The Library’s vibrant and quality programming for children is made possible with the help and the dedication of student volunteers. Their passion and support in mentoring younger students makes these programs come alive, leaving a lasting positive impact on both participants and volunteers.  

The Bright Futures Scholarship provides three scholarships, one valued at $3,500 and two valued at $1,000 each to young Library volunteers who are committed, enthusiastic, and takes initiative in their volunteer role. 

The scholarship is made possible by a gift from Barbara Killick, formerly a senior staff member at Calgary Public Library, and witness to the positive impact made by young volunteers on the lives of Calgarians. 

Meet the 2020 recipients of the Bright Futures Scholarship:

Debadrita Chowdhury ($3,500 scholarship) 

Debadrita has been an enthusiastic volunteer in a variety of Library youth programs, including Reading Buddies and Make it Messy Art. She draws upon her volunteer experience at the Library to influence her work with students in the community. Inspired by the youth she mentored in Library programs, Debadrita started a poetry club for Grade 9 students at her school and helps them prepare for regional and national competitions. She is also a founding member of the Calgary Science Spelling Bee. After graduation, Debadrita plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Keerthana Chockalingam ($1,000 scholarship) 

An active and engaged volunteer with the Library since 2016, Keerthana enjoys programs like Reading Buddies that help students develop their literacy and problem-solving skills. Her volunteer work at the Library inspires her to continually seek opportunities to engage with her community. She has volunteered with a variety of other local programs, including a summer camp for children with disabilities. Mentoring students in Library programs helped Keerthana discover a passion for working with children. She is now investigating a career path where she can combine her passion for health science and working in pediatrics.

Risham Sharma ($1,000 scholarship) 

Risham has logged many volunteer hours with the Library and enjoys teaching technology to kids in programs like Coding Buddies. Volunteering with the Library motivated Risham to mentor students at her school in robotics and engineering programs, in addition to teaching coding to children fighting cancer at Alberta Children’s Hospital. Risham has been positively impacted by the relationships she formed in Library programs and enjoys seeing the outcomes of her coaching as students learn and grow. Risham is pursuing post-secondary study in Engineering.

Congratulations to this year’s winners! Submissions for the 2021 Bright Futures Scholarship will open next spring.