Otter Co-op Mature Scholarship Application

Otter Co-op Mature Scholarship Application - 2026

Otter Farm & Home Co-operative is offering two $1,000.00 open scholarships to post-secondary or mature students who qualify based on the rules and regulations below.
Otter Co-op's scholarship program has served as a cornerstone of our commitment to our loyal members and the communities we serve. By supporting the academic and professional aspirations of Grade 12 and mature students, we aim to foster a culture of lifelong learning and excellence. Over the last 25 years, we are proud to have awarded more than 195 scholarships, representing a total financial impact of over $180,000.

This program is more than just a financial contribution; it is a strategic investment in the future of our communities and a reflection of our core mission to build and support the local communities we live, work, and play in.

If you have any questions, clarifications, or difficulty filling out this form, please email Jennifer Hadley at jhadley@otter-coop.com.
Application Rules and Regulations
1. The applicant’s immediate family member (parent, grandparent or legal guardian) must be an active member of Otter Co-op for a minimum of one year and must have had purchases during the previous fiscal year in excess of $1,000. The applicant must have at least one year beyond your Secondary/High School graduation and must not have received a $1,000 Otter Co-op scholarship in the past. Students who are mid-way through a multi-year degree or program still qualify to apply.
2. Deadline for handing in scholarship applications is April 30th of the applicants Grade 12 year. The successful applicant will be notified in writing by May 15th.
3. There are no restrictions as to field of study or post-secondary institution, trade school, or program that they are attending.
4. The selection of the successful applicant is strictly at the discretion of the Otter Co-op officials sitting on the Scholarship Committee.
5. The scholarship is to be used within twelve months of being awarded or deferred a maximum of one additional year. A recipient unable to use the scholarship in this length of time may ask to appear before the Scholarship Committee to present their case.
6. All scholarships must be used for the educational purposes stated in the application, or the money will be returned to the Otter Co-op Scholarship Fund.
7. The successful applicant will receive the scholarship funds on presentation of a letter of acceptance, and/or proof of registration from the admissions office of the institution, or program, they will be attending.
8. No additional supporting documents other than the following will be accepted and reviewed by the committee:
  - A complete application form
  - The applicant’s school transcripts
  - Two community reference letters
  - One educational reference letter
  - Responses to each of the essay questions listed below.
    Using up to 500 words, please respond to each of the following questions:
    
    Describe your connection to your local Otter Co-op
    
    What is most important to you about the Co-op Business Model?
9. Applicants will be requested to answer the questions within the word-counts provided. The Scholarship Committee will look at the quality and content of each response. Please be advised that all submissions are subject to review for AI-generated content to maintain a fair selection process. Please use 12-point font and include the word count on the bottom of each response. Scanned/Handwritten submissions will not be accepted.
Application Scoring Matrix

The Application will be scored based on the following criteria:

CATEGORIES	POSSIBLE POINTS
Otter Co-op knowledge and connection as demonstrated by the responses to two essay questions (up to 500 words)	10
School Grades as demonstrated by transcript Calculated on an average: 4 points = A (86%+) 3 points = B (75% to 85%) 2 points = C (62% to 74%) 1 point = D (51% to 61%)	5
Community Involvement and Volunteer Activities based on description and reference letters	5
Demonstration of need, extraordinary circumstances, inspiring community involvement, educational goals, etc.	5
MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE POSSIBLE	25

Please ensure you have all required information and documents for your application ready, as you cannot save your progress with this online form.
- Co-op Membership Information for you or your immediate family member
- Post-Secondary Education School and Faculty Plans/Information
- School Transcripts
- Two (2) Community Reference Letters
- Responses to all of the questions on the Scholarship application form, including both Essay questions (to be uploaded as a separate attachment in this form).

Applicant Information
Applicant Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Apt / Unit #

CityProvince

Postal Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Membership Number I am using*
Name on the Membership:*
This Membership belongs to:*

My OwnMy ParentsMy GrandparentsMy Guardians

Past Secondary or Post-Secondary Education - Highest Level
Name of most recent Secondary or Post-Secondary School*
City where Secondary or Post-Secondary School is located:*
School Transcripts
Attach a copy of your most recent transcript and marks. Depending on your level of education, attach either your transcripts from your secondary/high school education (Grade 10, 11 and 12) or from your post-secondary institution, training or program (if currently enrolled or completed).
Please upload your school transcript below*

Max File Size: 10MB
Cancelof

Community Involvement and Co-op Connection
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Please describe your community involvement (ex: volunteering, church, sports, clubs, youth organizations, 4-H, etc.) and the impact it has had on you. *

Type your response in up to 150 words. 0/150
Reference Letters
Please upload your two (2) community reference letters. *

Maximum File Size: 10MB
Cancelof
Co-op Connection
Using up to 500 words, please respond to each of the following questions:

1. Describe your connection to your local Otter Co-op

2. What is most important to you about the Co-op Business Model?
Please upload your responses to the essay questions, listed above, using up to 500 words per question. *

Maximum File Size: 10MB
Cancelof

Educational Aspirations
Name of Post-Secondary Institution you plan to attend or are currently attending*
Name of Faculty, Course(s) or Trade*
Date you plan to enroll or enrolled*

MonthDayYear
Date
EDUCATIONAL GOALS: Please tell us how this scholarship will assist you in accessing or achieving your educational goals and remember to provide any other information you would like us to know about your plans for the future.*
Signature for Certification

I CERTIFY THAT MY ANSWERS ARE TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.
Signature

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Otter Co-op Mature Scholarship Application - 2026

Application Rules and Regulations

Application Scoring Matrix

Please ensure you have all required information and documents for your application ready, as you cannot save your progress with this online form.

Applicant Information

Past Secondary or Post-Secondary Education - Highest Level

School Transcripts

Community Involvement and Co-op Connection

Reference Letters

Co-op Connection

Educational Aspirations

Signature for Certification