Tag: Scholarships

  • May Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    May Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    With the school year almost finished, the time to apply for your scholarships for September has officially arrived. As always, we’ve rounded up some of the latest and greatest scholarships and bursaries that will help fund your educational dreams. Remember to read the applications requirements carefully – some ask that you write a short essay, while some simply need your contact information. Here’s what we found for May:

    1. Wado-Kai Student Development Fund – Open to students across Canada who are involved with Wado-Kai Federation. Must have sensei recommendation. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 30, 2015.

    2. The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Scholarship Program – Available to grade 12 high school students who are aspiring to a career in medicine or the health sciences. Amount: $1000 per year for 4 years. Deadline: June 10, 2015.

    3. The Larry Cripps Scholarship Fund (OPSEU) – The scholarship is open to dependents of OPSEU members in good standing who are confirmed as enrolled in either a Police Foundations course or a Law and Security/Corrections course at a publicly-funded, publicly-run post-secondary institution in Ontario. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 13, 2015.

    4. CrossLites Essay Contest – Open to High School, College, and Graduate School students. As an applicant you will write a reflective essay (400-600 words) based on one of Dr. Parker’s quotes or messages (see website). Amount: $2000. Deadline: December 15, 2015.

    5. Roger Neilson/Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Scholarship Award – Awarded to graduating student-athletes, in any sport, proceeding to post-secondary education in Canada. Amount: $10,000 spread over 4 years. Deadline: June 1, 2015.

    6. Ontario Power Generation – John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award – All Ontario residents who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, and enrolled in a full-time post secondary institution in Ontario are eligible to apply. Amount: $3000 – $5000. Deadline: June 1, 2015.

    7. Global Solidarity Scholarship (OPSEU) – Applicants must be children, foster children or wards of OPSEU members in good standing who are studying at a publicly-funded, publicly-run Canadian university or college. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 14, 2015.

    8. The Worker’s Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) Scholarship & Bursary – Open to any student residing in Ontario and beginning full-time studies leading to a diploma, certificate or degree from any publicly-funded Ontario college or university. Amount: $1200. Deadline: June 13, 2015.

  • Six Tips For Getting A Scholarship

    Six Tips For Getting A Scholarship

    A lot of college students end up with nothing but debt even before they graduate. The option of a scholarship has always been a number two priority when it comes to college students. Most think that they can just pay off their student loans after they graduate and get a job, but many find it too overwhelming. With a scholarship, not only will you study for free but some scholarship plans will even give you money just to stay in school or even provide you with an “allowance”.

    Here are a few tips to help you get a scholarship and avoid debt in college.

    Look for one as soon as possible
    Start looking for a scholarship even if you haven’t graduated yet. Start during your junior year of high school and take advantage of having less competition. This way, you can still renew your efforts and take additional opportunities.

    Look for scholarships elsewhere
    Don’t just limit yourself to online sources. Check with religious organizations, local clubs, your school guidance counselor and employers. Local scholarships are less competitive compared to the national ones and you can find corporations and businesses that award free education to their loyal customers.

    Don’t become intimidated just because you’re not on the top
    So your grades aren’t really made for the honor roll, but many scholarships don’t measure or base their decisions on your grades. Many scholarships would prefer someone who shows volunteerism and leadership.

    Search all year round
    You can find scholarships that are only available for a limited season. For example, some major department stores actually give out scholarships during the holidays as a prize. Treat it like getting a part-time job. You can get different opportunities throughout the whole year.

    Be honest
    Never exaggerate your memberships, skills, qualifications or grades. Better focus on a scholarship that you know you’re eligible for.

    Avoid scams
    There are scholarship scams out there that promise you a full scholarship if you give them a certain amount of money. If someone emails you and asks you if you’re interested in a “discounted” tuition fee, it’s best to avoid these emails so you don’t get into a debt collection lawsuit. These scammers are only after your money and they’ll make a run for it after you give your credit card number to them.

  • Covering the Cost of University

    Covering the Cost of University

    University tuition is a huge expense that leaves many students deep in debt by the time they graduate – especially if they choose to live on their own, either in residence or near campus. Income from summer jobs is difficult to stretch out through the school year. That’s why many students work part-time on or near campus to offset the costs of school.

    But even before you begin to peruse employment options, don’t forget to apply for as many scholarships and bursaries you can find for which you are eligible. Search your school’s website for scholarship and bursary information and ask someone at the finance offices for advice. There is often more money available to students through these awards than there are students who apply for them. So don’t let competition dissuade you from applying. You have nothing to lose and money to gain! (Remember that the most important thing to do with any application for scholarships and bursaries is to have someone edit your work before you submit it).

    On-campus jobs provide another fantastic source of income to help you pay for the school year. There are a lot more options for work than you might think! Some students with disabilities, for instance, require extra assistance reading journal articles or writing down their thoughts. Look for a resource centre on your campus and ask if you could be hired to help out. The work, which is government-funded, pays relatively well. Check out your university’s administration offices to see what else may be available and ask all of your professors what they recommend.

    Off-campus jobs are another alternative means to acquire income as you go to school, but there are things to consider before you apply:

    1. How long will it take me to get to and from the job?
    2. Will my boss allow flexibility so that I can prioritize my schoolwork?
    3. Does what I learn at the job compliment my degree?
    4. Can I get something from the job for free that I would otherwise have to pay for, like a gym membership, food or clothes?
    5. Will I be able to manage my time effectively enough to juggle a job and school?

    It may be a good idea to settle into your classes and develop a homework and study routine before you seek employment. Prioritize your goals and decide how much time you need to commit to your education compared how much time you need to spend earning money.

  • 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.

  • April Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    April Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Spring has sprung, and so have applications for scholarships and bursaries. This is the perfect time of year to grab that free cash for school. There are a number of scholarships and bursaries for students from all walks of life – check out just a few of the ones we found this month!
    1. OutputLinks Communications Group Sponsors Scholarships – For students enrolled in Document Management and Graphic Communications. Amount: $1000-$5000 USD. Deadline: May 1, 2015.

    2. The Amazing Travel Scholarship – Open to students who submit an essay or video about why they love to travel. Amount: Top prize of $2500 and an internship plus a trip. Deadline: April 25, 2015

    3. Knowing About Research (KARes) Scholar Award – Open to a grade 12 student in each of the nine school boards (visit link for details) who will be attending a university or community college in Nova Scotia in 2015-16. Amount: Up to $15,000. Deadline: April 15, 2015.

    4. Brian Maxwell Memorial Scholarship – Provincial/National – Awarded each year to two athletes that will be continuing their post secondary education at a Canadian College or University. Amount: $5000. Deadline: June 15, 2015.

    5. Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) Provincial Scholarship – Open to full-time students from Ontario entering their first year of studies at a post-secondary institution. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 30, 2015.

    6. Make it Right Bursaries and Scholarships – Open to students entering or enrolled in a residential construction program at a Canadian college or university. Amount: $1500. Deadline: June 30, 2015.

    7. The Canadian Printing Industries Scholarship Trust Fund – Open to students in a printing management or technical program. Amount: $1250. Deadline: June 30, 2015.

  • Scholarships and Bursaries for Students with Disabilities

    Scholarships and Bursaries for Students with Disabilities

    You’ve got big academic dreams – they’ve got the funds!

    Scholarships are “free money” given to a student for their college education—unlike loans, this money does not have to be paid back. Many private scholarships are available that grant money to students based on their particular strengths, interests, disabilities and other characteristics or qualities. Finding this money can be the hard part, but we’re here to help. The following is a select list of scholarships particularly for students with learning disabilities.

    The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award

    Three $6,000 and three $2,000 awards available to high school seniors with LD who demonstrate leadership skills, scholarship and a high level of service to others; must be a member of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).

    Incight Go Getter Scholarship

    A renewable $750 award available to high school students with physical, learning, cognitive, hearing, or vision disabilities.

    LD Resources Foundation

    Awards of assistive technology tools (ex. Kurzweil products, Dragon Naturally Speaking and MacSpeech Dictate, Franklin Dictionary) are available to college students diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD. Students must be enrolled at a college/university with the intention of pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • Scholarships and Bursaries for Students with Disabilities

    Scholarships and Bursaries for Students with Disabilities

    You’ve got big academic dreams – they’ve got the funds!

    Scholarships are “free money” given to a student for their college education—unlike loans, this money does not have to be paid back. Many private scholarships are available that grant money to students based on their particular strengths, interests, disabilities and other characteristics or qualities. Finding this money can be the hard part, but we’re here to help. The following is a select list of scholarships particularly for students with learning disabilities.

    The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award

    Three $6,000 and three $2,000 awards available to high school seniors with LD who demonstrate leadership skills, scholarship and a high level of service to others; must be a member of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).

    Incight Go Getter Scholarship

    A renewable $750 award available to high school students with physical, learning, cognitive, hearing, or vision disabilities.

    LD Resources Foundation

    Awards of assistive technology tools (ex. Kurzweil products, Dragon Naturally Speaking and MacSpeech Dictate, Franklin Dictionary) are available to college students diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD. Students must be enrolled at a college/university with the intention of pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • March Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    March Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Another month, another list of great scholarships and bursaries that can help fund your educational ambitions! Remember to read the full description in the links to ensure you are eligible to apply. There is a scholarship for everyone!

    1. Steve Bonk Scholarship – Awarded to a student that has successfully completed at least one year of post secondary education and is embarking on careers associated with municipal water supply or wastewater. Amount: $500. Deadline: June 1, 2015.

    2. Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest – Open to students from high school to university who submit an essay based on selected criteria. Amount: Up to $1500 depending on category. Deadline: June 1, 2015.

    3. Algoma University Alumni Entrance Award III – Open to students transferring to Algoma U under a college articulation agreement who have the highest GPA in the last full year of their college program. Amount: $2000. Deadline: August 15, 2015.

    4. SIAST Libraries Arts Award – Open to students enrolled in a full-time program (20 weeks or more in length) at any SIAST campus. Amount: $500. Deadline: May 31, 2015.

    5. Learning That Works – Skills Canada National Competition Grant – A grant to support travel and accommodation costs for Saskatchewan Polytechnic students who are going on to compete in the Skills Canada National Competition. Amount: $500. Deadline: June 30, 2015.

    6. Friends of Sable Island Society Scholarship – Open to all grade 12 students in Nova Scotia school system to be applied to a post-secondary educational opportunity in 2015. Amount: $1000. Deadline: April 15, 2015.

    7. The Andrew Rok Foundation Scholarships – Open to students attending an Ontario university and studying computer science, computational mathematics or technology. Amount: Up to $40,000. Deadline: March 31, 2015.

    8. SOS Children’s Safety Scholarship – Open to students who creatively prepare and upload an essay, action plan, or resource guide that outlines prevention of the social issues covered in SOS Magazine. Amount: $5000. Deadline: August 31, 2015.

  • Books and Bills: Financing your Post-Secondary Studies

    Books and Bills: Financing your Post-Secondary Studies

    An education is a worthwhile investment—but if you’re making the decision to go to college or university, you may find yourself questioning the amount of money going into your studies. Tuition fees can pile up, and can range anywhere from five to eight thousand dollars per year. Specific programs, like business or engineering, are even more expensive at many institutions. When examining the costs of it all, post-secondary education seems more and more daunting, but (though it might take a little work) there are ways to get the learning you’re entitled to without breaking the bank.

    When you’re looking at a post-secondary program, finances should be one of your points of consideration. Depending on the university or college, tuition rates can vary, and if you know your program is offered in equal quality at a cheaper school, this could be a logical deciding factor. The thing is, post-secondary finances are comprised of much more than tuition payments: in all programs there are auxiliary costs, like textbooks, that you have to consider. Furthermore, there is the issue of residence; you may choose to live at home in order to save some money, since residence can cost you up to ten thousand dollars every year. But if you’re looking at an institution that’s a little further from home, living expenses are mandatory costs as well.

    Overall, going to college or university can be a financial ordeal if you don’t have the funding. That being said, don’t feel you have to miss out on educational opportunities due to financial problems. Scholarships that are awarded based on academic merit are often included upon your admittance to a post-secondary program, provided you fall into a certain grade category (typically, very large schools tend to have more stringent academic requirements for entrance scholarships). There are also scholarships you can apply for, whether based on grades, extra-curriculars, or community involvement, and these scholarships can be offered by the school itself or available through external sources. You just have to do your research.

    Financial assistance can be available to you even if you don’t qualify for scholarships—bursaries, which are based solely on financial need, are also offered by many universities. These require an application, but are definitely a worthwhile investment. Bursaries are grants, not loans, so they don’t need to be paid back! If scholarships and bursaries don’t work out, consider applying for a student loan (basically, borrowing money from the government). Programs like OSAP in Ontario are in place specifically to help people get through school, even if they don’t have the funding for it. They also allow some time after you graduate to get yourself organized until you are able to pay the money back.

    Post-secondary can be a financial burden, but don’t let yourself miss out on the opportunity to get an education. With scholarships, bursaries and loans in place, there are always ways to get the help you need.