The CPA Education Foundation is now accepting applications for four new scholarships: three for post-secondary students and one for CPA PEP candidates.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is able to extend its net of support to single parent families, families with dependents, community champions, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through the following awards:
- The Downie Family Support Award (value: $3,500)
- Jeff Herzog CPA, MAcc and Jordan Schulz 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Award (value: $1,500)
- Jennifer Neal CPA, CMA and Steve Neal CPA, CGA, FCCA, MPAcc Community Champion Award (value: $1,500)
- CPA Insurance Plans West Family First Award (value: $2,500)
The Downie Family Support Award, inspired by the late Barbara Downie CPA, CA, provides support for mature students and/or single parents enrolled in a post-secondary business degree program in Alberta. Jim Downie FCPA, FCMA and his son, Nick Downie CPA, CMA, established the award to pay forward the support that Barb and her family received, with the intent of helping others working to improve life for themselves and their families.
Jeff Herzog CPA, MAcc and Jordan Schulz are passionate about supporting local initiatives and are both avid volunteers with nonprofit organizations across Alberta. They wanted to share that passion with post-secondary business students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through their 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Award.
Similarly, Jennifer and Steve Neal are Alberta CPAs who strongly believe in the importance of giving back and uplifting others. As parents of a son with disabilities, they understand first-hand the challenges involved in advocating to overcome systemic barriers and their goal is to support those post-secondary students who support individuals with disabilities whether through volunteerism or a desired career path.
Understanding the responsibility that comes with supporting family members or dependents while undertaking the rigorous study and workload required to complete the CPA PEP program is at the heart of an award funded by CPA Insurance Plans West. The Family First Award was created to support CPA PEP Candidates who are supporting dependents while working in a relevant accounting role on their way to the CPA designation.
The CPA Education Foundation is grateful for the support of our donors as we seek to inspire and develop the next generation of CPAs by providing access to accounting education opportunities.
The application deadline for these—and all post-secondary, CPA PEP and CFE awards—is January 31, 2026. Visit our website for the full list of CPA Education Foundation scholarships and awards.
