Category: Scholarships

  • Trade Scholarships for Indigenous Students in Canada

    Trade Scholarships for Indigenous Students in Canada

    Indspire Scholarships

    Oil and Gas Aboriginal Trades & Technology

    Extra incentive for one to achieve their dreams in trades as a First Nations, Inuit or Metis student, Two deadlines annually on April 30th and November 30th. These awards are for both status and non-status aboriginal individuals pursuing education, professional development and technical training within the Albertan oil & gas industry. This scholarship is only available to those studying in Alberta at an accredited training institute, college or university with plans to work within the industry upon graduation.

    www.ammsa.com

    Apprenticeships, Skilled Trades, and Technology Programs

    Indspire offers chances at funding for those seriously immersed in trades. Deadlines and twice a year in February and November and will depend on grades, references, and cultural background.

    www.indspire.ca/for-students/bursaries-scholarships

    Petro Canada Education Awards for Native Students

    Open to any Canadian native or Inuit students either entering or enrolled in post-secondary programs somehow involved in the industrial setting of the gas and oil industry, this scholarship has five education awards of to $5,000. If you are interested, these awards will be distributed based on academic performance, financial need and the specifics of your studies as related to future aspirations within the industry.

    www.canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/P/Petro-Canada-Education-Awards-for-Native-Students

  • Government Financial Aid: Do’s and Don’ts

    Government Financial Aid: Do’s and Don’ts

    These days, getting an education can be very expensive. Tuition can cost thousands of dollars, and living expenses are often also very high. Unless students come from very wealthy families, they are likely to need financial help to go to university or college. Government financial aid can keep them in school, but students need to know what to do with the money they receive.

    Money from government financial aid comes in different forms, and it’s important to know the difference. Scholarships are normally tied to levels of achievement in school, such as receiving high grades in science or math. Bursaries are usually for financial need, and grants are for any other kind of need, such as a disability that affects a student’s work. For example, a student with vision problems might need to buy special equipment to see a computer screen.

    Normally, bursaries, scholarships, and grants are not tied to any financial repayment. Good marks are important for scholarships and a need of some kind is important for many bursaries and grants, but the money is basically free.
    Still, students need to make sure not to take advantage of the system. For example, a student who receives a bursary based on a temporary situation like an injury should not keep on receiving it when the need is gone. Scholarship students need to work hard to keep up their marks, and other students might need to stay in the same field of study for a certain amount of time.

    Student loans are somewhat different from bursaries, grants, and scholarships. They have to be repaid, usually starting six months after the student has graduated. Interest rates on student loans can be very high, and it is important for students to try to pay as much as they can as early as possible. Before getting a student loan, you should try to find out how much money you will really need for tuition, books, and living expenses. That way, you can ask for the right amount and not have too little or too much.

    Sometimes, universities and colleges award bursaries or scholarships to people who have not asked for them. Usually, however, students apply for the money, and then they find out later whether or not they have received it. Before you apply for funding, you should look to see what the government wants in return. If you get a large loan, be sure that you are in a field of study that leads to a good job. If a scholarship requires you to work at a certain place after graduation, be sure to do that.

    Government financial aid can be very helpful for students at universities or colleges, but it usually has some kind of requirement, whether academic or financial. Enjoy the money, but don’t forget your responsibilities.

    Bibliography:
    Canadian Mental Health Association. “Funding your education.” http://www.cmha.ca/youreducation/funding.html.
    CanLearn. “Frequently Asked Questions.” http://www.cibletudes.ca/eng/common/help/faq/index.shtml.
    Career College Central. “When Good Loans Go Bad. http://careercollegecentral.com/news/When_Good_Loans_Go_Bad.
    CIBC. “A Guide to Student Loans.” https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/loans-and-lines-of-credit/articles-resources/student-loan-guide.html.
    Services for Youth. “Paying for School.” http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/education/financing.shtml.
    Worldwide Learn.com. “What is Financial Aid for Canadian Students? http://www.worldwidelearn.com/financial-aid/canadian-students.htm.

  • December 2017 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    December 2017 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    Odenza Marketing Group Volunteer Award

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 30, 2016

    Application address: https://www.studentscholarships.org/college.php

     

    FormSwift Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Application Address: https://formswift.com/startup-scholarship

     

    Legal Templates Business Plan Annual Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Application Address: https://legaltemplates.net/scholarship/#Business%20Plan%20Executive%20Summary%20Scholarship

     

    Illustrators of the Future Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $5,000

    Awards Available: 4

    Award Deadline: January 1, 2017

    Address Application: http://www.writersofthefuture.com/Contest-Rules-Illustrators/

     

    Burger King Scholars Program

    Scholarship Value: $50,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Address Application: https://www.scholarsapply.org/burgerkingscholars/information.php

     

    Rubincam Youth Award

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Address: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/rubincam_youth_award/nomination_form

     

    Len Assante Scholarship Fund

    Scholarship Value: $5,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: January 15, 2017

    Address :  http://www.ngwa.org/Foundation/assante/Pages/default.aspx

  • When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?

    When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?

    Scholarships are a fantastic way to gain financial support during post-secondary. With all of the different kinds of scholarships available, how are you supposed to know when is the right time to start applying? Well, when it comes to scholarships the short answer is; as soon as possible. Quite often, scholarships have strict deadlines for applications, and if you miss the deadline you may miss out on that scholarship opportunity entirely. When applying for any scholarship, be sure to pay careful attention to the application opening date and deadline.

    “I’m not in post-secondary yet, so I don’t need to look into scholarships just yet, right?”

    A common misconception is that you only need to begin applying for post-secondary scholarships once you have actually started post-secondary. However, this is not always the case. There are some scholarships that recognize your high school accomplishments, such as the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship for Alberta students. With these types of scholarships, you can actually begin to submit your scholarship application once you have been accepted to your post-secondary institution. If you are unsure if you are able to apply for your scholarship before you begin post-secondary, ask your academic advisor at school, search in the scholarship section of your province’s learning information website, or search under the scholarship section of your post-secondary institution’s website.

    There are often also scholarships that are offered for recognizing your academic achievements once you have initially entered your first year of post-secondary. These are often called “Entrance Awards,” which are typically offered to outstanding students entering their specific faculty. These awards typically have a very early cut-off date once the school year begins. Be sure to check to see if a student application is required. (Please note that some entrance awards do not require a student’s formal application, as the post-secondary institution will apply on your behalf). If a student application is required, be sure to apply as soon as possible, as entrance awards are typically only awarded for a short period of time once the school year has begun. Be sure to always carefully check the application deadline for any scholarship application, and make sure you are giving yourself enough time to properly apply.

    For other scholarships that you may gain throughout the course of your post-secondary journey, the timeframe for when to apply may vary. Be sure to check your post-secondary institution’s website on a regular basis for scholarships that you may be eligible for. When applying for a scholarship, it is important to remember that the application process may take longer for some applications than others, depending on its requirements. It is best to begin the application process for any scholarship as soon as you are permitted to do so (each individual scholarship will note both the application opening and the application deadline). By applying as soon as the scholarship application becomes available, you prevent potentially missing the deadline, and allow yourself as much time as possible to complete all necessary application tasks. It is important to allow yourself as much time as possible, especially if the application requires something that may be time consuming, such as essay. This will ensure you are submitting your best work, giving you the best possible opportunity to receive the scholarship. So always remember, when applying for any scholarship, don’t delay! Check when the application date becomes open, and when the deadline is. Once acceptance for applications becomes available, begin the application process immediately!

  • Fighting Back Against Student Debt

    Fighting Back Against Student Debt

    Education is a crucial stepping stone towards your future aspirations. Yet what should be of great help to individuals instead has become a burden on many. Due to the importance parents, employers, and students themselves have placed on post-secondary schooling, it is a necessity that people often struggle to obtain. This is far from an isolated problem. In 2015, the amount of total outstanding student loan debt in the United States reached $1.2 trillion amongst 40 million students, meaning each graduate carried an average debt of $29,000.

    Stepping out from college or university with this enormous weight on one’s head has led to setbacks and postponements. Although research shows that graduates typically fare much better economically than those who do not attend college or university, those who are still paying off their debt delay major purchases such as a car or home. They often take longer to have children due to the financial strain. This places a young, aspiring graduate in a disadvantageous situation at the very early stages of their career. Promotions will not come for years, and in turn the aforementioned life milestones happen later than one may expect and desire. People are also less likely to pursue entrepreneurial efforts, and fewer small businesses can damage the entire economy.

    Given all these negative consequences, you will want to mitigate the burden and find ways to eliminate that debt altogether. Working while in school can allow for additional income, and part-time or online jobs may be very helpful in chipping away at your debt. Watching your spending is also important. Restrict yourself to eating out only a certain number of times per month, be willing to rent a smaller place to live than you might have intended, and keep track of all your expenses via a spreadsheet each month. All of this might not be enough to overcome your debt, and further action may be required.

    It is important to know which type of loan you have, whether it be national, provincial, or private. This will allow you to contact the right organization for assistance. In Ontario, those who owe a debt through the Ontario Student Assistance Program can apply for financial relief. You will not have to pay until your income reaches a certain level. The National Student Loans Service Centre has programs to help struggling individuals. Options include term revision and a two-stage repayment assistance plan that can ease the burden. These choices, coupled with wise spending and saving, can lead to freedom from debt.

    Gaining an education should not be seen as a negative. That credential, and the knowledge and skills it has bestowed upon you, should be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. By knowing how to tackle your student debt, you can ensure that you utilize your schooling to live the life you deserve.

    Sources:

    Gorman, Ryan. How student-loan debt is dragging down the economy. Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/3-charts-explain-the-effect-of-student-loans-on-the-economy-2015-5

    Holland, Kelley. The high economic and social cost of student loan debt. CNBC. http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/15/the-high-economic-and-social-costs-of-student-loan-debt.html

    myMoneyCoach. Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Forgiveness Options in Canada. http://www.mymoneycoach.ca/budgeting/student-budgeting/national-student-loan-repayment-assistance

  • B.C. Scholarships for University Students

    B.C. Scholarships for University Students

    British Columbia 4-H Scholarships

    Valued at $1,000 and available to fourteen lucky but well-deserving students, this scholarship really is applicable to many B.C.-born ones. With vast countryside and agriculturally minded neighbourhoods, 4-H is a huge part of many people’s lives. Why not use 4-H connections to their fullest extent? This is extremely easy to apply for and is only for those going into post-secondary education.

    http://www.bcscholarships.ca/register.php

    University of Victoria Entrance Scholarships, Thompson Rivers University Scholarships

    There are ten of these available and they are all valued at $1,000. Every student that applies for university should immediately apply for the proper entry scholarships right after. These particular scholarships are applicable to Canadians coming from Canadian secondary schools. If Canadian citizens finishing secondary school outside of the country want to apply for these entrance scholarships they must apply as Out of Province applicants.

    http://www.bcscholarships.ca/register.php

    B.C. Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

    Aiming to help full-time students with permanent disabilities, this grant replaces around $1,000 in B.C. loan funding. You are probably eligible if you already qualify for a federal student loan, are enrolled full-time and have a Canada Student Loan program certified permanent disability.

    https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-students-permanent-disabilities

    B.C. Completion Grant

    This grant is geared towards full-time students who have successfully completed each year of their university studies; it means having a portion of their B.C./Canada integrated student loan debt reduced by the B.C. government. Based on your assessed need and the amount of your B.C. student loan, StudentAid BC will automatically consider you for this one. Applicants must have no dependants and be in their first four academic years of loans.

    https://studentaidbc.ca/repay/repayment-help/bc-completion-grant

  • November –December 2016 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    November –December 2016 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    10 Words or Less Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 1, 2016

    Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2017.

    Scholarship address: https://www.studentscholarships.org/easy.php

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

    Amount:  $70,000

    Provided by: TD

    Deadline: November 18, 2016

    Donor TD Bank Group

    Renewable: Yes, 4 year(s)

    Number Available: 20

    Scholarship application: https://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/banking/student-life/scholarship-for-community-leadership/index.jsp?cm_sp=cFALL000-886


    Spirit of Innovation Challenge- A STEM Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: November 9, 2016

    Scholarship Address: http://www.conradchallenge.org/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Odenza Caption Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: November 30, 2016

    Scholarship Address: https://www.facebook.com/odenza/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Thinking ahead…

    Best Price Nutrition & Health Scholarship

    1 x $1,000

    Deadline: Dec 31, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.bestpricenutrition.com/scholarship.html

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    The Dalton Camp Award

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: December 1, 2016

    Application Address: http://www.friends.ca/DCA/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Burger King Scholars Program

    Scholarship Value: $50,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Application Address: https://bkmclamorefoundation.org/who-we-are/burger-king-scholars-program/

    Via www.studentscholarships.org


    Legal Templates Business Plan Annual Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: December 15, 2016

    Application Address: https://legaltemplates.net/scholarship/#Business%20Plan%20Executive%20Summary%20Scholarship

    Via www.studentscholarships.org

  • Scholarships: Misconceptions and Why They Really Are Worth Your Time

    Scholarships: Misconceptions and Why They Really Are Worth Your Time

    There are plenty of misconceptions about scholarships that prevent numerous high school students from applying for them. This results in students missing out on the recognition and money. Let’s tackle some of these of misconceptions, and help guide you to get you the rewards you deserve!

    Misconception 1: I don’t qualify for any scholarships or awards.

    This is a false impression many high school students tend to fall into. There are an incredible amount of scholarships and awards for students out there just waiting for you to find! There are scholarships designed for nearly every kind of student, in just about every field of study you can imagine. This means there may very well be a scholarship you qualify for. The problem tends to be that many students are simply unaware of the types of scholarships out there, and in turn believe they are not qualified to receive one. So, what are some resources you can use to find the right scholarships for you? One useful resource in finding different scholarships is to visit the Scholarships and Awards section of your post-secondary institution’s website. This will introduce you to all scholarships available specific to your institution. Going one step further, you can often search for scholarships specifically designed for individual program. Another great tool is your province’s learning information services website. Here you can take a look at specific scholarships and awards available to students in your province. As well, the Canadian government website offers plenty of scholarship opportunities for students. Here are a few useful websites that can link you to scholarship information.

    JPD also lists a number of different scholarships each month from across Canada!

    Misconception 2:  I just don’t have the time; scholarships take forever to apply to!

    Time is a huge factor for students. It’s something we never seem to have enough of, and we tend to stray away from anything we think will take too much of this precious resource away. There are many scholarships that only require a small amount of time to apply for. However, while the time it takes to apply for scholarships varies, it’s important to remember that whether the scholarship requires a ten page essay, or simply the submission of your high school transcripts, it is worth your time! Post-secondary comes with enough to think about, scholarships provide a way to take some finical stress off your plate. Applying for scholarships is an important way to set up your your financial future throughout your post-secondary education. Making time to research and apply for scholarships may provide beneficial finical relief for your future. So while it may take some time out of your day, your future self will be glad you did.

    Misconception 3: Scholarships won’t make a difference in my post-secondary finances.

    The average Canadian student attending post-secondary education pays between $2,500-$6,500 in tuition per year. Not to mention the cost of books, as well as on-campus living. Full time students in Canada averaged paying more than $66,000 for a four year program.  That can be pretty scary to think about. Thankfully, scholarships are available to help you with it. Scholarships vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars, allowing the opportunity to pay for the cost of semesters or even years of post-secondary! Applying for multiple scholarships allows for more opportunities to gain this type of financial relief.

    So, what steps do you need to take to finding the right scholarships for you?

    • Use your available resources to search for all the scholarships you qualify for.
    • Carefully read and understand what is needed to apply for each scholarship.
    • Understand the benefits your chosen scholarship provides.
    • Apply, apply, apply!

    Sources:

    http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/post_secondary/cost.page

  • How to Apply for Entry Scholarships

    How to Apply for Entry Scholarships

    When you apply for post-secondary education it is important to consider all the money that is available for your specific field of study. University is extremely expensive, and with all the free money out there it should be a part of your admissions process to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Entry scholarships are based on past academic performance so the first step is to have sound grades; Advanced Placement credits are especially valuable during this process. For some of these scholarships you are immediately considered once you are admitted; this means that if your grades are great you stand a good chance. For the ones you must apply for, there is more to consider. Be proactive and hunt that money down.

    Do your research.

    Each school you apply to will have a scholarship portion on their website. Figure out which ones you qualify for and apply to each one. Some entry scholarships can hold a value of up to $50, 000. That’s a full ride! Do not play around and approach applying for these scholarships like a job.

    Speak with an academic advisor.

    Academic advisors may be able to give you advice on how to stand out of the pack when applying for entrance scholarships. They may also be able to alert you of any you may have missed and guide you through the process.

    Create a strong letter of intent and/or complete an application form.

    When doing this it is important to list all of your accomplishments and goals. Having references sometimes helps and a list of volunteer work will always put you a step ahead. When writing the letter do not write it like a work cover letter but rather a proposal and an admission of passion for your future career and studies. Have another person edit the letter and/or your application, and make sure that you are aware of any family or work advantages (union, status etc.) and mention these in your application

    Self-report grades.

    You can mention your grade strength in the letter of intent, but many universities require you to have your former transcripts mailed to the school. For undergraduate programs that will be your high school grades, and for graduate studies that will be the transcripts of all the schools you have formerly attended.

  • Scholarships for University Students in Western Canada

    Scholarships for University Students in Western Canada

    Scholarships are an excellent way for university students to gain financial aid during their post-secondary education. Here are a few scholarships available to be won for students attending university in Western Canada, and some resources you can use to discover other available scholarships.

    Alexander Rutherford Scholarship

    Province: Alberta

    Value: Up to $2500

    Purpose: In recognizing students with an outstanding combined grade average in grades 10, 11 and 12.

    How to apply: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/applying-for-funding/how-to-apply/

    Website: http://alis.alberta.ca/ps/fo/pay/scholarships.html


    BC Excellence Scholarship

    Province: British Columbia

    Value: $5000

    Purpose: In recognizing well rounded British Columbia graduates who demonstrate leadership and service in their schools and community, as well as demonstrate commitment to their desired career path.

    How to apply:http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/support/awards/bc_excellence_scholarship_application.pdf

    Website: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/provincial-scholarships/bc-excellence-scholarships

    Please note: Students must be nominated for this scholarship by their secondary school in order to apply. Only one student from each school may be nominated. Students must confirm their nomination by having their school principle sign and date their application form.


    Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship

    Province: Saskatchewan

    Value: Lifetime maximum of $2000

    Purpose: To provide new grade 12 students including ABE and GED students up to $500 per year to be applied to the cost of their post-secondary institution.

    How to apply: Your post-secondary institution will apply for this scholarship on your behalf, if you are eligible.

    Website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/scholarships/saskatchewan-advantage-scholarship#eligibility


    Manitoba Youth Leadership Scholarship

    Province: Manitoba

    Value: $500

    Purpose: To recognize students in grade 12 who have engaged in leadership and citizen volunteer activities in their community during the past year.

    How to Apply:http://www.manitobascholarships.ca/register.php

    Website: http://www.manitobascholarships.ca/scholarship_manitoba_youth_leadership_scholarship_8785.php


    CABEF Awards

    Province: 1 of 6 scholarship will be awarded in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, with one additional scholarship being awarded to the rest of Canada.

    Value: $2500

    Purpose: To recognize grade 12 students entering into an agricultural post-secondary institution.

    How to Apply: http://www.cabef.org/forms/001895-01%20CABEF_SSAF%20English.pdf

    Website:http://www.cabef.org


    Indigenous Graduate Award

    Province: Alberta

    Value: $7500-$15000

    Purpose: To Encourage Indigenous students of Alberta to pursue graduate studies.

    How to Apply: Students must contact the Student Awards or Scholarship office at their individual school or visit their institutions website for further details.

    Website: http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships/indigenous-graduate-award/

    Please note: There many other scholarships available to students that are not listed. The websites listed below are tools that can be used in discovering other scholarship opportunities available. As well, it is important to understand there are many scholarships available to individual post-secondary institutions. To find scholarships exclusive to your post-secondary institution, visit your school’s website and search under “scholarships and grants.” Additional scholarships may also be available under individual programs and fields of study.

    Additional Resources:

    http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home (British Columbia)

    http://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/available/ (Alberta)

    http://www.manitobascholarships.ca (Manitoba)

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants (Saskatchewan)

    http://www.studyincanada.com/Index.aspx (All of Canada)

    http://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/scholarships-grants-and-bursaries-for-canadian-students/ (All of Canada)

    http://www.canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/ (All provinces)

    http://www.cpaalberta.ca/Foundation/Support-Programs/Students/Post-secondary-Scholarships (Alberta and Saskatchewan)

    http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b816/_docs/scholarships.pdf (Western Canada)

    http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/eng/forConsumers/lifeEvents/payingPostSecEd/Pages/Grantsbu-Subventi.aspx (All of Canada)