Category: Scholarships

  • Geddes, Ben Memorial Award: Nova Scotia

    Geddes, Ben Memorial Award: Nova Scotia

    Entering directly from high school. Preference given to graduates of Riverview Rural High School. Diagnosed with a learning disability. Nominations are required from one of the following: high school guidance counsellor, learning resource teacher; support groups or parental support group.

    Deadline: March 1st, 2016

    Amount: 1x $500

    Application: www.cbu.ca
    http://www.cbu.ca/come-to-cbu/tuition-finances/scholarships-bursaries/

    Contact:

    Cape Breton University
    Jennifer Keeping AccessAbility Centre
    1250 Grand Lake Road,
    P.O. Box 5300
    Sydney, NS, B1P 6L2

    Email: mel_clarke@cbu.ca
    Information via www.disabilityawards.ca

  • Scholarships for Aboriginal Students Across Canada

    Scholarships for Aboriginal Students Across Canada

    Bursaries and Scholarships The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is dedicated to helping Aboriginals reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management. AFOA’s initiatives in the development of Awards and Scholarships are examples of that commitment.

    See link below for scholarships and bursaries: http://www.metisnation.org/programs/education–training/education/bursaries–scholarships

    Want even more options? Check out the scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students that we found:

    The Aboriginal Canada Portal Offers an online Aboriginal funding tool that offers a way to search for scholarships, bursaries, loans & grants according to your needs.

    Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award The Aboriginal Education Incentive Award is part of Canada Post’s nation-wide scholarship program and commitment to furthering individual potential. Each of Canada Post’s eight regions across the country will grant three awards annually: Two $1,000 scholarships for the return to and successful completion of one full year of high school and One $1,000 scholarship for the return to and successful completion of one full year of post-secondary education, including vocational or trade skills training.

    FAAY (Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth) FAAY is a scholarship program operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. CCAB is dedicated to developing the future generations of Aboriginal leaders. They have scholarships for high school or post-secondary students.

    AMMSA (Aboriginal Multi- Media Society) Large listing of scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal people (including youth) in a variety of educational programs. You can look up educational institutions and find the awards available to their Aboriginal students only.

    Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarships  Royal Bank offers scholarships to all Aboriginal people and also has a summer placement program as an award to qualified applicants. Royal Bank has employment opportunities for Aboriginal students in grade 9-12 for summer employment.

  • Creating a Working Budget – 5 Tips to Remember

    Creating a Working Budget – 5 Tips to Remember

    Being a college or university student is a learning experience through and through. Not only do you learn the necessary skills to flourish in your future career, but you also learn how to survive in the real world. Among the long list of real-life survival skills you get to test out as a student, is being finance- savvy.

    Being free of financial troubles while in college or university is not as much a Herculean task as many believe, but it is indeed a challenging one, especially in these times when the Canadian dollar has hit its lowest rate in 13 years. However, if you are completely aware of your finances from the start, it would mean smooth sailing for you. Below are some suggestions on creating a working budget.

    1) Note all your assets.

    The first step in establishing a working budget is to know how much you have. Students like you have a variety of sources of income, and you should note them down. Such sources include income from part-time jobs, scholarships, grants, or bursaries, and financial support from family. Include everything you have accumulated since you started your post-secondary education—even that cash gift you got from your grandparents last Christmas.

    2) Note all your expenses.

    Now this is the part where it gets a bit tricky. This is because expenses are never actually constant for any college or university students. There are some fixed expenses like credit card bills or phone bills, but there will always be times where you have to spend extra on school projects or supplies and other school-related stuff. Of course, college and university life also equals honing your social skills and bonding with fellow students, and you would most likely find yourself allocating your budget for entertainment expenses such as concert or movie tickets. Remember, however, that when it comes to expenses, it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate.

    3) Plan your emergency money.

    As a kid, you were always reminded by your parents that it is wise to save money for a rainy day; over time, you would come to realize how valuable that piece of advice was. Having a set budget for school-related costs is one thing, but what will you do for emergencies? For instance, suppose your car breaks down, and you need a new battery. Or your computer finally gives out and is beyond repair and you have to buy a new one. A true finance-savvy student is one who sets aside money for emergencies.

    4) Do a monthly budget review.

    Businesses and corporations make it a point to do a monthly review so they know where they stand. They know when to cut operating costs, when to hire additional staff, and when to give bonuses. You can follow their example by reviewing your budget on a monthly basis. This way, you’ll know if you have to cut down on your expenses or give yourself a treat.

    5) Be on the lookout for opportunities to save.
    Be open-minded and resourceful when it comes to money-saving opportunities. For instance, you probably know how textbooks can run your wallet empty, so look into options of renting books or buying used books instead. When it comes to clothing, on the other hand, keep in mind there are stores that specifically offer student discounts, so it is good to take advantage of that as well.

    Sources:
    http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/markets-dollar-oil-1.3405067
    http://www.concordia.ca/cunews/main/stories/2013/11/14/the-6-best-budgettipsforstudents.html
    http://www.cicmoney101.org/Articles/Paying-For-College-How-To-Make-A-Budget.aspx
    https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/budgeting/creating-your-budget
    http://www.styledemocracy.com/student-discounts-in-canada/
    https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/finance-and-support/managing-money/student-budgeting-tips
    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/addicted-to-student-discounts/article590866/

  • Sports Scholarships: What You Need to Know

    Sports Scholarships: What You Need to Know

    Sports scholarships aren’t easy to come by. Most student athletes who get a scholarship don’t get a “full ride”. There are other scholarships and bursaries available, but the value and quantity vary from school to school. The best way to find information regarding the institution and what is available, is to contact the school directly. You can call, email or do research online. Many student athletes in Canada consider American Division 1 and 2 schools to have better athletic programs. However the costs are substantially different. Many of the Division 1 and 2 schools in the U.S. cost between $25,000 and $40,000/ year, while many Canadian schools cost between $5,000 and $7,000/ year. The cost of travel for both students and their families, exchange rates and the cost of living can add up. Staying and playing in Canada is often more feasible, financially.

    In 2012-2013 CIS (Canadian Inter-University Sport) schools, which consists of Atlantic University Sport (AUS), Réseau du sport étudiant du Quebec (RSEQ), Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Canada West Universities Athletics Association (CWUAA), provided $14.6 million in scholarships to student athletes. According the CIS web page the average scholarship awarded covered approximately 51% of tuition and compulsory fees. Of the scholarships awarded 57% went to male student athletes and 43% to female student athletes. The website also points out that scholarships are available in all CIS sports but the largest ones are awarded in basketball, hockey and volleyball.

    Below is a list of CIS Sports for both men and women:

    CIS SPORTS MEN
    Basketball Basketball
    Cross Country Cross Country
    Curling Curling
    Football Field Hockey
    Hockey Hockey
    Soccer Rugby
    Swimming Soccer
    Track and Field Swimming
    Volleyball Track and Field
    Wrestling Volleyball
    Wrestling

    CIS SPORTS WOMEN
    Basketball
    Cross Country
    Curling
    Field Hockey
    Hockey
    Rugby
    Soccer
    Swimming
    Track and Field
    Volleyball
    Wrestling

    Here are a few tips to try in order to have the best chance at securing an athletic scholarship:

    1. Get an early start. Your freshman and sophomore years are building years. In you junior and senior years you should be proactive in the recruitment process.
    2. Know what schools you might like to attend and look into their recruitment and eligibility requirements.
    3. Educate yourself and make sure you are informed.
    4. Make sure you maintain a high GPA so you can remain eligible to play. Academics still matter.
    5. Actively contact coaches at the schools you are interested in. In your email or letter include info like: sports stats, position, awards, your coaches contact information, the name of your high school and the year you will graduate. You may even want to send a video or highlight reel if you have one.
    6. Do research online, send for school brochures and make sure to pick schools that have academic programs you are interested in as well.

    Being knowledgeable about the process can increase your chance at success. It is important to go after what you want. Remember it isn’t your parents, coaches or school’s responsibility to get you a scholarship. If you think you have what it takes, go for it. Apply for all the scholarships and bursaries available to you. Proactively seek recruitment. Keep your grades up and you might be just what a coach is looking for.

  • Scholarships for Women and Girls

    Scholarships for Women and Girls

    In the past, Canadian girls rarely went far in their education. If they finished high school, that was often all that was expected of them. Now, however, women go to all kinds of schools where they learn to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, librarians and beyond. However, all of these opportunities bring expenses with them; this is when scholarships can help.

    Studying at colleges, trade schools, or universities can be very rewarding and lead to exciting careers, but it can be expensive. Tuition and textbooks cost a lot, but working to earn money during the school year can be stressful; how can you balance it all? For successful students who have special qualities, scholarships can be a good way of reducing the financial costs of getting an education.

    Many scholarships are for people who get high marks in a particular area, but they are much more than that. Some of them are specifically for women to encourage them to enter into certain fields. For example, very few women have traditionally gone into areas such as science and mathematics. Many universities have scholarships to encourage girls to consider these types of fields. Certain trades such as plumber or electrician are also likely to have scholarships for female students who want to train in that area.

    Besides encouraging girls to get into certain types of work, scholarships might have other special purposes. Some scholarships encourage leadership qualities, whether this is in starting a school newspaper or leading a recycling drive. Others might go to students who start their own businesses, learn a new language, or develop other skills. Each scholarship is slightly different, and it is important to know the requirements before putting in an application.

    Scholarships have different requirements, depending on who has supplied the funding. Funding for scholarships often comes from people who donate to a certain cause, often related to the interests of someone who has died. If the scholarship is in memory of a poet, for example, the money might go to someone who writes and publishes poetry. Sometimes the scholarship applies only to people taking certain types of courses. Financial need is normally one of the criteria, and some scholarships give students enough money to pay for at least a year or two of classes.

    Many different organizations offer scholarships for women and girls, but it can be difficult to find them. However, your school counselor likely has a list of some of the money that is available for students who want to continue their studies. Another good place to look is the Canadian Federation of University Women, which has listings of various scholarships and their requirements. It might be hard to know now which source of funding will suit you, but you can already start to develop the qualities that will help you win scholarships for your future studies.
    Check out the resources below for more information on scholarships for women and girls.

    Bibliography:

    Canadian Federation of University Women. “CFUW Fellowships and Awards for the Academic Year 2016-2017.” http://www.fcfdu.org/en-ca/fellowships/fellowshipsandawards.aspx

    Canadian Historical Association Committees. “Scholarships for Women.” http://www.chashcacommittees-comitesa.ca/gsc-ced/en/scholarships/scholarships_women.shtml.

    Easy Scholarships. “Scholarships for Girls.” http://www.easyscholarships.cc/scholarships-for-girls.

    Scholarships.com. “Scholarships for Women.” https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-women/.

  • Scholarships for Aboriginal Students

    Scholarships for Aboriginal Students

    Bursaries and Scholarships The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is dedicated to helping Aboriginals reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management. AFOA’s initiatives in the development of Awards and Scholarships are examples of that commitment.

    See link below for scholarships and bursaries: http://www.metisnation.org/programs/education–training/education/bursaries–scholarships

    Want even more options? Check out the scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students that we found:

    The Aboriginal Canada Portal Offers an online Aboriginal funding tool that offers a way to search for scholarships, bursaries, loans & grants according to your needs.

    Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award The Aboriginal Education Incentive Award is part of Canada Post’s nation-wide scholarship program and commitment to furthering individual potential. Each of Canada Post’s eight regions across the country will grant three awards annually: Two $1,000 scholarships for the return to and successful completion of one full year of high school and One $1,000 scholarship for the return to and successful completion of one full year of post-secondary education, including vocational or trade skills training.

    FAAY (Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth) FAAY is a scholarship program operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. CCAB is dedicated to developing the future generations of Aboriginal leaders. They have scholarships for high school or post-secondary students.

    AMMSA (Aboriginal Multi- Media Society) Large listing of scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal people (including youth) in a variety of educational programs. You can look up educational institutions and find the awards available to their Aboriginal students only.

    Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarships  Royal Bank offers scholarships to all Aboriginal people and also has a summer placement program as an award to qualified applicants. Royal Bank has employment opportunities for Aboriginal students in grade 9-12 for summer employment.

  • How Important is Money when you’re choosing a Career?

    How Important is Money when you’re choosing a Career?

    The pressure to choose a career is great enough without even thinking about the financial side of things. Depending on what you have in mind for your future, it may be admittedly difficult to reconcile financial stability with your true passions or ambitions. Unfortunately, many individuals experience pressure from family or friends to choose the path that is financially driven—and sometimes, this choice is made at the expense of their actual interests.

    Furthermore, if you are currently in post-secondary, or plan to attend in the future, you probably realize how much of a financial commitment education can be. This may heighten the pressure to choose a career that will guarantee you financial stability, in order to pay off loans or justify the expense. Overall, it is tempting to take the road well traveled, and the one that will secure you a big paycheque at the end of the day.

    Yet, in reality, a career choice should not solely be driven by financial concerns. Firstly, it is extremely difficult to guarantee that you will be financially stable, even in the most “typically” financially stable careers (e.g. medicine, law, or business). Every individual’s financial situation is different, and they may experience different financial aids or stressors throughout the course of their life. Individuals also have different skills that may be suited to some careers rather than others; for example, someone who is pursuing medicine for the money, but is extremely unskilled, may have difficulty finding a job and thus securing their financial stability.

    Secondly, financial concerns are just part of the decision you have before you. The career that you choose may end up determining what kind of life you lead, what your values and beliefs are, and what you get up in the morning for. Alternatively, it can turn into “just a job”—but a hefty time commitment nevertheless. Thus, it is also important to consider whether you will enjoy the career that you choose, and whether your skills are suited to that profession or not. Whether the job pays a lot is just one part of the picture.

    Finally, consider the fact that you have some power to alter your financial future as well. If you like something, and you work hard at it, chances are you will build up the skills necessary to advance in the workforce (and get paid well accordingly). This may depend on the discipline, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you may become one of the financial exceptions in your field. Of course, where you end up in your career can also be dependent on luck.

    Overall, though financial considerations can be crucial, especially in certain circumstances, it is difficult to anticipate what your future will hold. Therefore, when making a choice regarding your career, make sure you make a well-rounded decision. Money may be important, but it isn’t everything.

  • Aboriginal Scholarship Spotlight: September-October 2015

    Aboriginal Scholarship Spotlight: September-October 2015

     Scholarship information Via http://www.ammsa.com/

    AltaLink Aboriginal Scholarship Program

    (Alberta)

    This scholarship program is designed to recognize leaders in the Aboriginal community by offering eight scholarships to Aboriginal students attending post-secondary institutions. Two eligible students from each of Treaty 6, 7, 8 and the Métis community in Alberta will be awarded with a $1,000 scholarship. 

    ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution and:

    • Treaty applicants must be born in Alberta. 
    • Métis applicants must either be a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association or an Alberta Métis Settlement or must have been living in Alberta for at least the past three months with a Métis membership card from another province.

    HOW TO ENTER: Application forms are available online at http://www.altalink.ca/responsibility/communityinvestment/powerful-education.cfm and may be submitted by email or by mail to the address below. A transcript, either official or unofficial, and a photocopy of your status card must be submitted for the application to be considered. The deadline for receipt of the completed application is October 15.

    Email: aboriginalrelations@altalink.ca,

    or mail to

    AltaLink ATTN: Altalink Aboriginal Scholarship 2611 – 3rd Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W7

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/national-scholarships#sthash.CLircM9Q.dpuf


     

    Graduate Scholarships

    (Saskatchewan)

    Value: Up to $2,000 for each award period, granted on the basis of 12 consecutive months of full-time studies. The number of scholarships and the amount are determined by the number of applicants in relation to the available funds.

    Eligibility: Métis or Non-Status Indian. Has resided in Saskatchewan for at least five years. Engaged in any graduate degree program at the masters or doctoral level or accepted into a masters or doctoral program at a recognized Canadian university. The major research project or thesis must relate to the economic development of Aboriginal peoples. Committed to working in an Aboriginal work environment on successful completion of studies. Demonstrate a commitment to the needs of Aboriginal peoples. Achieve a B average in the most recent months of full-time studies, over a period of 12 consecutive months.

    Duration: Annual. Masters applicants may receive two consecutive or non-consecutive awards. Doctoral applicants may receive three consecutive or non-consecutive awards.

    Application Deadline: October 1 and May 1 each year.

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/saskatchewan-scholarships#sthash.WPa8tFvg.dpuf


     

    Undergraduate Scholarships

    (Saskatchewan)

    Value: Up to $500 for each eight-month period of full-time studies. Number of scholarships and amount determined by the number of applicants in relation to the funds available. An individual may receive up to three consecutive or non-consecutive undergraduate scholarship awards.

    Eligibility: Métis or Non-Status Indian. Has resided in Saskatchewan for at least five years. Completed a minimum of one academic year of full-time studies at a recognized Canadian public or Aboriginal educational institution. The program must be at least eight months of full-time studies in an area related to economic development. Committed to the needs of Aboriginal peoples. Committed to working in an Aboriginal work environment on successful completion of studies. Achieve a B average in the most recent eight months of full-time studies, over a period of 12 consecutive months.

    Duration: Annual

    Application Deadline: October 1 and May 1 each year.

    Information: Napolean Lafontaine Scholarship Fund Room 210 College West building University of Regina 3737 Wescana Parkway Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2 Phone: (306) 347-4100 Fax: (306) 565-0809

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/saskatchewan-scholarships#sthash.WPa8tFvg.dpuf


     

    Donald R. Simmons Memorial Scholarship

    Eligibility: Indian or Metis ancestry

    Value: Two $500 awards

    Criteria: Enrolled in first year of approved institution, Grade 12 graduate; General Proficiency Award applicants excluded

    Deadline Date: October 15

    Applications submitted to: Saskatchewan Education, Training and Employment

    Student Financial Assistance Unit Ground Floor, East Wing, Walter Scott Building 305 Albert Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V7

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/saskatchewan-scholarships#sthash.WPa8tFvg.dpuf

     

     

  • Western Canada Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: December 2015

    Western Canada Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: December 2015

    Via www.disabilityawards.ca

    CN Railway Diversity Scholarship
    CN is proud to recognize and encourage educational excellence.Through its Diversity Scholarships, CN will offer grants to support the post-secondary education of women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, military veterans and people of Aboriginal heritage in Canada. As part of this program, and to support its hiring needs, CN will sponsor these deserving, best-in-class students enrolled in programs relevant to CN’s core business. Selected students will be awarded a $3,000 scholarship, tenable for one academic year.

    Amount: $3000
    Deadline: December 31st, 2015
    Contact: partners@cn.ca
    http://jobs.cn.ca/en/CanadianScholarships.sn
    Via www.disabilityawards.ca


     

    Edmonton Realtors’ Charitable Foundation Bursary for Disabled Students
    Edmonton Realtors’ Charitable Foundation funds the award and it’s available to persons with disabilities.
    *This awards is only available to students at Concordia University College of Alberta
    Amount: $500
    Contact: http://www.concordia.ab.ca/programs/awards.php


     

    Lion Bruce Thornicroft Memorial Bursary
    This bursary is sponsored by the Grand Prairie Lions Club. It is awarded based on financial need and reasonable academic standing.
    *This awards is only available to students at Grande Prairie Regional College
    Amount: $750
    Deadline: December 11th, 2015
    Contact:
    Grande Prairie Regional College
    10726 – 106 Ave
    Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4C4
    Phone: 780-539-2943
    Fax: 780-539-2888
    Email: financialaid@gprc.ab.ca
    http://www.gprc.ab.ca/downloads/documents/Awards_booklet_2009.pdf


     

    Rick Hansen Bursary
    The Rick Hansen Bursary is awarded to assist a student with a mobility impairment at Grand Prairie Regional College. It is awarded based on financial need and reasonable academic standing. This bursary is sponsored by the Student Association.
    *This awards is only available to students at Grande Prairie Regional College
    Amount: $350
    Deadline: December 11th, 2015
    Contact:
    https://www.gprc.ab.ca/downloads/documents/2009_Bursary_Application.pdf
    Grande Prairie Regional College
    10726 – 106 Ave
    Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4C4
    Phone: 780-539-2943
    Fax: 780-539-2888
    Email: financialaid@gprc.ab.ca


     

    Zajac Foundation Scholarship
    This scholarship was named, at the request of the Zajac Foundation, to honour their late sons who were both tragically killed in separate sporting accidents. The fund is held and administered by the BC Centre for Ability Foundation.
    Amount: $400
    Contact:
    Zajac Committee
    c/o BC Centre for Ability
    2805 Kingsway
    Vancouver, BC, V5R 5H9
    Email: info@centreforability.bc.ca
    http://www.centreforability.bc.ca/?page=80

  • Scholarships for Aboriginal Students

    Scholarships for Aboriginal Students

    Bursaries and Scholarships The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is dedicated to helping Aboriginals reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management. AFOA’s initiatives in the development of Awards and Scholarships are examples of that commitment.

    See link below for scholarships and bursaries: http://www.metisnation.org/programs/education–training/education/bursaries–scholarships

    Want even more options? Check out the scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students that we found:

    The Aboriginal Canada Portal Offers an online Aboriginal funding tool that offers a way to search for scholarships, bursaries, loans & grants according to your needs.

    Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award The Aboriginal Education Incentive Award is part of Canada Post’s nation-wide scholarship program and commitment to furthering individual potential. Each of Canada Post’s eight regions across the country will grant three awards annually: Two $1,000 scholarships for the return to and successful completion of one full year of high school and One $1,000 scholarship for the return to and successful completion of one full year of post-secondary education, including vocational or trade skills training.

    FAAY (Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth) FAAY is a scholarship program operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. CCAB is dedicated to developing the future generations of Aboriginal leaders. They have scholarships for high school or post-secondary students.

    AMMSA (Aboriginal Multi- Media Society) Large listing of scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal people (including youth) in a variety of educational programs. You can look up educational institutions and find the awards available to their Aboriginal students only.

    Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarships  Royal Bank offers scholarships to all Aboriginal people and also has a summer placement program as an award to qualified applicants. Royal Bank has employment opportunities for Aboriginal students in grade 9-12 for summer employment.