Accelerating education
Education opens doors, but for many students, cost can stand in the way. In 2025, we provided $1.7 million in Student Awards to 565 students. This includes 197 recipients of our Hilltop Awards and Bursaries program who received a combined $492,559 in support thanks to 29 endowments that support the program.
This funding is enabling students like Kevin Chavez Laxamana who has received three Hilltop Awards to pursue his post-secondary goals.
Most recently, Kevin has entered Doctor of Education studies at the University of Calgary. The impact of Kevin’s education and passion is already being felt in our community as he helps reshape education as an instructor at NorQuest College. Last year, Kevin was selected as an Edify Top 40 Under 40 for creating more inclusive learning spaces for underrepresented
and neurodivergent students.
“With support from the Hilltop Awards, I’ve been able to grow my impact — helping 77 students access more inclusive, supportive educational experiences.”
-Kevin Laxamana, Hilltop Award and Bursaries recipient
Young leaders shaping what’s next
Cayden Zhang is proof that the community we imagine is already being built by the next generation. As a member of ECF’s Young Edmonton Grants (YEG) committee, Cayden joins fellow youth volunteers in reviewing applications and guiding funding decisions for projects led by young people across the city.
In 2025, the YEG committee directed $74,200 to 29 projects, bringing our total granting from this program to $774,081 since 2011.
It’s volunteers like Cayden who keep our work connected to emerging voices — bringing curiosity, care and fresh perspective to every decision.
“Through ECF, I’m gaining real experience and helping shape a community that reflects the ideas and energy of young Edmontonians.”
– Cayden Zhang, Young Edmonton Grants
This story comes from our 2025 Impact Report.
