The result of a landmark $200-million gift, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. Each scholarship covers tuition and fees for an eligible degree, a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms, summer funding options, mentorship, coaching, a leadership curriculum, and access to the McCall MacBain House. A relocation grant is provided for scholars originating from outside of Montreal.

Elora and Rachel are among 52 Canadian finalists chosen from approximately 700 applicants after a first round of interviews. The selection process emphasizes holistic criteria such as character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Elora Cromarty, Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics) student and 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship finalist

Elora Cromarty is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Manitoba. She has worked on several Cree language projects at the university and with Indigenous Languages of Manitoba, a non-profit organization.

Elora is a member of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment leadership program and co-president of the Indigenous Students’ Association. She has volunteered for four years as a Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor and acted as an associate representative for Indigenous students in the Faculty of Arts student body council.

She is applying for master’s programs at McGill to pursue research on Indigenous language revitalization.

“The University of Manitoba has lots of programming for Indigenous students to develop leadership skills, mentorship skills, and to foster community involvement with other students, at the university,” said Elora. “Being involved with these opportunities and cultural events, offered through the university, has helped prepare me for this current opportunity.”

Rachel Cluett, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) graduate and 2025 McCall MacBain Scholarship finalist

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate Rachel Cluett has worked for and volunteered for several years with the Hearts and Minds Lab. She coordinated projects, determined eligibility for a clinical mental health trial, and contributed to a manuscript on challenges and service barriers for immigrant families. Rachel has also volunteered at Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre, advocating and supporting survivors of sexual violence. She is developing her photography skills as a volunteer for local events, and she has gained management experience by working at a restaurant.

Rachel is applying for master’s programs in psychology. She hopes to improve access to ADHD support and services, particularly in rural communities.

“Being named a finalist is an incredible honour and a deeply humbling experience,” said Rachel. “It’s both validating and inspiring to be part of a group of leaders and changemakers who can guide my passion for service and growth. This opportunity has reinforced my drive to contribute meaningfully to my community and pursue my psychology career.”

“We need more leaders who act with integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “We congratulate these students who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates nationally and globally, and we thank the universities that endorsed them for this opportunity.”

During their visit to Montreal, they will participate in interviews with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 or $20,000 for their studies at McGill.

“We are grateful to the more than 300 senior leaders who contribute their time to the decision-making process,” added Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “The interview process allows students to reflect on their experiences and motivations, and we hope each one comes away from the process with a better understanding of their capacity to lead and to strengthen communities.”

Applications will open in June 2025 for the 2026 cohort. Find information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships on their website.

The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. They are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the then-largest single donation in the country’s history. Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.

More than 700 Canadians applied for the scholarships. Of those, 159 participated in a first round of regional interviews in November and December, and 55 attended final interviews in Montreal. Every scholar participated in six different interviews over the course of seven months.

“I was getting ready to head to class when I received the news,” said Bazin. “I thought my heart would be racing but instead I felt overwhelming gratitude and peace. I think it’s still sinking in that I’ll be part of this community of incredibly dedicated and passionate individuals.”

Recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Bazin co-leads communications for the Electrochemical Society student chapter, organizes educational and volunteering opportunities for her sorority, and sings alto in a community choir. Bazin also worked as a recreation support worker at a rehabilitation centre supporting teens with disabilities. In addition, she is a workshop instructor for a science outreach program. She spent a summer assisting with research on electrochemical detection of chemoresistance in cancer. For her master’s degree at McGill, Bazin hopes to pursue electrochemistry for environmental and women’s health applications.

“To me, this scholarship means more opportunities to grow as a leader and collaborate with other scholars in understanding how we can enrich each others’ perspectives on current global issues,” said Bazin.

“These students inspire us with their compassion and drive,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our shared mission is to provide them with an unparalleled graduate education, leadership development opportunities, mentors and lifelong connections. We hope to accelerate their ability to make an impact in communities across Quebec, Canada, and around the world.” 

The new cohort consists of 20 Canadians and 10 international students. The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill also offered 117 entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each to top candidates who were not selected for the cohort.

Matthew Band

University of Manitoba student Matthew Band was also a national contender for this award, earning a McCall MacBain Finalist Award valued at $10,000.

Applications will open in June 2024 for the 2025 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org. 

The scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, then the largest single donation in Canadian history.

Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.

Katherine Bazin and Matthew Band are among 91 finalists from around the world. More than 700 Canadians applied for the scholarships, and of those, 159 participated in a first round of regional interviews in November and December.

They will travel to Montreal to attend final interviews in March, with travel expenses covered by the scholarship program. “I am excited to see the beautiful architecture and landscapes of Montreal,” said Matthew. “On top of this as an NHL fan, if the timing works out, seeing a Canadians game and chanting ‘Ole, Ole, Ole!’ at the Bell Centre would be incredible.”

Each finalist was chosen based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Matthew Band, from Winnipeg, is a computer engineering student. He co-created a council of first-year students as part of the engineering society, and has continued to contribute to the society in various executive roles. Matthew also started a chess club, volunteered at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and played on several intramural sports teams. He works for a baking business and is looking at ways to classify sleep apnea patients through sound transfer. Matthew is applying to master’s programs related to electrical and biomedical engineering.

“I was already thrilled to have made it to regional interviews, but then getting the call to come to finals raised my emotions to where I had no words,” said Matthew. “It’s an honour to get another opportunity to share my personal journey with the next set of interviewers, and possibly make it to the scholarship cohort.”

Katherine Bazin, also from Winnipeg, is completing her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She co-leads communications for the Electrochemical Society student chapter, organizes educational and volunteering opportunities for her sorority, and sings alto in a community choir. Katherine also worked as a recreation support worker at a rehabilitation centre supporting teens with disabilities. In addition, she is a workshop instructor for a science outreach program. She spent a summer assisting with research on electrochemical detection of chemoresistance in cancer. For her master’s degree, Katherine hopes to pursue electrochemistry for environmental and women’s health applications.

“My university experience has allowed me to explore my abilities academically, discover what drives me, and rise as a leader on campus,” said Katherine. “The mentors and communities I have connected with have transformed my experience, constantly inspiring me with their support and wisdom.”

For fellow students, Katherine added, “The application process calls on you to share who you are, where you’ve been, where you’re headed, and why. It’s less daunting when you shift your focus away from the pressure of the outcome, and instead be present throughout the process. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on yourself, personally and academically, and see how far you’ve come.”

“Integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage are the characteristics we want to see in the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “By connecting emerging talent to an outstanding graduate education and a community of peers and mentors, we hope to encourage positive leadership for Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and the world.”

“More than 300 senior volunteer leaders were involved in selecting this year’s finalists,” said Natasha Sawh, Chief Executive Officer of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our team is very much looking forward to welcoming the finalists – who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates globally – to Montreal in March. We extend our warmest thanks to the universities that nominated them for this opportunity.”

A cohort of up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Canadian finalists who are not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive a $10,000 Finalist Award.

Applications will open in June 2024 for the 2025 cohort. In addition to the 30 fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarships each year, up to 100 additional awards, valued at $5,000 to $20,000, are offered to candidates. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.

A one-hour information session including a short presentation, followed by time for Q&A for UM students will take place in-person on Thursday, Febraury 15 from 12 – 1 p.m. The 2024 finalists, Matthew Band and Katherine Bazin, along with the 2022 McCall MacBain Scholar Bryden Bukich will attend the session to share their experiences.
Learn more about the information session and register in advance.

Scholarship recipients will have their tuition and fees covered for the duration of their eligible program, along with a $2,000 monthly living stipend during academic terms. McCall MacBain Scholars also receive ongoing mentorship and leadership development opportunities, plus a one-time relocation grant for moving to Montreal if they so choose.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship was established in 2019 with a $200 million donation made by John and Marcy McCall MacBain—the single largest gift in Canadian history at the time. This leadership-driven scholarship awards candidates who demonstrate character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

The application process involves an online application, submission of two reference letters and several interviews.

Three University of Manitoba students were finalists for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars, including Clèche Kokolo, who was awarded a full scholarship beginning in 2023.

The Sept. 27 deadline is approaching quickly—apply now so you don’t miss out!

The fourth-year Political Studies student is one of 20 Canadian recipients of the McCall MacBain Scholarships, the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain. Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the McCall MacBain Scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill, while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.

“I was at work when I received the news after final interviews,” said Kokolo. “I screamed and cried in happiness because I couldn’t believe it. Honestly, I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet that I AM a McCall MacBain Scholar. I am so grateful for this opportunity because it has already changed my life!”

At UM, Kokolo is a student senator, representing Arts students, and is working to launch a mentorship program to make student leadership roles more accessible. She contributes to children’s rights advocacy as a youth ambassador, co-chairs a youth working group for women’s and children’s health, and works part-time as a career coach with the Winnipeg School Division. Kokolo also volunteered with a high school symposium as a camp leader, and served for several years on the mayor’s youth advisory council. She is a member of two fellowship programs and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch for her community work.

“My studies and extracurriculars at the University of Manitoba have allowed me to advocate for students and my larger community,” Kokolo says. “It is thanks to these opportunities that I was able to grow as an advocate and as an individual. As I embark on the next step of my journey to McGill, I am taking with me the experiences, skills, life-long friends and community I gained through my time and involvement at UM.”

Each McCall MacBain scholar is chosen based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

“We are thrilled that a UM student has been recognized with this prestigious award for the second year in a row,” says Laurie Schnarr, UM’s Vice-Provost (Students). “Clèche is an exceptional leader who continues to make a positive impact in the local community and on campus. During a recent discussion with Clèche I was so impressed by her frankness, her commitment to support UM in offering exceptional experiences for a diversity of learners, and her willingness to work with me over the coming weeks to engage other students in these conversations. Congratulations Clèche!”

As a McCall MacBain Scholar, Kokolo intends to enter law school at McGill. “During my professional studies, I will continue to be involved in the community to advocate for social justice and equity,” she said. “I hope to further explore, alongside peers, how the law can be used to dismantle barriers faced by marginalized groups and communities.”

“Kokolo’s selection is a tribute to the time and energy she has put into improving the lives of others,” said Natasha Sawh, Dean of the McCall MacBain Scholarships. “Our volunteers looked not only for academic strength, but for leadership qualities like integrity, kindness, grit, and an ability to motivate a team to address tough challenges.”

To recognize additional talent, the McCall MacBain Scholarships and McGill University also offered 96 entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each to top candidates who were not selected for the cohort. University of Manitoba students Keziah Brothers and Soomin Han both earned $10,000 finalist awards for being among the top candidates. Altogether, this year’s 126 scholarships represent an estimated commitment of nearly $3.3 million in tuition and living costs, which will be complemented by mentorship and leadership development programming.

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission.

University of Manitoba students Clèche Kokolo [BA/23], Keziah Brothers [BA/23], and Soomin Han [BSc/23] are finalists for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University.

Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program. Students and graduates from more than 1,200 universities applied for the McCall MacBain Scholarships in this first year of global admissions and up to 30 will be selected after final interviews.

Clèche Kokolo

Clèche Kokolo is a student senator, representing UM Arts students, and is working to launch a mentorship program to make student leadership roles more accessible. She contributes to children’s rights advocacy as a youth ambassador, co-chairs a youth working group for women’s and children’s health, and works part-time as a career coach with the Winnipeg School Division. Clèche also volunteered with a high school symposium as a camp leader and served for several years on the mayor’s youth advisory council. She is a member of two fellowship programs and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch for her community work. She is applying for law school.

“It feels amazing to be a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships. It’s a true honour.”

She added: “I encourage all eligible students and alumni to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From the application process to the interview stages, it’s an opportunity to reflect on your journey and think about what comes next.”

Keziah Brothers

An Academic All-Canadian athlete, Keziah Brothers played on UM’s women’s basketball team for six years, including two seasons as captain. During the pandemic, she organized outdoor workouts and online activities for the team. Keziah also started and ran a lawn care business, and works part-time. She spent a year volunteering and working abroad, and developed a community art project as a member of the President’s Student Leadership Program. Keziah plans to study law, with a specific interest in serving BIPOC communities and those with intellectual disabilities.

“The regional interviews were a very positive experience, and I look forward to meeting other finalists and learning about the experiences that brought them to this point,” said Keziah.

Soomin Han

Soomin Han is completing a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies at UM. Inspired by her experience in a climate action cohort, Soomin leads climate finance and policy work at Youth Climate Lab, a non-profit organization, and interns with the United Nations Climate Change secretariat. She established and led a student hub that raises awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, and serves on the board of The Starfish Canada, a youth environmental organization. For her advocacy, she was named a Top 25 Environmentalist under 25. Soomin plans to study public policy or law.

The scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the second-largest single donation in Canadian history. Finalists will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. If not selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar, each student is eligible to receive a $10,000 Canadian Finalist Award for studies at McGill.

REGIONAL AWARD RECIPIENT

Evan Chan

The McCall MacBain Scholarships program also offers Regional Awards of $5,000 to Canadian candidates who were among the top in their region. Evan Chan [BA/23], who is completing a bachelor’s degree in music history at the University of Manitoba as a President’s Scholar, is UM’s winner. He represents his college on the board of the student union, served as a board director for a dance company, and helped start several local non-profit organizations. Awarded the Manitoba Honour 150 Medal, Evan continues to serve the community through a variety of artistic avenues. During the academic year, Evan works as a research student, and he plans to pursue studies in music theory.

LEARN MORE

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission. Interested University of Manitoba students are invited to an information session on March 1 at 10 AM on the Fort Garry campus, UMSU University Centre, Room 210. Register now.