Programs

Vimy Pilgrimage Award

The Vimy Foundation created the Vimy Pilgrimage Award (VPA) to recognize the actions of young people, ages 14-17, who are dedicated to the betterment of society.

Why apply to the VPA?

VPA recipients demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their communities through positive contributions, volunteering, or notable deeds that benefit their peers, family, school, town, province, or country.

Students pose for a group shot

Explore

The Vimy Pilgrimage Award consists of a fully funded week-long educational program in Belgium and France to study Canada’s First World War contributions, within the context of a global conflict. 


The program features daily visits to important First World War sites including museums, cemeteries, and historic battlefields. Participants gain transferable skills, unique perspectives about the First World War, and connect with like-minded peers from across the country.


Students at the Vimy Memorial on a foggy day

Connect

Alumni from the Vimy Pilgrimage Award go on to share their new knowledge and perspectives of the First World War with their peers, schools, and communities. They become ambassadors for the Vimy Foundation. VPA alumni continue to interact with their peers through the Vimy Foundation Alumni Council and join a network of inspiring young people. 


How it works

Please verify the application status below and read the terms and conditions for program details. Contact us at programs@vimyfoundation.ca if you have any questions.

1 - Apply

Please fill out the application form before the deadline. The application will include contact information, essay components, your presentation video, your letter of reference and your resume. Applications for 2024 are open from November 15 to December 18, 2023 11:59PM (local time).

2 - Review process

A selection committee will review all applications. Select candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview. All applicants will be notified whether they have been selected or not.

3 - Accept the award

Recipients will be notified by email and will have five days to accept the award. Recipients and their parents/guardians will complete the acceptance form.

4 - Participate!

Meet fellow participants; research your chosen soldier or nurse; work on your group project; and visit First World War sites in Europe!

Participate now!

The program is scheduled for April 2-10, 2024. Apply online before December 18, 2023 11:59PM (Local time).

Applications are currently closed.

Please check back at a later date and see resources below.

Resources

Vimy Pilgrimage Award - Terms and Conditions

Sponsors

Sponsors and Delivery Partners

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The Vimy Pilgrimage Award is an experience that follows you long after you return to your hometown. I will forever be a Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipient for the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and I will always have the memories and friendships that were made… I've been fortunate enough to be able to weave my experiences from the Vimy Pilgrimage Award into my education, as I have given presentations about the past, present, and future battlefield tourism. Over five years later, I can't get over how unique of an experience the Vimy Pilgrimage Award was for me. I am eternally thankful for this amazing opportunity.

Testimonial author headshot
Tim Turriff
Vimy Pilgrimage Award Recipient, 2016

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