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Post-secondary education support
We offer financial assistance for the family members of active AREA members pursuing their first year of university or college or seeking real estate education after graduation.
AREA Scholarships
Investing in the Future
At AREA, we truly value the pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning. That’s why we’re excited to offer two scholarship programs for the children and grandchildren of active Alberta REALTORS®.
Each year, we award a total of four scholarships, providing up to $10,400 to support education in university, technical college, and REALTOR® licensing.
2 Scholarship programs
4 Annual awards
$10,400 Total yearly support
Available Scholarships
Al Larson
Al Larson Memorial Scholarship
$2,500 each
2 recipients
For first-year university, college, or technical school students who are children or grandchildren of an AREA member.
Eligibility
- Child or grandchild of an AREA member.
- First-time acceptance into first year of study.
- Current or most recent transcript submitted.
Selection
Awarded based on academics and extra-curricular activities, including fine arts, athletics, charitable work, and volunteerism.
Charlie Ponde
Charlie Ponde Memorial Scholarship
Up to $3,700 each
2 recipients
2 recipients
$1,500 towards licensing costs and up to $2,200 in AREA licensing materials
For children and grandchildren of Alberta REALTORS® aged 18 and older who want to pursue a career in real estate.
Eligibility
- Child or grandchild of an AREA member.
- 18 years old or older.
- Written or video explanation of real estate career goals.
- Acknowledgement of RECA eligibility criteria.
Selection
Awarded based on the applicant's real estate career explanation and community involvement.
Legacy
History of Al Larson
Al Larson was a dedicated REALTOR® and administrator who spent 41 years in the real estate industry. He served as AREA's executive vice president from 1976 until his retirement in 1990.
Al never sought out public recognition, making his generous contribution of time, energy and expertise behind the scenes. Highly respected, Al's statesmanship and outstanding leadership benefited organized real estate across Canada.
Al was an honorary life member of AREA, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and the Edmonton, Calgary and West Central Alberta real estate boards. He died suddenly at a CREA conference in October 1991.
Legacy
About Charlie
Charlie Ponde never took on a task that he wasn't passionate about and it was no different when it came to real estate.
Charlie first became a REALTOR® in 1992, a significant departure from his prior career in India. From the start, Charlie demonstrated his dedication and enthusiasm for helping clients. Charlie was also actively involved in his community.
Small in stature, but not in heart, Charlie embodied the best virtues of the REALTOR® Code, always treating his peers and clients with kindness, integrity and respect. He was instrumental in real estate advocacy efforts for decades and was a champion for REALTOR® professionalism and education.
Charlie was recognized as an honorary life member of both AREA and the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton for his many contributions over his 30 years in real estate.
After Charlie lost his battle against cancer in October 2022, the AREA Board of Directors decided to honor his legacy through supporting future generations of REALTORS®, establishing a new scholarship in his honor.
2025 recipients
Scholarship Winners
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Charlie Ponde Memorial Scholarship
Mansukh Khattra
Inspired to enter real estate after watching his mother, AREA member Sukhjit Kaur, lead her brokerage.
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Charlie Ponde Memorial Scholarship
Jase Dopko
Drawn to real estate through houses, layouts, colors, and the goal of helping people find the right home.
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Al Larson Memorial Scholarship
Cristina Iordache
Daughter of AREA member Gabriella Iordache, pursuing a career as a physician with interest in cardiovascular medicine.
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Al Larson Memorial Scholarship
Ashlyn Meek
Daughter of AREA member Darren Meek, pursuing nursing and drawn to science, care, and fast-paced work.
Ready to kickstart your real estate career?
We're here to support your success. Learn more about AREA's licensing education options
and take the next step toward your professional goals!