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:
- 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. - Be pursuing their first post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program.
- Have applied to, been accepted to, or currently enrolled in a certificate,
diploma, or degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution for the
2025-2026 academic year.
The Panel will then award scholarship(s) based upon:
- Financial need, including the availability of other financial resources.
- Grades, academic achievement and participation in extra-curricular activities to
date. - Having an available support system.
- Submitting the application on or before Monday, July 14, at 9:00 am.
Scholarship recipients will be announced by mid-August 2025.
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the attached application package. Your completed package should include:
- Pages 3 – 8 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 may include a general letter of reference obtained for the purpose
of applying for any academic scholarship, grant or bursary for the 2025-26 academic year.
Applicants should complete the entire application and return it to the:
Southern First Nations Network of Care
Attention: Keith Cooper Scholarship Selection Committee
Email: Sarah.Flattery@southernnetwork.org
Phone: 204-783-9190 (Ask for Sarah Flattery)
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 14, 2025 at 9:00 am.
Incomplete or late packages will not be accepted.
Keith Cooper Scholarship Fund Application Form (2025-2026)