Faculty of Computer Science

Digital Transformation for Community Impact Scholarship

Overview 

The Digital Transformation for Community Impact Scholarship supports exceptional incoming students into thesis-based master’s programs offered by Dalhousie’s faculties of Computer Science or Management whose work advances inclusive, ethical, and community-centred digital transformation. Supported through Scotiabank’s investment in Dalhousie University’s College of Digital Transformation (CDT), this scholarship is designed to attract emerging leaders whose research, innovation, or applied impact uses digital technologies to reduce systemic barriers and expand equitable participation in society. 

The scholarship reflects a core CDT principle: technology is not neutral. Digital transformation can reinforce existing inequities, or it can help dismantle them. This award supports students committed to shaping digital futures that are inclusive, accountable, and socially responsible. Interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to apply using the form provided at this link. 

At least two scholarships will be awarded for the 2027 cycle. Applications for the current year will be accepted until December 1st, 2026.

Purpose 

The scholarship aims to: 

  • Recruit outstanding incoming students into selected Master’s programs whose proposed work aligns with inclusive digital transformation.
  • Support digital innovation and transformation projects that address systemic barriers and deliver tangible benefits for communities that have been historically underserved.
  • Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across Management, Computer Science, and related fields.
  • Advance equitable social, economic, cultural, and technological outcomes in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Award Value 

  • Each scholarship is valued at $10,000. This award will contribute to a student’s total funding package held alongside other FGS-managed scholarships at Dalhousie up to a value of $30,000. After which, the award will be considered honorary.
  • Applicants are required to disclose all other offered or confirmed funding; disclosure does not disqualify an applicant.
  • Funds are paid in accordance with university policies and are conditional on the recipient registering in the MDI program in the term stated in their offer of admission.

Eligibility 

Applicants must: 

  • Be applying to or accepted into one of the following Dalhousie programs for entry in the 2027 academic year:

- Master of Applied Computer Science

- Master of Business Administration

- Master of Computer Science

- Master of Information and related joint degrees

- Master of Science in Business

  • Demonstrate a strong connection between their proposed research or professional work and digital transformation (broadly defined).
  • Articulate how their work has the potential to create positive community impact, particularly in contexts affected by systemic inequalities. 
  • Both domestic and international students are eligible.

Equity‑Deserving Group Priorities 

In alignment with Scotiabank’s and CDT’s shared commitment to inclusion, priority consideration will be given to students who are members of or produce work that meaningfully benefits communities facing systemic barriers. Such communities include but are not limited to: 

  • African Nova Scotian or Mi’kmaw communities
  • Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ communities 
  • Communities of people with disabilities 
  • Rural, first‑generation, newcomer, financially marginalized communities
  • Students who identify as female or gender diverse

Applicants may come from any background. Selection is based on demonstrated commitment, understanding, and impact based on the application package, not solely on personal identity.

Application Deadline

  • December 1st, 2026
  • Successful applicants will be notified by January 1st, 2027

Application Process

Applicants will submit: 

  1. Copy of a screenshot or email confirming the master’s application or admission to one of the programs listed above. Offers are conditional on an applicant being accepted to the program; they will be asked to provide confirmation of enrolment if an offer is made.
  2. Transcripts from previous academic programs (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
  3. A CV or résumé (2–3 pages recommended)
  4. 1-2 reference letters from academic, professional, or community involvement/leadership supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s readiness for graduate-level work and/or the applicant’s leadership role in community. Letters may be sent directly by the referee.
  5. A disclosure of other funding sources (e.g., award letters from other scholarships received).
  6. A personal statement (1-2 pages) including the following components:
  • A self-identification indicating which equity-deserving group the student aligns with and/or a positionality statement (optional)
  • The applicant’s interest in digital transformation and community impact
  • How the applicant’s proposed work or program pathway aligns with CDT values and priorities 
  • Academic/Opportunity Context (optional) (max 250 words):
  • Applicants may describe circumstances that shaped their pathway (e.g., work commitments, caregiving, barriers to opportunities, nonlinear education). Disclosure is voluntary and not required.

Submissions should be sent to the College of Digital Transformation by email (CDT@dal.ca).

Selection Process 

Applications will be evaluated holistically, recognizing that excellence and leadership can be demonstrated through many pathways. The review committee will consider:

  • Readiness for master’s-level work; demonstrated through academic preparation and/or relevant professional, project, or community experience
  • Alignment with digital transformation, broadly defined (e.g., digital technologies, data, platforms, systems, digital services, or digital innovation)
  • Clarity and credibility of community impact, including a clear description of who may benefit and how
  • Commitment to inclusive, ethical, and accountable practice, including thoughtful consideration of systemic barriers and potential risks or harms
  • Feasibility within their Master’s program structure and whether the proposed work is realistic within a project-based or co-op-based master’s timeline.
  • Potential as a changemaker: evidence of initiative, collaboration, and the ability to work with and alongside communities rather than simply on their behalf.

Applications are reviewed by a committee that includes CDT leadership and, where possible, reviewers with lived or community-based expertise relevant to the application pool. 

Alignment with CDT and Scotiabank Priorities 

This scholarship advances CDT’s pillars of Financial Supports and Career Pathways, while supporting Scotiabank’s goal of enabling access to digital skills, leadership development, and equitable career trajectories. 

For more information about this scholarship opportunity, reach out to the College of Digital Transformation at CDT@dal.ca.