10/15/2026
As a new school year begins, students across Manitoba are returning to classrooms, campuses and communities with new opportunities to learn, grow and build their futures. Education is an important part of that journey, but so too is understanding where we come from and the traditions that connect us to one another.
This summer, Folklorama once again brought Manitoba’s diverse cultures to life, giving people the opportunity to experience the music, food, dance and traditions that make our province. Behind those celebrations are countless volunteers and young people who dedicate their time to preserving and sharing their heritage.
We are proud to support the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship for Excellence, which reflects the important connection between education and heritage. The scholarship provides financial support to Manitoba students pursuing post-secondary education while recognizing the meaningful ways they contribute to their cultural traditions. From performing and teaching to volunteering and taking on leadership roles, recipients demonstrate that heritage remains vibrant when young people are given the opportunity to carry it forward. By investing in their education and celebrating their contributions to their communities, the scholarship supports the next generation of students as they build their futures while keeping their communities' traditions and stories alive.
Each year, eight students receive a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement, community involvement and commitment to keeping cultural traditions alive. The 2025 recipients represent a remarkable range of backgrounds and interests, from Irish and Scottish dance to Polish, Chinese, Bosnian, Métis and Caribbean cultural traditions.
Their stories demonstrate that heritage is not simply something we inherit, it is something we carry forward. Whether through performing, volunteering, teaching or leadership, these young people are helping ensure that the traditions that have shaped their communities remain part of Manitoba’s future.
The Danzker Scholarship reflects the belief that education and heritage can go hand in hand. By supporting students as they pursue their academic goals, the scholarship invests in both individual potential and the strength of our communities.
As students settle into a new school year, it is also a time to look ahead to the opportunities that can help make their educational goals possible. The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba offers a range of scholarships and educational awards to support students pursuing post-secondary education. Applications for the Foundation’s 2027 scholarship and educational awards will open January 1. We encourage students to explore the opportunities available and consider applying in the new year.
