UM students Jory Thomas-Blanchard and Perry Cheung are national finalists for 2026.
Established with a landmark $200-million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. More than 700 Canadians applied, and 151 advanced to a first round of interviews in November. The top 53 Canadians will attend the final round of interviews in Montreal, joined by 38 finalists from other countries. Travel and accommodation costs are covered for the final interviews.
“I have visited Montreal before, but I am really excited to experience living in a bigger city with a great arts and music scene, as well as great urban life!” said Jory.
McCall MacBain Scholars receive substantial funding to pursue an eligible degree at McGill University, including full tuition coverage, a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms, and summer funding options. Scholars are paired with mentors and coaches, participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program, and have access to the McCall MacBain House on campus. A relocation grant is also available for those moving to Montreal.
Applicants are endorsed by their universities of origin and assessed by volunteer leaders based on evidence of character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
Environmental Design student Jory Thomas-Blanchard is completing her degree while working as a youth care support worker in a group home and freelancing as a creative/strategic consultant.
Jory is the co-president of the Indigenous Design and Planning Students' Association and the vice president of the Student Architectural Society. A passionate knowledge keeper, Jory is also coordinating an Indigenous Time Capsule with the Indigenous Student Centre. She led a project creating garden boxes for Indigenous medicines and programming in collaboration with Ombishkaawak Migiziwak (Rising Eagles), a youth safe space in Winnipeg. She also worked to restart the Métis University Students' Association as co-president. This past year, she won an award for Indigenous leadership on campus.
Jory is applying for master's programs in urban planning, architecture, and policy at McGill.
“It feels surreal. This is something that happens in dreams, and to see it as my reality makes me feel in awe and excited for the next chapter of my life," said Jory. “Being involved and dedicated to learning in all aspects at the University of Manitoba, both in and outside of academia, has taught me so much and developed my skills to make me the leader I am today.”
Perry Cheung recently graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He works as a math tutor for high school and undergraduate students.
Having played competitive badminton for over 10 years, Perry coordinates social media and takes event photos for the University of Manitoba Badminton Club. He also volunteers as a badminton coach for CanU, an organization that seeks to empower equity-deserving youth. Perry is the second author on a paper examining how small droplets of butanol (a type of fuel) evaporate under different air conditions. He spent two summers researching alternative biofuel vaporization and combustion.
Perry is applying for master's programs in engineering at McGill. He plans to continue his research in thermodynamics. "I hope to contribute meaningful findings that advance sustainable energy technologies and help create a better future for our next generation."
“We aim to support emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “These students have already shown remarkable promise in their communities, and we’re grateful to the universities that encouraged and supported them in pursuing this opportunity.”
While in Montreal, Jory and Perry will interview with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Canadian finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 towards their studies at McGill.
“We are also deeply thankful to the more than 300 leaders who lend their time to help us select these exceptional students and graduates,” added Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “The interviews provide candidates with a space for meaningful reflection, and we hope they leave with a stronger sense of their leadership potential and the impact they can have in strengthening communities.”
Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found on the McCall MacBain Scholars website.
At UM, we encourage life-long curiosity while providing tools – inside and outside the classroom – to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Empowering learners is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
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