Evaluation Criteria

Student Award Evaluation Criteria

Please see below for details on how student award application questions are evaluated by the Yellowknife Community Foundation’s evaluation committee. 

What are your educational and/or personal goals?

Criteria:
Meaning – Are your goals informed by your personal values?
Clarity – Are your goals well-defined and specific?
Impact – Will your goals create a significant effect?
Ambition – Do your goals challenge you to grow?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

How have you been involved in your community, and what contributions have you made?

Consider the following areas:
  • Education (your specific field of interest)
  • Arts (music, visual arts, performing arts, etc.)
  • Recreation & clubs (sports teams, hobby groups, leadership roles)
  • Local business involvement (entrepreneurship, internships, employment)
  • Social justice & volunteering (advocacy, community service, activism)
  • Groups & organizations (youth councils, nonprofit work, cultural groups)
Criteria:
Connection – Do you express genuine care for your community?
Impact – Has your involvement made a significant difference?
Initiative – Do you actively seek out opportunities and take initiative?
Breadth – Are you engaged in a wide range of community activities?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

If you receive this student award, how will it benefit your community and/or the North?

Criteria:
Community Benefit – Do you explain how if you receive the award, it will positively impact your community and/or the North?
Clarity – Is your response clear, realistic, and achievable?
Challenges and Opportunities – Do you identify key challenges or opportunities and explain how the award will help address them?
Impact – Will the impact be significant or sustainable?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

What is your involvement and/or interest in the field of study that you have chosen?

Criteria
Passion – Are you deeply committed to your field?
Effort – Do you demonstrate a strong work ethic?
Impact – Have you achieved meaningful results in your field?
Purpose – Do you derive a sense of personal fulfillment from your field?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Academic Achievement Statement

Criteria
Skills – What skills did you gain in school? (i.e. critical thinking, time management, researching, problem solving, communication)
Study Strategies – What are your study strategies? Do you know to harness your learning style?
Challenges – Did you face any difficulties in your studies?
Growth – Has your understanding, curiosity, or overall performance improved over time?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Financial Need Statement

Criteria

If you selected Jar 2, 3, or 4 (click the illustration below or download the pdf) then you will complete a financial need statement.

The financial need statement is assessed based on your ability to justify your selected Jar.

0 Points

You did not complete a financial statement (you selected Jar 1).

1 Point

Minimal Justification: No clear financial challenges are described.

2 Points

Some Justification: Some financial challenges are mentioned, but the need is not strongly demonstrated.

3 Points

Clear Justification: There are clear financial challenges, including limited income, high expenses, or lack of support.

4 Points

Strong Justification: Outlines serious financial hardship. The response includes a strong case for assistance.

Tell us about your involvement in the sport(s) you selected. What have you achieved? What are your plans and goals? How has your involvement helped your community? What qualities have you shown while pursuing your sport(s)?

Criteria
Achievements – Have you accomplished a feat in your sport(s)?
Goals – Have you set goals as an athlete?
Connection – Have you formed meaningful relationships through your sport?
Character – What personal qualities do you exhibit through your sport?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Personal Reflection on Art Portfolio

Criteria
Self-Awareness – Do you demonstrate a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in your portfolio?
Growth Mindset – Do you show a willingness to learn and improve your artistic skills?
Specificity – Are your reflections detailed and specific, rather than vague or generic?
Artistic Intent – Do you express a clear purpose or vision behind your work and how you want to develop it further?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

What is your involvement and/or interest in the mining and resources industry?

Criteria
Passion – Are you deeply committed to your field?
Effort – Do you demonstrate a strong work ethic?
Impact – Have you achieved meaningful results in your field?
Purpose – Do you derive a sense of personal fulfillment from your field?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

How have you shared your knowledge, skills, or traditions as an artist within your community?

(Alice & Randy Daniels Music Fund)

Criteria

Reach – How many people in your community have you engaged with?
Depth – Have you shared significant knowledge, skills, or traditions as an artist?
Initiative – Did you actively seek opportunities to share?
Connection – Have you formed meaningful relationships with the members of your community?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Tell us one story that highlights your work ethic.

(Eugene Roach Memorial Fund)

Criteria

Relevance – Does the story clearly illustrate a strong work ethic and demonstrate perseverance, dedication, or responsibility?
Challenge – Does the story involve overcoming obstacles, pushing through difficulties, or going beyond what was expected?
Impact – Did your hard work lead to a meaningful result, whether for yourself, their team, or your community?
Authenticity – Does the story feel personal and genuine, reflecting your true character and values?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

What is your experience in youth leadership and/or mentorship?

(Ian Legaree Youth Leadership Fund)

Criteria

Scope – Do you describe a range of experiences such as coaching, teaching, guiding peers, or community involvement?
Impact – Have you made a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, whether through skill development, personal growth, or community improvement?
Commitment – Do you demonstrate long-term dedication rather than a one-time or short-term effort?
Approach – How do you describe your leadership or mentorship style? Do you emphasize patience, encouragement, accountability, or another key quality?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Personal Qualities Statement

(Jenny Gamble-Fournier Memorial Fund)

Criteria

You will be asked to select three qualities below that best describe you, and write a statement providing specific examples of how you demonstrate each.

Creativity
Independence of mind
Honesty
Open-mindedness
Participation in school activities
Inclusive, outgoing personality
Interest in art
Interest in travel
Sense of humour

Your statement will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Variety – Do you discuss three distinct qualities with unique examples?
Authenticity – Do you provide honest, realistic examples?
Impact – Have your qualities made a meaningful difference in your life or community?
Alignment – Do the qualities you describe connect with your future goals or aspirations?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

How have you demonstrated sportsmanship?

(Luke Charpentier Memorial Fund)

Criteria

Respect for Others – How well do you show respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials?
Fairness – Do you follow the rules and play honestly?
Support – How do you uplift and support other players?
Resilience – How do you handle challenges, setbacks, or disagreements?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

How does hockey make you a better person?

(Randy McBride Hockey Project Fund)

Criteria

Discipline & Work Ethic – How has hockey taught you dedication, perseverance, and the value of hard work?
Teamwork & Leadership – How has hockey helped you develop cooperation and leadership skills?
Resilience – How has hockey helped you handle adversity?
Personal Values – What is a unique quality you have developed through hockey, beyond the usual ones people talk about?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

What is your involvement and connection with Indigenous communities?

(Sharon Morrison Memorial Indigenous Education Fund)

Criteria

Community Engagement – How actively do you participate?
Cultural Knowledge & Practice – How do you connect with and uphold Indigenous traditions, languages, or teachings?
Advocacy & Leadership – How have you supported or uplifted Indigenous voices and causes?
Intergenerational Connection – How do you honor and maintain relationships across generations?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Soccer Resume

(United Soccer Coaching Fund)

Criteria

Experience – Do you demonstrate meaningful involvement in soccer, whether as an athlete, referee, coach, or administrator? (e.g., Years of participation, level of competition, certifications, or leadership roles.)

Impact – Have you made a tangible contribution to the sport, such as mentoring others, improving team performance, officiating with integrity, or developing programs?

Commitment – Does your resume reflect long-term dedication to soccer, showing growth, perseverance, and continued involvement?

Leadership & Sportsmanship – Do you exemplify qualities like teamwork, fair play, and leadership, whether on the field, as an official, or in management roles?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

How is your program related to housing?

(Alfred Moses Memorial Scholarship and Tom Williams Memorial Scholarship)

Criteria
Relevance – Do you make a clear link between your program and housing in the NWT, explaining how the program will support your career goals?
Excellence – Do you demonstrate achievements, volunteer work, or prior experience (training, employment, or other activities) related to housing or improving community quality of life?
Resilience – Do you share a compelling story or example that highlights your dedication, perseverance, or work ethic?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria

Resume

Criteria

Relevance – Do your experiences, education, and skills align with your career goals and the position you are pursuing?
Experience – Do you demonstrate meaningful experience in your field, showing growth, responsibility, or specialized skills?
Impact – Have you made a tangible difference in your work, studies, or community, as shown through achievements, leadership, or contributions?
Commitment – Does your resume reflect long-term dedication to a profession, cause, or area of expertise, rather than a scattered or short-term focus?

1 Point

Weak response, minimally addressed

2 Points

Adequate response addressing some criteria

3 Points

Good response addressing most criteria

4 Points

Strong response addressing all criteria