learning disability
  • demonstrate financial need that warrants scholarship support
  • meet entrance requirements for the program of their choice and have conditional acceptance at that post-secondary institution
  • demonstrate a positive attitude towards school and learning, personal growth, advocacy for their learning needs, involvement in school and/or community events and clubs, and future educational and career plans 

The school principal will be asked to support the student’s application for this scholarship and verify: 

  • the applicant has or had a diagnosis of a learning disability, or receives or received specialized supports consistent with a person with a learning disability
  • financial support is essential in order for the applicant to pursue post-secondary studies. 

Application process

GET READY TO APPLY 

Before completing the application form, the applicant must: 

  • get a signed letter of recommendation from an Edmonton Public Schools staff member
  • write a maximum 500-word letter to the selection team, or submit a maximum three-minute video in which the student describes evidence of their positive attitude towards school and learning, personal growth, how they advocate for their learning needs, involvement in school and/or community events and clubs, and future educational and career plans
  • prepare a copy of their conditional acceptance from the post-secondary institution of their choice

Application process

Applications for the 2024-25 award will open in February 2025.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection team will rank each submission on the applicant's:

  • attitude towards school and learning
  • personal growth
  • advocacy for their learning needs
  • involvement in school and/or community events and clubs
  • future educational and career plans
  • financial need

The recipient will be contacted in June.