Laurier Neuroscience student Kayla Burton receives McCall MacBain Scholarship to pursue a fully funded master’s degree

May 6, 2026
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University student Kayla Burton (BSc ’26) is one of 20 Canadians selected to join the sixth cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University in Montreal.

Established through a historic $200-million gift in 2019, McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. Scholarships cover all tuition and fees for a master’s or professional degree at McGill University, provide a monthly stipend for living costs, and include opportunities to participate in an intensive leadership development program.

More than 700 Canadian students applied for the opportunity and the top 150 participated in a first round of interviews across the country and online. In March, 91 finalists were invited to attend final interviews in Montreal.

“I was sitting on the floor of my room, packing to go home and surprise my mom for her birthday, while also anxiously waiting for the call,” said Burton. “When they announced me as a scholar, all I could do was cover my mouth and smile.”

Recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

Burton will graduate from Laurier in June with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Neuroscience. She co-founded the Black Students in Science club, leading a team to create a supportive community space on campus. She also helps run The Islands: Laurier’s Caribbean Student Association, volunteers at her church and teaches recreational dance.

“My university experience has been both formative and empowering,” said Burton. “Alongside academic training, I benefited from strong mentorship and campus resources that supported me at every stage, from developing my application to interview preparation. Through this, Laurier helped me refine my voice, build confidence and recognize my potential beyond the classroom.”

Burton also works part-time as a marketing and communications supervisor with Laurier Athletics and Recreation, leading social media. She also spent two summers working as a team lead for youth drop-in programs in Kitchener.

This fall, Burton will begin pursuing a master’s degree in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at McGill. She is interested in researching how memory, attention and mental health intersect in the digital age.

“These scholarships go beyond financial support,” said Marcy McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “They’re about investing in the leadership potential of individuals who dare to pursue unconventional paths and care deeply about improving the lives of others.”

Previous McCall MacBain scholars from Laurier include Global Studies student Hayley Newman-Petryshen, who was one of 20 Canadians chosen to receive a full scholarship in 2021, along with Opera student Olivia Haramis and Business Administration student Isabella Brodeur, who received McCall MacBain Regional Awards in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 McCall MacBain Scholarships cohort. More information is available at mccallmacbainscholars.org.