Healthcare Aide Student Bursary Award

Caring for older adults, in a diversity of settings, is an increasingly large part of health and human service provision in Alberta. This education bursary is to support an individual currently enrolled in a Health Care Aide program with a demonstrated commitment to working with older persons as part of their career.

NOTE: The process for this award has changed from application to nomination by the program.

Eligibility:

  • Nominees must be currently enrolled in an approved Health Care Aide certificate program in Alberta and nominated by their program.

Review Process:

  • An invitation to nominate one student will be sent to each approved Health Care Aide program listed on the Government of Alberta website.

  • All nominations will be reviewed by members of the AAG Scholarship Committee.

  • The AAG Scholarship Committee will make a recommendation to the AAG Board.

  • The final decision for the bursary recipient will be made by the AAG Board.

  • Awards will be presented at the discretion of the AAG Board and available funds.

Deadline: Should be submitted by mid-April

The decision will be made by the Awards and Scholarship Committee, who makes the recommendation to the Board.

Recognition

  • Maximum award is $1,000.00.
  • The Bursary Recipient will be announced at the AGM in June and published on AAG’s News and Views and Website

HEALTH CARE AIDE STUDENT BURSARY—2025 RECIPIENT

Anton Guliker Lethbridge Polytechnic Health Care Aide Program

(Supervisor: Ashley Cesar, HCA Program Chair)

Anton Guliker brings a heartfelt commitment to the care of older adults, shaped by both personal experience and a long-standing desire to serve. His interest in healthcare began early through volunteer roles with St. John Ambulance and Chinook Regional Hospital, where he found purpose in supporting others. The loss of his father to vascular dementia in 2021 profoundly impacted him and deepened his resolve to become a Health Care Aide.

Motivated by a desire to provide the kind of compassionate, person-centred care he wished his father had received, Anton enrolled in the HCA program. Throughout his training, he embraced key principles of dignity, respect, and clear communication—skills essential to reducing anxiety and building trust with older adults. He speaks passionately about what he’s learned, from understanding common conditions of aging to cultivating empathy in every interaction.

Anton now feels well equipped to work across a range of settings, confident in his ability to provide professional, meaningful care. His journey reflects not only a career path, but a personal mission to support older adults with the compassion, presence, and respect they deserve.

HEALTH CARE AIDE STUDENT BURSARY—2024 RECIPIENT

Christine Fearon --Bow Valley College

My practical experiences as a healthcare aide have had a profoundly positive impact on the well-being of older individuals. Engaging with them daily has provided me with invaluable insights into their unique needs and challenges. By establishing meaningful connections, I have witnessed firsthand how companionship and empathy can uplift their spirits and enhance their quality of life. Through compassionate care and empathetic listening, I have fostered a sense of belonging and purpose, empowering them to navigate the challenges of aging with dignity and support. The satisfaction derived from making a meaningful difference in their lives has been deeply rewarding and has ignited a passion within me to pursue further education in this field.

This scholarship will provide me with the necessary financial support to continue my studies as an HCA student, allowing me to deepen my knowledge and skills, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the well-being of older people. By investing in my education, you are investing in my future but also in the future of countless older individuals who deserve the best possible care and support. I am eternally grateful for this scholarship, which grants me the privilege of continuing my journey of making a difference in the lives of older people thank you.