William Arthur Bower Memorial Scholarship

The William Arthur Bower Memorial Scholarship was developed in memory of William Arthur Bower, an early Red Deer resident who lost his life in World War I. The scholarship, which was made possible through a $1M donation from Arthur’s nieces, Ruth and Dorothy Bower, will not only support local students to further their education, but also perpetuate the memory of one of the many Canadians who died in the name of their country.

The William Arthur Bower Memorial Scholarship is supported by a $1M endowment and will ensure a minimum of five scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded every year, with the opportunity for students to reapply for up to four years. The scholarship is open to students graduating from Red Deer schools within the Red Deer Public School Division and Red Deer Regional Catholic School Division. Applicants must be planning to pursue full-time studies in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at a post-secondary institution within Canada.

As part of the application, students are required to submit an original essay. This essay provides an opportunity to reflect on the values and legacy of William Arthur Bower. Applicants are encouraged to research his life and service, as a well-informed and thoughtful essay will enrich the application and may strengthen their standing with the evaluation committee.

Note: As per CRA regulations, our Foundation is not at liberty to disburse the awards directly to recipients. Rather, we release the funds directly to qualified post-secondary institutions, which then credits the student’s tuition account

Eligibility Criteria:

• Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• Must be enrolled in a program leading to the completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree gram at a post-secondary institution within Canada
• Preference may be given to applicants with financial need
• Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to making the community better through volunteerism and/or contributions to the community.

Applicants may be contacted by the bursary selection committee to create a virtual interview to determine recipients for the award.

Application Deadline:

May 1, 2026