Small towns, big opportunities: Bursary for students from communities under 5,000 – DiscoverEstevan.com
Bursary Description
Mathewson and Company, based in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, is offering its annual bursary program for students from small population communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Now in its fifth year, the bursary aims to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing post-secondary education in Canada, with two $500 bursaries available for eligible students.
Anna Beulieu, the facilitator and services coordinator for Mathewson and Company, explained that the program was created to give back to residents of smaller communities who may not have the same access to funding opportunities as those from larger cities. “We’ve heard from past recipients how much the bursary has made a difference in their ability to pursue their education. For many students in small communities, access to funding is limited, and this bursary helps ease some of that financial burden.”
Since its inception, the program has grown, receiving an increasing number of applications each year. In 2024, the company received about 50 applications, a significant jump from the few applications in its first year.
To be eligible, applicants must be from communities with populations under 5,000 and be enrolled in post-secondary studies for the 2025 academic year. The bursary is open to students in any field of study and at any stage of their education. Beulieu emphasized that the program is open to individuals returning to school after a gap as well. “We want to make this bursary accessible to as many students as possible, no matter their stage in life. Whether you’re just beginning your post-secondary journey or returning after a few years, you’re eligible to apply.”
“Whether you’re fresh out of high school or going back to school after many years, we encourage you to apply,” Beulieu said. “This is an opportunity for everyone.”
Over the past five years, the bursary has been awarded to students from all three provinces. The company has received positive feedback from past recipients, who often express gratitude for the financial support, especially given the limited resources available to students from smaller towns. “Many of them have said thank you for offering this bursary to students who don’t always have the same access to scholarships and bursaries,” Beulieu shared.
“We really encourage students who are actively involved in their communities to apply,” Beulieu said. “Whether through volunteering or participation in local events, these students are often the ones who go above and beyond and show a deep commitment to their hometowns.”
The deadline for applications is June 13th, 2025, with decisions expected by the end of June. Interested students are encouraged to apply online and include any community involvement or volunteer work, as this can be a factor in the selection process.
For more information on how to apply or to find out more about the program, students can visit the Mathewson and Company website or contact Beulieu directly.
“We’re proud to continue this bursary program into its fifth year, and we hope to see it grow even more in the years to come,” Beulieu shared. “It’s a wonderful way for us to give back and support the future of small-town students.”