Affinity Co-operative Award

Big dreams deserve big opportunities!


Applications for the 2026 Affinity Co-operative Award are open from December 1, 2025 to February 8, 2026!

The Affinity Co-operative Award is a unique and rewarding opportunity to learn about money, leadership, co-operatives and a whole lot more. This program is designed for young Affinity Credit Union members who are looking to do something big with their future. The $2,500 to fund your education is a great perk, too!

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New name, same opportunities!

Did you know 2025 was the International Year of the Co-operatives? As a credit union, we are a proud co-operative financial institution and we’ve enjoyed celebrating the essential role of co-operatives all year long.

To reflect this initiative, we decided to make an exciting name change to one of our scholarships! From the Elwood Harvey Co-operative Leadership Award to the Affinity Co-operative Award, we’re highlighting Affinity’s values as a co-operative organization through this opportunity for students.

About the Affinity Co-operative Award

Twenty-one lucky Grade 11 students are accepted into this program every year and we work with them throughout Grade 12. If you’re selected, here’s what you have to look forward to:

  • Gain real life experience and find out what it means to be part of a co-operative organization.
  • Work closely with our member representatives and attend a member council meeting.
  • Learn about co-operatives, financial literacy and gain valuable leadership skills.

How to apply

Before you begin

Follow the checklist below so that you’ll have all the required supporting documents ready to attach electronically to your application.

What you’ll need to submit your application:

Step 1: Eligibility confirmation

To proceed with the application, you must be an Affinity Member, Grade 11 student and a Saskatchewan resident. Not a member? Book an appointment. 

Step 2: Personal and school information

You’ll need to provide information about yourself and your school including:

  • Mailing and email addresses
  • Your Grade 10 academic average
  • A copy of your high school report card from Edsby or transcript with your Grade 10 marks to upload electronically

Step 3: Reference letter

You’ll need a reference letter ready to upload electronically, written by someone who can speak to your character and involvement — such as an Elder, teacher, Knowledge Keeper, community leader, coach, non-profit supervisor or another trusted individual in your life. Please note: Your reference cannot be a relative.

The letter should answer the following questions:

  • Tell us about the student’s personal qualities.
  • Tell us about the student’s contributions to their community or school.
  • Why should this applicant receive this award?

You’ll also need the following information from your reference:

  • Reference name
  • Reference email
  • Reference phone number
  • Relationship to reference
  • Years known

Step 4: High school, community and personal development information

You’ll need to list your involvement in high school and community activities, as well as any activities you’ve chosen to participate in to develop your personal awareness, employability and talents.

Step 5: Essay

Prepare your essay in advance, then copy and paste it into the application.

Essay prompt: In 400 words or less, describe your vision for the kind of community you would like to live in. How would the co-operative principles and values contribute to this vision?

The application deadline is February 8, 2026.

Remember, you’ll need to attach your reference letter in one of the following formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG or PNG and ensure the document is no more than 5MB in size.

Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation on the screen. If you need help, simply email us at LeadershipAward@affinitycu.ca.

All applicants will be notified by email in mid-April. Be sure to check your junk folder so you don’t miss it!

Apply now