Veterans Achievement Award

Some SAIT students are veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and enroll in SAIT programs to launch the next phase of their careers. However, veterans face a number of challenges when entering the civilian work force. These include: 
  • translating the skills and knowledge gained in the military to civilian employers
  • knowing what career opportunities are available
  • establishing a new professional network with those who may be unfamiliar with military service
  • securing enough funding for their education

The initial fundraising goal for the Veteran’s Achievement Award is an endowment that will provide $1000 per year, every year, to a veteran studying at SAIT. Since endowments are distributed at the rate of 5% per year, the initial funding required is $20,000. The long-term goal is to increase the endowment to provide for one year of tuition in perpetuity to veterans enrolled at SAIT.

Any SAIT student who meets the Canadian Government’s definition of a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces will be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Serving members of the regular force or reserve force may be eligible for the scholarship if a veteran has not applied.

We all benefit when veterans successfully transition from military service to the civilian workforce. Veterans are hardworking, community-focused team players who have been trained and tested in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Veterans who upgrade their education exponentially enhance their ability to contribute to the world of work and our community.

Message from Tom Morin:

I am an instructor at the SAIT School of Business and a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. After 11 years of military service, it was my diploma from SAIT that launched my civilian career in 1997. In 2023, my wife, Joanna Walewski, and I donated $3,000 to SAIT to provide an annual $1000 scholarship for veterans. Although our funding will be fully expended by 2027, this new endowment provides an opportunity for generous individuals and corporations to establish sustainable funding for veterans’ education and career development.