In a timely move to address rising mental health needs in schools, Alberta Blue Cross and the ATA Educational Trust are launching a new bursary aimed at supporting Alberta teachers pursuing continued education in mental health and well-being.
Announced during Mental Health Week (May 5–9), the Alberta Blue Cross Mental Health and Well-being Bursary program will provide five bursaries of $2,000 each to teachers enrolled in graduate-level coursework in this field. Eligible programs include counselling and other studies that enhance teachers’ capacity to support student mental health.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, when schools across Alberta are seeing a rising need for mental health support, both for students and the teachers who serve them.
“There is growing awareness, from government, education partners and others, that good mental health and well-being is vital for student success,” said Robert Mazzotta, ATA associate executive secretary.
Administered by the ATA Educational Trust, the bursary aims to increase access to professional learning for teachers, who are often on the frontlines of student mental health support. Mazzotta stated that investing in teachers’ ongoing education can promote wellness and healthier futures for students.
“Alberta Blue Cross really wanted to make a difference in addressing the mental health needs we are seeing in schools,” said Mazzotta. “Supporting teachers’ continuing education in this area is one way to support wellness and healthy futures for students.”
To qualify for this bursary, applicants must
- hold a permanent Alberta teaching certificate;
- be enrolled in relevant graduate-level courses that will take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026; and
- not have received an ATA Educational Trust grant or bursary in the past three years (excluding the year it was granted).
Applications must be received by June 13, 2025 at 4 p.m., and recipients will be selected through a random draw from eligible applicants.
More information and application details are available on the ATA’s website under Professional development > Grants, awards and scholarships. ❚
