Aaron Daniel Olfert Scholarship
A Legacy of Impact
Mental health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Application Window: October 1st – July 30th
In today’s high-pressure world, mental well-being plays a critical role in our ability to thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re on a job site, in a classroom, or navigating day-to-day life, mental health affects your focus, relationships, decision-making, safety, and long-term resilience.
Each year, we award a $3,000 scholarship to a deserving student enrolled in Occupational Health and Safety Programs in Alberta. This is put toward training courses and safety gear that is required for current/new jobs and roles.
Recipients also receive:
- Free Access to AASP safety training modules ($3500+ value)
- A complimentary pass to the annual AASP Fall Safety Conference
- Recognition at the annual AASP Fall Safety Conference
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Location & Education:
You reside in Alberta and are enrolled in a qualified OHS program verified by the AASP. - Commitment:
You are dedicated to building safer, healthier workplaces, with a specific focus on prioritizing mental health and wellness. - Submission:
You must submit a personal essay and a professional reference by the July 30th deadline. - Community:
Applicants are encouraged to nominate a colleague or peer who would also benefit from this scholarship opportunity.
Important Dates & Policies:
- Application Window: October 1st – July 30th
- Recipient will be announced at the annual AASP Conference
- Selection Policy:
A minimum number of applications is required to proceed with the selection of a recipient. Should the minimum not be met, the AASP may defer the award to the following year.
Free Lunch and Learn
November 5, 2025 | Noon – 1pm
Our Purpose: Honoring Aaron’s Legacy
A reflection of Aaron’s values: resilience, compassion, safety, and mental wellness through supporting an individual’s or companies career growth by ensuring their wellness comes first. It is more than self-care and it is advocating for self before it may be too late.
Purpose of the Scholarship Fund
- Support for Mental, Physical, and Psychological Health Initiatives
- Promotion of Safer Workplace Cultures
- Recognition of Leadership in Mental Health and Safety
- Bridging personal legacy with professional transformation
- A Legacy We Can Build Together
Apply today or support the scholarship by donating.
What are we looking for?
Use your application essay to describe how you strive to embody the following qualities in your current/future role:
Advocacy for Mental Health and Wellness
- Lead initiatives promoting emotional wellness, resilience, or work-life balance.
- Champion mental-health literacy, reduce stigma, provide peer support or wellness circles.
- Show measurable improvement in workplace mental-health culture (e.g., survey scores, participation rates).
Innovation in Health, Safety & Wellness Programs
- Create or enhance integrated wellness programs – physical, mental or emotional – that improve staff well-being.
- Implement new tools or processes that deliver quantifiable gains (lower absenteeism, better well-being metrics).
- Embed holistic wellness into the core safety and OHS systems of the organization.
Courageous Leadership in High-Risk Situations
- Take decisive action to correct unsafe conditions, even amid resistance or risk.
- Lead during emergencies to safeguard the health, safety, and mental well-being of others.
- Address hazards or stress factors proactively, protecting both physical safety and workplace morale.
Ongoing Commitment to Education & Certification
- Actively participate in recognized health, safety, or wellness education programs such as AASP, MHFA, COR, SECOR, etc.
- Achieve or maintain certifications (e.g., COR, SECOR) and engage others through training, mentoring, or leading wellness education.
- Demonstrate continuous learning and implementation of best practices in occupational health and wellness.
Team Spirit & Peer-Endorsed Culture
- Foster inclusive teamwork in safety and wellness – empowering others to contribute and engage.
- Earn more nomination based on demonstrated support for health, safety, and wellness.
- Serve as role models, promoting a culture of well-being throughout their team or organization.