INTRODUCTION

In 2002, the Board and staff of Winnipeg Child and Family Services (WCFS) announced the creation of the Keith Cooper Scholarship Fund for children in and from care who wish to pursue post-secondary education. The fund acknowledges the late Keith Cooper, former WCFS Chief Executive Officer and educator, and his commitment to the education of children in Agency care.

The scholarship program draws on funds from the Winnipeg Foundation Gilroy/Acheson account, which has been designated for use by children in care. Formerly a scholarship for WCFS, the Keith Cooper Scholarship Fund is now available to all four Child and Family Services Authorities and Peguis Child and Family Services. The scholarship committee includes representatives from each of the CFS Authorities, VOICES: Manitoba’s Youth in Care Network, Peguis Child and Family Services, and Futures Forward. Several scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually. There are no age restrictions to apply. Scholarship recipients are also able to re-apply for the scholarship each year of study in order to complete a university degree, diploma, technical or vocational program.

To be eligible applicants must:

1. Be currently or formerly in the care of agencies or regional offices delivering child welfare services under the four Manitoba CFS Authorities, Peguis Child and Family Services, or the child welfare agencies that preceded them.
2. Be pursuing their first post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program.
3. Have applied to, been accepted to, or currently enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Panel will then award scholarship(s) based upon:

1. Financial need, including the availability of other financial resources.
2. Grades, academic achievement and participation in extra-curricular activities to date.
3. Having an available support system.
4. Submitting the application on or before Monday, July 13, at 9:00 am.

Scholarship recipients will be announced by mid-August 2026.
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the attached application package. Your completed package should include:

• Pages 3 – 9 of this application
• A copy of your latest school transcript*
• One current letter of reference**
• Letter of Acceptance (for new students)
• Current or upcoming class schedule (for returning students)

*Unofficial academic transcripts and class schedules from your student account are acceptable.
**A current letter of reference for the purpose of obtaining a scholarship in 2026-2027.

Applicants should complete the entire application and return it to the:

General Child and Family Services Authority
Attention: Keith Cooper Scholarship Selection Committee
Email: generalauthority@gov.mb.ca

Only emailed submissions are accepted. Please include ‘Keith Cooper Scholarship Application’ in the subject line. Send your application, along with all attachments, as one complete email. Clear photographs of the required attachments will be accepted if you do not have access to a scanner.

If you need help completing the form please contact:

Jade Richardson
Post-Secondary Education Advisor
Futures Forward
Email: jrichardson@yesmb.ca
Phone: 204-987-8661 ext. 672

All completed application packages must be received by
Monday, July 13, 2026 at 9:00 am.
Incomplete or late packages will not be accepted.