Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Women of Inspiration Education Awards, presented by Syncrude, while also celebrating the recipients of the 2025/26 awards.

These annual scholarships provide three $3,000 awards to young women in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo who are pursuing post-secondary education while demonstrating leadership, resilience, and a commitment to positive change in their communities.

Since launching in 2013, the program has supported 36 young women in overcoming financial barriers and advancing their academic and career goals.

Applications for the 2026 Women of Inspiration Education Awards are now open! The deadline for submission is Tuesday, September 8th, 2026.  For more information, visit www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org/scholarship-women-of-inspiration-education-award.

A Longstanding Partnership Creating Impact

The Women of Inspiration Education Awards are made possible through a longstanding partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, supporting girls and young women in the region for over a decade.

Since 2013, this partnership has helped expand Girls Inc.’s reach from just over 300 participants in 2016 to more than 2,000 girls annually, delivering 100% cost-free, evidence-based, gender-specific programming through in-school, after-school, and workshop environments.

Together, this work supports girls in:

• Building confidence and leadership skills
• Challenging gender stereotypes and creating social change
• Developing critical thinking and life skills
• Accessing opportunities in STEM through programs like Operation SMART
• Strengthening mentorship and pathways to post-secondary education

Program outcomes reflect this impact, with:

• 89% of participants reporting increased confidence in STEM
• 93% reporting increased leadership skills

Celebrating 2025/26 Scholars

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2025/26 Women of Inspiration Education Awards:

Alisha Rajpura is the recipient of the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to volunteerism and community leadership. Alisha has taken on meaningful leadership roles that support student success and professional development. Her involvement in mentorship, student governance, and community initiatives reflects her dedication to education and her passion for inspiring the next generation. 

“This award reflects my leadership experiences and my goal to inspire the next generation through education.”

Hafsah Mohummed is the recipient of the Ann Dort-MacLean Scholarship, which recognizes students who demonstrate a passion for youth empowerment and gender equality. Through her academic journey, Hafsah has embraced leadership opportunities that have helped shape her confidence, ambition, and commitment to creating inclusive spaces.

“Empowerment starts with the courage to try.” 

Kelsea Boostrom is the recipient of the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship, which honours Indigenous identity, resilience, and connection to community. Kelsea’s recognition reflects her commitment to personal growth, education, and giving back to her community. Through her journey, she continues to embody the strength and perseverance that this award represents, while working toward her future goals. 

“Education plays a vital role in empowering girls and young women to shape their futures,” said Katlin Okonkwo, Interim Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “These young women embody what it means to be strong, smart, and bold, and we are proud to support them as they continue their journeys.”