Apply for the Stars Awards
The Civida Housing Foundation presents the Stars Awards to recognize the academic excellence and positive impact high school students and community members make in our communities.
Award Categories
Each award recognizes different accomplishments and contributions. Applicants will select their preferred award in their application. However, your application may be considered for other awards.
As you prepare your application, please consider the following.
Community Impact Award
Amount: $5000
Description: This award recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions, such as volunteer work, in one or more communities they represent.
Requirements:
1. Written Response / Essay (500 words max.)
2. Letter of Support
3. Work Sample (optional)
Essay Prompts:
• Why is community involvement important to you?
• How do you believe your contribution makes your community a better place?
• Is the community different because of your efforts?
• Why should people try to make a positive change in their communities?
Leadership Award
Amount: $5000
Description: This award is granted to the applicant who has shown exceptional leadership in their community, which may include their school, neighbourhood, city, or other.
Requirements:
1. Written Response / Essay (500 words max)
2. Letter of Support
3. Work Sample (optional)
Essay Prompts:
• In what capacity are you a leader?
• What makes a good leader?
• Why is leadership important to you and how do you believe it is making a difference in your community?
• How do you want to continue growing as a leader as your pursue post-secondary education?
Creative and Expressive Arts Award
Amount: $5000
Description: This award recognizes recognizes creative accomplishments in all artistic areas, including visual, dramatic, and more.
Requirements:
1. Written Response / Essay (500 words max.)
2. Letter of Support
3. Work Sample (optional)
Essay Prompts:
• Why is art important for personal and community well-being?
• What makes good art?
• How can art have an impact on your community or the world? How has your art had an impact on your community?
• What advice would you give to younger students to help them practice and feel more confident in creative arts?
Academic Award
Amount: $5000
Description: This award is presented to the student who has the highest grade point average (GPA) of all 2026 applicants.
*This award is only open to 2026 high school graduates.
Requirements:
1. Grades information and high-school transcript
*Note: Academic Award applicants are not required to submit a written response or letter of support. However, you must include these if you wish to be considered for other awards.
2026 Applications are now closed.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Individuals who live in Civida Housing or whose family receives rent assistance from Civida and are entering or attending post-secondary education this fall are invited to apply.
- Please note this is a change from previous years, where only high school students were eligible.
Letters of support can be from a community leader, teacher, or coach. The letter cannot be from a relative. You may choose to include a sample of your work, such as an art project, written speech, event brochure, sports photo, video, etc.
How to Apply
If you are applying for the Community Impact, Leadership, or Creative and Expressive Arts Award:
You must submit ONE written essay and a letter of support. The letter of support should include the following information from your supporter:
- Their name
- Phone number and email address (in case the Civida Housing Foundation needs to contact them)
- Their relationship to you / role
- A brief description of the impact and involvement your have in the community
- Any extenuating circumstances or unique consideration the adjudication committee should know about
You may choose to include a sample of your work, such as an art project, written speech, event brochure, sports photo, video, etc.
If you are applying for the Academic Award:
You must submit your School Transcript. Enter your course grades and upload your Detailed Academic Report (final transcript) or latest report card if you do not have your final transcript from this school year.
This award is only available for grade 12 students of this academic year.
- Please download your “Detailed Academic Report” (final transcript) from the Government of Alberta MyPass website or your school website.
- Ask your school office if you need help getting your detailed academic report (final transcript).
Applicants can apply for more than one award, however, applicants can only win one award.
2026 Application are now Closed.
More details to come for 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for an Award?
To be eligible, you must live in Civida Housing or be part of a household that receives rent assistance through Civida. You must also be entering or already attending post-secondary this fall.
Please note this is a change from previous years, where only high school students were eligible.
When are applications due?
Applications closed on Saturday, July 5, 2026
Can I apply for more than one award?
Yes, you can apply for as many awards as you would like to, however, you can only receive one award.
Who do I contact with questions or to get help?
Contact the Civida Housing Foundation at [email protected].
When will the Award Ceremony be held?
The 2026 Stars Awards & Gala will be held on September 17, 2026.