The Jun Cai Memorial Scholarship

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Honouring Resilience. Rewarding Action.

Award Value: $1,000 CAD
Status: OPEN SOON (Accepting applications March 15 – May 15, 2026)

about the scholarship

The Jun Cai Memorial Scholarship was established to honour the life and legacy of a beloved member of the Compassion Network family.

Jun Cai’s journey was defined by resilience and re-invention. From her early days as a military nurse in China to re-certifying as a Health Care Aide here in Alberta, she never stopped learning and never stopped serving. She believed in hard work, "dirty hands," and the courage it takes to start over.

We are looking for students who mirror Jun’s spirit. Whether you are a newcomer re-building your credentials in Canada, a working parent upskilling for a better future, or a student grinding through your final year—we want to support your journey.

The inaugural 2026 scholarship is being offered exclusively to the Compassion Network community. We want to support the incredible people who make up our work family and the clients we serve every day.

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who should apply?

We are looking for "Action over Words." We value your work history and grit just as much as your academic transcript. You are a strong candidate if you fall into one of these categories:

The Re-Builder: You are an internationally trained professional (e.g., IEN) working to re-certify in Canada.
The Upskiller (Staff): You are a current Compassion Network employee upskilling for a better future (e.g., an HCA studying to become an LPN or RN).
The Next Generation (Dependents): You are the child or dependent of a Compassion Network staff member, balancing school with a part-time job or family duties.
The Persister (Client Families): You are a member of a Compassion Network client family, working hard to finish your degree while managing significant family responsibilities.

eligibility requirements

To be considered for the 2026 award, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Connection: Must be a current or former Compassion Network/Home Keepers employee, a dependent of a current or former employee, or connected to a current or former client family.
Location: Attending an accredited post-secondary institution in Alberta.
Timeline: Enrolled (or accepted) for the Fall 2026 semester.
Program: Pursuing studies in one of the following "Care Core" fields:

Nursing: HCA, LPN, RPN, RN, NP.
Therapy: Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), or OT/PT Assistant.
Support: Social Work (BSW, MSW, Diploma).

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Applications open March 15, 2026.

For a successful application, you will need to prepare the following:

Your Resume: Please highlight your work history. We specifically look for "dirty hands" experience—evidence that you have worked hard, whether in Canada or internationally.
Your Enrollment Status: You will be required to provide enrollment information to an accredited Alberta school in one of the following programs of study: HCA, LPN, RN, RPN, NP, OT, PT or Social Work.
Compassion Network Connection: You will be asked to verify your connection to a current or former Compassion Network employee or client.
Reference: We will ask for the contact information of one reference (supervisor, teacher, mentor or community leader).

There are two essay prompts:

350 words or less: Jun Cai sacrificed her own time and lifestyle to support her family. Do you have significant family responsibilities (e.g., caring for siblings/parents) OR work obligations (e.g., working full-time while studying)?
500 words or less: Jun Cai made significant personal sacrifices—leaving her home country, working multiple jobs, and returning to school—to build her life. Describe a specific time when you put the needs of others above your own desires, OR describe a significant obstacle you overcame to pursue your education.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact the Selection Committee at scholarship@compassionnetwork.ca.

The recipient will be notified by June 16, 2026.

The Jun Cai Memorial Scholarship

Honouring Resilience. Rewarding Action.

about the scholarship

who should apply?

eligibility requirements

sponsor

apply now

Applications open March 15, 2026.

Questions?

work while you study?