Al Maurer Awards

Al Maurer was the long-time City Manager for the City of Edmonton. Upon his retirement in 2009, city staff and others contributed to the Al Maurer Awards Fund to honour him and to assist public service employees with furthering their education in areas that will promote public service excellence.

Each year typically 3 students receive awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. In 2021 we received 7 eligible applications. The size and number of awards may vary.

Critical Dates for the application

  • Application Opens: June 1
  • Application Deadline: August 31 at 11:59 PM.
  • Award decisions released: approximately mid October.

Al Maurer Awards Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Permanent public service employment within Edmonton city limits.
  • Residence in the greater Edmonton area and permanent residence or citizenship of Canada.
  • Pursuit of a program of study leading to a recognized certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree, or professional designation at a school operating in Edmonton.
  • How the proposed course of study will promote public service excellence.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate:

  • Commitment to an ongoing career in the public service.
  • Educational goals related to refining the employee’s ability to promote public service excellence.
  • Financial need to cover educational costs beyond those provided by the employer.

Who is a public service employee?

  • Employees of the federal, provincial or municipal governments are eligible to apply.
  • Employees of universities, hospitals, school boards or other similar bodies are not eligible to apply.
  • Employees who have a direct reporting relationship to elected officials (such as deputy ministers, executive assistants, constituency office staff, etc.) are also not eligible.
  • Applicants must be permanent public sector employees.
  • Employees on maternity leave or self-funded leave are eligible

What schools and programs are eligible?

Awards can be used at any public university, college, or technical institute operating in Edmonton, as well as at any private institution or vocational school in Edmonton which is accredited by the Province of Alberta.

An applicant’s program of study must lead to a recognized degree, diploma, certificate, or professional designation (a certification that attests to the competence of an individual to practice within a profession related to public administration, including, but not limited to, law, accounting, urban planning, business, social planning, engineering, and architecture).

Required Documents to apply

  • A reference letter: from their manager or supervisor which recommends the student and the course of study and should clearly address how the applicant meets the criteria and priorities.
  • A personal reference from someone (not a relative) who can address how the applicant meets the criteria.
  • A resume which outlines the applicant’s employment and educational (including training provided by the employer) history.

Before an award is confirmed, recipients must provide:

  • Proof of enrollment in the program of choice.
Apply for an Al Maurer Award