Apply anyway: A Northern Futures Scholarship story
Each year, the Northern Futures Scholarship supports students from across the North as they pursue post-secondary education. It's not just about funding but also about recognizing potential and helping students see a future for themselves in the communities they call home.
This year, we share the story of Jeff Gartshore, who received the scholarship in 2012 while studying finance at the University of Alberta. At the time, he was working construction jobs in the summer to help pay for school. The scholarship allowed him to focus without the added pressure of part-time work.
"It allowed me to not have to work during the school year the last couple of years," Jeff says. "And it helped me chip in for my mom’s rent. It was pretty big. It’s a fair bit of money."
What wasn't the plan became the path
That same year, Jeff applied for a summer student role at Northwestel. He wasn't looking to build a career with us; he simply wanted a finance-related position that would look good in his résumé.
"I just wanted the job because it had the term 'financial analyst,'" he admits. "I ultimately wanted to be in investment banking out East somewhere. I thought it'd be a good résumé builder." But after working two summers at Northwestel, something shifted.
"I saw that I could have a career here in the North. I didn't necessarily need to go work on Bay Street." That realization changed everything. Jeff decided to pursue his CPA instead of the CFA and instead of pursuing a career in the centre of Toronto's Financial District, has remained committed to building a future in the region he'd always called home.
Today, Jeff is Northwestel's Director of Finance.
"Being in this position gives me a fair amount of control to create an environment where my team feels valued, they're engaged, and I can support a strong work-life balance. That's something that's become more important to me over the years."
Rooted here, on his own terms
Born in Watson Lake and raised in Whitehorse, Jeff's ties to the North run deep, though he doesn't talk about them with flash or flourish. He's outdoorsy, but matter-of-fact about it.
"In the winter, I play hockey, snowmobile, and go hunting. In the summer, mountain biking, camping, and fishing. Pretty standard issue" he jokes.
For the past few years, Jeff also served as Director and Treasurer on the Whitehorse Rec Hockey League board. He recently stepped back from that volunteer role, a decision he made with intention.
My wife and I are expecting in a few weeks," he says. "So, I’ve started making space for this next chapter, but community involvement will always matter to me.”
Advice to students: Apply anyway
When asked what he would say to students thinking about applying, especially those who doubt they'll stand out, Jeff is clear and honest: "Apply. You can put in 500 words of effort and have a decent shot at a pretty big scholarship."
He didn't apply for many scholarships himself because he assumed he wouldn't qualify.
"Earlier in my studies, I didn't have the best grades," he says. "But there's a lot more that's taken into account with this one than just having top marks or being 'Volunteer of the Year."
He also sees the bigger picture.
"It's a good mechanism to try to retain talent in the North. We struggle to find the right people for roles in every industry. Anything we can do to help bring people back after they finish their studies is worth doing."
His story is subtle and steady, much like the person behind it. There was no single breakthrough moment. Just a series of thoughtful choices that brought him back to where he started, and a career he's quietly built here in the North.
About the Northern Futures Scholarship Program
Open to students from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Northern BC, and Northern Alberta, the Northern Futures Scholarship supports post-secondary studies in fields like Engineering, Business, Communications, and Technology.
Since 2002, over $500,000 has been awarded. While some recipients may be considered for summer roles or future careers at Northwestel, employment is not guaranteed.
Apply by July 2, 2025
Details: www.nwtel.ca/scholarships
