The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) has awarded a total of $140,000 to 20 Canadian students through its 2026 Founders’ Awards, highlighting their academic journeys, resilience and potential to contribute to Canada’s future.
This year’s theme, “Canada’s Architects of Tomorrow,” focuses on students who have overcome challenges and are preparing to play a role in designing, researching and building the physical and economic infrastructure of the country in the years ahead, according to a CST release.
The Founders’ Awards are available to students who have benefited from a Canadian Scholarship Trust Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and are enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program. The initiative is designed both to recognize students for their commitment to making a difference in their communities and to help ensure that financial pressures do not become a barrier to continuing their education.
For 2026, the program is divided into three award categories.
Undergraduate programs recognize students enrolled in undergraduate studies at a Canadian university.
Masters+ is aimed at students pursuing a master’s degree, PhD or another postgraduate program at a qualifying Canadian educational institution.
The third category, Skilled trades & Community College-based programs, supports students studying full-time in skilled trades or diploma programs at Canadian colleges.
This year’s awards also introduce a new Skilled Trades category, created in response to workforce shortages in the sector and intended to provide additional financial support to students preparing for careers in skilled trades.
Among the recipients is Dominik Laurent, who is enrolled in the Welding Engineering Technology program at Conestoga College. Laurent welcomed both the financial support and the decision to include trade students in the awards program.
“I’m grateful for this award and the inclusion of trade students. This will help reduce some of the financial stress that comes with school and allow me to focus more on my courses and develop the skills I need for my future career,” said Laurent.
