SASKATOON — Matthew Craddock and Clarenz Portades have been named USask’s 2026 Schulich Leader Scholarship recipients.
Two incoming University of Saskatchewan (USask) students have received one of Canada’s top undergraduate STEM scholarships.
Matthew Craddock and Clarenz Portades have been named USask’s 2026 Schulich Leaders. The two students are part of the 15th cohort of Schulich Leaders, which includes 100 high school graduates from across Canada.
Craddock and Portades were selected for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to using STEM to support their communities.
Through the Schulich Foundation, students pursuing engineering receive $120,000. Students studying science, technology, or mathematics receive $100,000 to attend one of 20 partner universities across Canada.
Both recipients see STEM as a way to reduce barriers, whether through accessible technology, STEM tutoring or renewable innovation.
Portades, a graduate of Bishop James Mahoney High School, plans to focus on computer science, software engineering and computer engineering. He has been interested in technology since he was a child and draws inspiration from his family and his Filipino background.
“My parents’ work ethic, kindness, and humility have always pushed me to do my best for them, and dedicate any achievements I make to my family,” Portades said. “In addition, my background as a Filipino immigrant has been a source of motivation to be a representative wherever I go. I have always wanted to break barriers and open that path to STEM for more Filipinos.”
Portades will receive a $100,000 scholarship and plans to help low-income neurodivergent students.
“I have a very personal experience as an immigrant that connects to being neurodivergent,” he said, “and I want to ensure that any project or technological solution I develop is not only free but accessible for students.
“Whether I am running a business or helping other businesses, my goal has always been to take initiative and help solve problems within my community.”
During an internship at the Broadway Business Improvement District, Portades created Saskatoon’s first tourist platform on the Driftscape app. Within three months, 15,000 users tried walking tours, promotions and an augmented-reality game inspired by Pokémon Go. In the game, players collect hearts for prizes from Broadway merchants.
The project brought together two interests Portades has had since he was young: technology and community.
“Looking back, I have noticed a pattern between my hobbies and passions, where a fun hobby of experimenting with tech can be used as outreach to both my Filipino and Saskatoon communities.”
Looking ahead, Portades said he is excited to come to USask and begin his work in the College of Arts and Science.
“I am excited to see where USask will take me in the STEM field, while expanding my horizons and meeting new people,” he said.
Craddock, from Spencerville, Ont., shares Portades’ focus on community. Last year, he founded a pay-what-you-can STEM tutoring initiative to provide more equitable academic support at his school.
Since September 2025, Craddock has tutored more than 150 hours in chemistry, math, and finance. He donated all proceeds to his school’s prom committee to help make prom more affordable.
Craddock will receive a $120,000 scholarship and plans to study mechanical engineering. He said the scholarship will have a major impact on his education and future goals.
“I hope to build a career where I can develop innovative technologies that improve people's lives,” he said.
“I am interested in the development of renewable technologies and how their environmental impact can be minimized. This scholarship gives me the freedom to pursue research opportunities, extracurricular projects and leadership experiences that will help me develop the skills needed to make my meaningful dent in the universe.”
Although Craddock is from Ontario, he has deep roots in Saskatchewan. His grandfather graduated from USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources in 1962, and he has many family members in the province.
“On top of a familial connection, I find Saskatchewan to be a beautiful place to learn and live. Open skies, friendly cities, lush prairies and strong co-op and learning opportunities make the University of Saskatchewan a perfect fit for me. I may be from Ontario, but Saskatchewan is a home away from home.”
Craddock said he is looking forward to joining the USask community.
“I can't wait to become a part of the USask community and grow as a person as I work with fellow students.”
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
