Community Education Awards Hub

The Community Education Awards Hub is the one-stop, free, online source for students to access numerous community scholarships, bursaries and awards. Each organization has customized their award application with specific requirements – many do not focus on high academic achievement while others require very specific areas of study. Award values range from $750 – $20,000. 

Visit the AwardsHub


2024 Highlights

  • The Oakville Youth Education Award is a one-time scholarship awarded to multiple students annually in the amount of $2,000 to recognize and award those who demonstrate involvement, integrity, improvement and inclusion. 
  • The Kick Start Your Education Fund is a one-time scholarship awarded to one student annually in the amount of $2,000 to recognize and award those who demonstrate involvement, integrity, improvement and inclusion. 
  • The Pehar Family Mental Health Scholarship is a $1,500 award provided to one student who has demonstrated a strong understanding and compassion towards supporting others who are struggling with their mental wellness.
  • The Miller Family Foundation Bursary will award up to 4 bursaries valued at $5,000 each to Indigenous students from anywhere in Ontario to attend full time post-secondary programs at accredited colleges or universities located in Canada.
  • The Oakville Dads Scholarship is awarded to four students at $3,000 each who have demonstrated significant involvement in their community through volunteer activity and extra curricular activities

Visit the AwardsHub now to apply


Learn more about the available awards:

Oakville Youth Education Award

This is a one-time scholarship awarded to multiple students annually in the amount of $2,000  to recognize and award those who demonstrate involvement, integrity, improvement and inclusion. This award is not based on academic achievement and is open to all graduating students of Oakville high school students who are pursuing postsecondary studies. Award will be directed to the post secondary institution once confirmation of registration is received and provided by the successful recipients.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be an Oakville graduating student.
  • Be planning to pursue post-secondary education in Canada (university, college, or apprenticeship).
  • Demonstrate involvement, integrity, improvement or inclusion at school, through extra-curricular activities, or in the community.

Miller Family Foundation Bursary

The Miller Family Foundation will award up to 4 bursaries valued at $5,000 each to Indigenous students from anywhere in Ontario to attend full time post-secondary programs at accredited colleges or universities located in Canada. NOTE: Students who have qualified or received a bursary in the past are encouraged to reapply in future years.

The applications will be adjudicated by a Committee with a majority of Indigenous members, including the Foundation’s Elder in Residence. Award will be directed to the post secondary institution once confirmation of registration is received and provided by the successful student.

To be eligible student must:

  • Identify as Indigenous (status or non status First Nation, Metis, Inuit)
  • Pursuing full-time post-secondary education in Canada (university, college, or apprenticeship). Full time is defined as 60% of course load. For accessible learning, full time is defined as at least 40% course load.
  • Attending any year of post-secondary education
  • Bursaries are assessed on financial need
  • Must have a permanent address within Ontario

Kick Start Your Education Award

This is a one-time scholarship awarded to one student annually to recognize and award those who demonstrate involvement, integrity, improvement and inclusion. This award is not based on academic achievement and is open to those who do not qualify for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Any graduating student of an Oakville high school who has been accepted to post-secondary studies (in the skilled trades, at a college or university), including those who are currently on a gap year, may apply. Award will be directed to the post secondary institution once confirmation of registration is received and provided by the successful recipients. This year’s award is $2,000

To be eligible you must:

  • Be an Oakville graduating student.
  • Be planning to pursue post-secondary education in Canada (university, college, or apprenticeship).
  • Demonstrate involvement, integrity, improvement or inclusion at school, through extra-curricular activities, or in the community.

Pehar Family Mental Health Scholarship

Julie Bates-Pehar and Kreso Pehar, along with their growing family, dream of destigmatizing mental illness and want to honour the scholarship recipient through the collective mission to support self and others who are striving through adversity towards better mental wellness and happiness. We are looking for passion, determination, audacity and the courage to do what is needed when others need help.

The Pehar Family Scholarship is offered in gratitude to the Bates Family and Pehar Family elders who struggled with mental health and grief profoundly throughout their lives and never had support, information or resources to help them. Despite this, they always helped others and left a legacy of courage and kindness. We know that many young people are holding each other up in unique and innovative ways and we want to acknowledge their efforts. This $1,500 award will be provided to one student.

Applicant must:

  • Be a resident of Oakville and a graduating student (of any high school)
  • Be pursuing full or part-time education at a post-secondary institution
  • Have demonstrated a strong understanding and compassion towards supporting others who are struggling with their mental wellness
  • Have concrete examples of innovative ways (events, programs, groups, clubs, social platforms, etc.) that have helped themselves or others during a time of mental need

Oakville Dads Scholarship

The Oakville Dads Scholarship is awarded to four students at $3,000 each who:

  • Are a resident of Oakville
  • Have demonstrated significant involvement in their community through volunteer activity and extra curricular activities
  • Continued focus on their academic studies

Award will be directed to the post secondary institution once confirmation of registration is received and provided by the successful recipients.

Mike Onishi Scholarship

The Lions Club of Oakville has set up a scholarship fund in the name of the late Mike Onishi, a longtime resident of Oakville. This year we will be awarding one scholarship of $1,000.

To be eligible a student must: 

  • be lacking in financial resources but with a dedicated commitment to community service work
  • be a resident of Oakville 
  • be in full-time attendance at an Oakville public or separate secondary school
  • have made a significant contribution of voluntary service to their community
  • be applying to a Community College or Apprenticeship Program
  • provide Proof of Registration at a recognized post-secondary institution prior to receiving an Education Award

The Scholarship Committee of the Lions Club of Oakville will review the selected applications and may elect to interview the applicants. The decision of the Club will be final. We will notify the recipients of the awards prior to commencement.

George Winnett Scholarship

The Lions Club of Oakville has set up a scholarship fund in the name of the late George Winnett, a longtime resident of Oakville. This year we will be awarding two scholarships of $1,000.

To be eligible a student must:

  • be lacking in financial resources but with a dedicated commitment to community service work
  • be a resident of Oakville 
  • be in full-time attendance at an Oakville public or separate secondary school
  • have made a significant contribution of voluntary service to their community
  • be applying to a university
  • provide Proof of Registration at a recognized post-secondary institution prior to receiving an Education Award

The Scholarship Committee of the Lions Club of Oakville will review the selected applications and may elect to interview the applicants. The decision of the Club will be final. We will notify the recipients of the awards prior to commencement.

May Court Club Scholarship – High School Student Application

Program Information and Criteria for Awards
The May Court Club Scholarship Program is open to students attending a publicly-funded high school or adult learning/continuing education centre who will be pursuing a post-secondary education within Canada. This includes degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships. 

Please note, our Program is somewhat unique in that it is not marks based.

Criteria
The May Court Club Scholarship Program considers awarding funds to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Attend a publicly funded high school or adult learning/continuing education centre in Oakville
  • Documented demonstrated financial need
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to their school and/or community at large, through volunteering. Successful applicants typically surpass the mandatory provincial requirement of 40 hours of volunteer service
  • Accepted into an eligible post-secondary program of their choice in Canada including degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs

Interviews
The May Court Club Scholarship Committee interviews selected applicants. Our informal interview process allows the Committee to get to know you better and provides you with an additional opportunity to share details about yourself in support of your application.

Interviews may take place in person at your school or virtually. Interviews will be scheduled following the application deadline. 

Renewable Education Awards
Should you be awarded a May Court Club scholarship for your first year of study, you are eligible to apply for future awards subject to the following conditions:

  1. Funds are available under the May Court Club Scholarship Program
  2. A maximum of 4 to 5 years of awards depending on the program of study for which you received your first award

Helpful Tips
We strongly encourage applicants to share as much detail as possible throughout the application process. Tell us your plans, passion, hopes and challenges. If you have any questions, contact us directly via email at scholarships@maycourt.ca.

Please make your Guidance Counselor aware of your application for the May Court Club Scholarship Program. The May Court Club Scholarship Committee will also contact them with respect to your application. 

May Court Club – Renewable Educational Award Application

Program Information and Criteria for Awards
Subject to available funds, the May Court Club Scholarship Program – Renewable Educational Awards are open to past recipients who continue to pursue post-secondary studies. 

Please note that our program is not marks-based.

Criteria
Our Renewable Educational Awards are only available for PAST RECIPIENTS of a May Court Club Scholarship award. Subject to available funds, the May Court Club Scholarship Program considers providing funds to past recipients who meet the following criteria:

  • Documented demonstrated financial need
  • Continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to their school and/or community at large, through volunteering and community involvement
  • Have not exceeded the maximum 4 to 5 years of awards depending on the program of study for which they received their first award
  • This application requires a specific access code to apply. Please contact scholarships@maycourt.ca for this information or any other application related questions.

Helpful Tips
We strongly encourage applicants to share as much detail as possible throughout the application process. Tell us your plans, passion, hopes and challenges. If you have any questions, contact us directly via email at scholarships@maycourt.ca.

John Sawyer Academic Award

John Sawyer was a dedicated champion of business in the Town of Oakville serving as the President of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce from 2006 – 2018. Upon his retirement, John wanted to build on the strong foundation of the entrepreneurial spirit in Oakville and ensure the town’s next generation of leaders and community volunteers were supported and given the opportunity to succeed. Through the generous backing of Chamber members, a fund was established to cement John’s legacy in the Oakville business community to create the John Sawyer Academic Award.

One scholarship will be awarded annually in the amount of $1,000.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be an Oakville student graduating from either a private or public high school. 
  • Be enrolled in a post-secondary, graduate, or continuing studies. 
  • Demonstrate a history of community service and/ or other volunteering activities.

Angela Bruce Chapter Bursary

The Angela Bruce Chapter IODE is pleased to offer a $1,500 bursary to eligible students graduating from secondary schools in Oakville. Each high school will be awarded one bursary and a maximum of four applications from each school will be considered.

To be eligible the student must: 

  • Submit a completed application
  • Be planning to pursue a post-secondary education in Canada
  • Be in financial need
  • Provide a transcript or equivalent
  • Provide a reference Letter from a Guidance Counsellor/Teacher
  • Provide a personal letter with information about their goals, future plans, volunteer and/or work experience

Students should be willing to provide 10 hours of volunteer service to the organization (to be arranged at a later date after the award has been accepted). 

Henderson Partners Scholarship

Henderson Partners LLP is a leading firm of chartered professional accountants and advisors that are dedicated to serving entrepreneurial people and organizations. We are entrepreneurial – we seek change, create value, deliver results, innovate and build strategic partnerships. We challenge ourselves and each other to do and be our best. We have passion for what we do – for our clients, our team and our community here in Oakville. 

We are proud to support young people from our community who share our values and passion in their pursuit of a career in accounting, business or entrepreneurship.

Up to three scholarships in the range of $1,500 – $2,500 will be awarded annually. 

To be eligible you are:

  • An Oakville resident and a HDSB or HCDSB graduating student or a university student
  • Currently enrolled at or planning to attend a Canadian university
  • Demonstrate a history of community service and leadership
  • Pursuing university education in the areas of accounting, business or entrepreneurship

Oakville Rotary Education Award

The Rotary Clubs of Oakville are jointly offering up to 30 Rotary Education Awards of $3,000 each for the first year of post-secondary school education.

To be eligible for this Bursary award:

  • The student must be a resident of the Town of Oakville
  • The student must be attending a high school that is administered by either the Halton District School Board or the Halton District Catholic School Board. The student must be graduating in 2024 and going on to full-time post-secondary education in the 2024-2025 or 2025-2026 school year at a university, a college or in a skilled trades apprenticeship program
  • Applicants must have financial need to be considered
  • Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to volunteerism through participation in school and community activities
  • The student must provide a reference letter from a guidance counselor or teacher
  • The student must provide a personal letter outlining why the student feels deserving of financial assistance

Proof of registration at a recognized post-secondary institution is required prior to disbursement of an Education Award.

The Jen Brown Memorial Scholarship

The Jen Brown Memorial Scholarship is offered in memory of Jen Brown whose life was cut tragically short in 2020. Jen leaves behind a legacy of finding a voice for the voiceless, and finding equality for individuals that have struggled throughout their life. Jen started from humble beginnings but never stopped dreaming of helping people. Jen advocated for others to be heard and accomplish their dreams. Jen’s talent to help others find access to resources will be memorialized through the recipient of this scholarship and her mission of helping people obtain their dreams will live on.

Scholarship Amount: $1,500

This scholarship is offered exclusively for participants, current or previous, in the Woodview Mental Health and Autism Programs. Contact cpeardon@woodview.ca to receive the access code for this application.

Applicant must: 

  • Demonstrate commitment to learning
  • Be accepted to a post- secondary program
  • Have a dream they have worked to achieve through obstacles
  • Be a current or previous participant in Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services program

Don MacDonald Optimist Bursary Award

The Optimist Club of Oakville sponsors 10 $2,500 bursaries to nominated students who will graduate from an Oakville secondary school in 2024 and who will be entering a post-secondary program in the next school year (university, college, trade school, etc.). 

Guidelines

To be eligible for this Bursary award: 

  • The student must be a resident of the Town of Oakville. 
  • The student must be attending a high school in Oakville that is administered by either the Halton District School Board or the Halton District Catholic School Board, taking academic or applied level courses. 
  • The student must be graduating in 2024 and going on to full-time postsecondary education in the next school year at a university, college or trade school. 
  • Applicants must have a financial need to be considered for nomination. 
  • Applicants must have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to volunteerism through participation in school activities or by involvement in community groups. 
  • Applicants should have maintained a high level of achievement in their courses. 
  • Students may be nominated even though they have been nominated for other awards, subject to the following:
  • The decision process by the school representative(s) to determine the final nominee should take into account any other known monetary awards, which have been granted, to that student at the time of nominee submission. 
  • Overall awards for the nominated student should not exceed $10,000.  

Upon confirmation from the Oakville Optimist Club that your application has been successful, applicants will be required to provide, the following, for taxation purposes: 

  • Copy of Birth Certificate 
  • Social Insurance Number

For more information about the Optimist Club of Oakville visit our website at www.oakvilleoptimistclub.com or contact herbgood@gmail.com for any questions related to this application.

Virox Science and Innovation Award 

This is a $2,500 award from Virox Technologies. To be eligible you must:

  • Be a graduating HDSB student pursuing post-secondary education in health sciences (biology, chemistry, physics or other BSc program) at university immediately following graduation.
  • Demonstrate a minimum 80% average in sciences.
  • Have a demonstrated work ethic, curiosity and passion for learning, science and innovation.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Wendy Ernst Journey to Success Award

The Wendy Ernst Journey to Success Award was created in honour of former Halton District School Board teacher Wendy Ernst. Wendy was very passionate about life and her students, and gave much of her free time to helping the less fortunate in the community. This is a $2,000 award, to be paid over two years, to a graduating student of the HDSB who:

  • Is pursuing post-secondary studies or an apprenticeship.
  • Has overcome significant challenges.
  • Is motivated to do well.
  • Has been involved in community volunteer work and/or school extra-curricular activities.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

Sunshine Building Maintenance Environmental Stewardship

This is a $1,500 scholarship presented to one recipient annually. To be eligible you must:

  • Be a graduating student pursuing post-secondary education at a Canadian college, university, or apprenticeship following graduation
  • Demonstrate a reasonable level of academic achievement,
  • Demonstrate outstanding environmental achievements through waste reduction, energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction
  • Volunteer hours in the community, Earth Day initiatives and financial needs are also considerations for this award

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Stuart Miller Bright Future Award

Stuart Miller served as the Director of Education of the Halton District School Board between 2015 and 2021. Stuart’s passions include sports (especially soccer) and sportsmanship, learning through peoples’ stories, and a tireless pursuit of social justice. This scholarship honours him and his legacy at the HDSB. The purpose of this board-wide award is to help launch a student in the direction of their dreams and to thank them for engaging in their school community through positive impact, and demonstrating grit and perseverance in the face of challenge.

Criteria for Selection of Winner

  • Has demonstrated perseverance in the face of personal obstacles.
  • Has engaged positively in the school community.
  • Has demonstrated sportsmanship in school or community sports
  • Has demonstrated leadership in pursuit of justice/human rights.
  • Recipient does NOT have to be pursuing post-secondary education.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

Lily Grace Foundation Scholarship

This is an award of $20,000.00 divided over three to four years designed to provide opportunities to students who need significant financial support to pursue post-secondary studies.

The winning student must demonstrate:

  • Financial need.
  • Perseverance to overcome obstacles.
  • Leadership, community engagement and interest in helping people
  • A reasonable level of academic achievement
  • Student should be pursuing post-secondary studies in humanities, social studies or a helping
  • profession immediately after graduation
  • The award is open to students of all faiths.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Retired Teachers of Ontario (District 15) Academic Spirit Award

This is a $1,500.00 scholarship awarded to a student who best meets the criteria below. 

To be eligible you must demonstrate:

  • good academic performance, but not necessarily be considered ‘academically elite’
  • a strong work ethic, commitment to successfully graduate from secondary school
  • financial means may also be taken into consideration.
  • student must be attending a Canadian post-secondary school or apprenticeship program

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

 The Neil J. Guiry Construction Scholarship

This is a $1000.00 bursary named in honour of Neil J. Guiry, who was the owner of a building/construction company in Oakville and often mentored young people and helped them get a start in the construction trades.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be enrolled as a registered apprentice in one of the trades through an OYAP Program.
  • Demonstrate desire to pursue skilled trades post graduation, and have limited financial means to do so.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

Muslim Scholarship

This is a $1,000.00 scholarship to be directly deposited to the student’s account at university.

To be eligible you must:

  • Demonstrate that you are strong, honest, hardworking, reliable, with a history of community service or other volunteering activities, as well as possessing strong leadership skills
  • Be a graduating student in high academic standing from Halton District School Board
  • Enrolled in a recognized Canadian university/college for a degree program.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Kevin Caughlin Technological Education Scholarship

This is a $1,000.00 scholarship to a HDSB student who best meets the criteria as outlined below.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be successfully graduating from Grade 12
  • Be enrolled in an apprenticeship or a trades program at college immediately following graduation
  • Demonstrate a strong desire to pursue technological education
  • Financial need will also be considered

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

John Horner Halton Social Sciences Scholarship

Established by former HDSB teacher John Horner, this is a $1,000.00 awarded to a Halton student who best meets the criteria as outlined below. To be eligible you must:

  • Be a graduate pursuing post-secondary education – in the area of social sciences
  • Demonstrate a reasonable level of academic achievement
  • Demonstrate a concern for the general welfare of their community, as well as possessing strong leadership skills
  • Financial means will also be taken into consideration

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Dr. Margaret Ackerman STEM Scholarship

Established by Dr. Margaret Ackerman, this is a $20,000 scholarship provided over four years. To receive the award after the first year of university, the student must be accepted into an honours program and be in good academic standing.

Eligibility:

  • This scholarship is intended for a student who demonstrates an above average need for post-secondary financial support. (ie. requires third party support to pursue studies.)
  • Be a graduating female or female-identifying student pursuing post-secondary education in biology, chemistry, physics, technology, engineering, or mathematics at a Canadian university immediately following graduation.
  • Demonstrate a reasonable level of academic achievement (min. B average).
  • Have a strong work ethic, be responsible and goal oriented.
  • Have an above average need for post-secondary financial support.
  • Have held a regular, part-time job while attending high school full-time.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

Lesley Wiens Memorial Scholarship

To promote equity by helping new Canadians without the financial means to pursue post-secondary education at university, college or an accredited trade school.

This is a $3,000 award to be paid to a graduating student of the HDSB who:

  • Comes from a family that arrived in Canada as refugees within the last 10 years.
  • Has at least a B average in high school.
  • Has significant financial need.
  • Has demonstrated commitment, discipline, work ethic and potential.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Colin M. Bain Halton Social Science Scholarship

This is a $4,000 scholarship awarded $1,000 per year for four years, payable annually on a pro-rated basis as long as the winner maintains a sufficiently high academic standing during his/her under-graduate years. Open to all students, not necessarily for the ‘academic elite’.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be a graduating student pursuing post-secondary education in the area of Social Sciences
  • Completed or will complete two senior social science credits by graduation
  • Demonstrate strength, honesty, strong work ethic, and be reliable, with a history of community service or other volunteering activities
  • Possess strong leadership skills
  • Financial means will also be taken into consideration

To renew this scholarship you must achieve an 80% average in each year of post-secondary study. You must also maintain full-time registration in the Faculty to which you were admitted.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

Burlington Professional Firefighters Association Community Scholarship

This is a $750.00 award. Up to two awards will be presented each year to HDSB students who are residents of Burlington. To be eligible you must:

  • Be a graduating student pursuing post-secondary education at a Canadian college or university following graduation
  • The student must demonstrate a reasonable level of academic achievement (75% average)
  • Demonstrate leadership, including a minimum of 100 of community service
  • Financial need will be considered

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Ana Cesak Scholarship for Hospitality

Ana Cesak was a strong advocate for education as she had limited access to it during childhood. After working for a bank for many years, Ana opened a bed and breakfast in Stratford and loved every aspect of the business. 

This is a $1,000 award, created by the Cesak family, for a graduating Halton District School Board student pursuing post-secondary studies or an apprenticeship in hospitality or the culinary arts, immediately following graduation. 

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

The Paula Liu Family Scholarship

This scholarship was created to honour the memory of Paula Liu, who showed strength and perseverance through many hardships through her youth and later in life. As a widow, with no family or support in Canada, she supported her children through post-secondary education. The scholarship is intended to recognize a deserving student who has demonstrated resilience and academic achievement as a member of a single parent led household. This is a $2,000 award to be paid over two years.

Eligibility:

  • Be a graduating student from a single-parent led family (including those where one parent is too critically ill to work).
  • Have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges.
  • Have a demonstrated financial need.
  • Have an 80% or better average throughout high school.
  • Be involved in the community through part-time work, volunteer work or extracurriculars.

Specific questions about this award should be addressed to Sherri Armstrong at armstrongs@haltonlearningfoundation.ca.

Vidur Chowdhury Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship was created in memory of HDSB student Vidur Chowdhury, who was a bright, kind, empathetic boy and a voracious reader.

This is an award of $1,500 for a graduating Burlington high school student, designed to honour the spirit of lifelong learning.

The winning student:

  • Must be pursuing education at college or university.
  • Has significant financial need.
  • Must demonstrate motivation and commitment to succeed in learning.
  • Have an academic average of at least 70%.

William G. Davis Scholarship

This is a $5,000.00 award provided through FCT’s Community Investment Program, which supports youth at risk and provides post-secondary scholarships, enabling FCT to work with its community to achieve its vision and strengthen its contribution.

William G. Davis was the premier of Ontario from 1971-1985, and the first chairman of the board of directors of FCT. In his memory, this award will help deserving students with the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education.

The winning student must demonstrate:

  • Above average financial need
  • Perseverance to overcome obstacles
  • Leadership and community engagement
  • A reasonable level of academic achievement
  • Be pursuing studies at a recognized Canadian college or university immediately after graduation

Access Scholarship

The Access Scholarship is in honour of Melissa Vassallo who has overcome significant disabilities. The purpose of this award is to make post-secondary learning opportunities more accessible to a person with a disability* or a person with a strong interest in this area of study.

Financial need may be taken into consideration for this $1,000.00 award.

*Disability is defined as:

  • Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, both birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other service animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device
  • A condition of mental impairment or developmental disability. A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language
  • A mental disorder
  • An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act 1997

Additional Requirements

  • Female Oakville Resident
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025

CFUW Oakville Award

CFUW Oakville Award – Significant school/community service and leadership, as well as academic excellence ​are required. This $3,000 award requires greater than average financial need.

Additional Requirements

  • Female Oakville resident 
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded high school 
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status Sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours. 
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025 

CFUW Oakville Award

Excellence in one of the following fields of the performing arts:

  • Fine Arts
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Film
  • Animation
  • Graphic Design

This $3,000.00 award requires greater than average financial need.

Additional Requirements

  • Female Oakville resident 
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded high school 
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status Sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours. 
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025 

Lilian Fulford Scholarship

In honour of Lilian Fulford, a former President of CFUW Oakville. Significant leadership experience, either at school or in the community is required. The applicant must also demonstrate an interest in pursuing post-secondary studies in computer science and demonstrate a strong interest in music.

This $1,600.00 award requires greater than average financial need.

Additional Requirements

  • Female Oakville resident 
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded high school 
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status Sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours. 
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025 

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

The Ruth Schatz Memorial Scholarship

The Ruth Schatz Memorial Scholarship honours Ruth Gray Schatz, a past President of CFUW Oakville with a passion for art, literature, history and architecture. Acceptance for a Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on Literature, Art History, History, or a Bachelor of Education. School leadership and community service are also requirements.

Financial need is NOT a requirement of this $1,000.00 award.

  • Significant school and/or community service beyond 40 hours
  • School Leadership and community service are requirements
  • Financial need is not required
  • Applicant must have acceptance for a Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on:
  • Literature
  • Art History
  • History
  • Bachelor of Education

Additional Criteria

  • Female Oakville resident 
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status Sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours. 
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2023-2024

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

The Miriam White Memorial Scholarship

The Miriam White Memorial Scholarship is in honour of Miriam White, an Oakville resident who was well known for her interest in business and music. Significant school/community service and leadership are requirements for this award. The applicant must also demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in business and a demonstrated strong interest in music.

This scholarship for $1,000.00 requires greater than average financial need.

Applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Significant school and/or community service beyond 40 hours
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Requires greater than average financial need
  • Demonstrate an interest in pursuing career in Business
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in Music

Additional Criteria

  • Female Oakville resident 
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status Sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours. 
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025 

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

Richard Garnett Memorial Scholarship – Academic Excellence

Two separate awards go to students pursuing post-secondary studies in engineering.  Both awards require outstanding service to community and/or school.  One award is for academic excellence (no financial need) and one award is to assist a person further their studies (financial need).

For academic excellence and outstanding service to school or community to a student pursuing engineering at a post-secondary institution.

Financial need is NOT a criterion for this $5,000.00 award

Additional Requirements

  • Female Oakville resident
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Attending a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status form and must be non-paid and non-credit hours.
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

Richard Garnett Memorial Scholarship – Financial Need

Two separate awards go to students pursuing post-secondary studies in engineering. Both awards require outstanding service to community and/or school. One award is for academic excellence (no financial need) and one award is to assist a person further their studies (financial need).

This scholarship for $5,000.00 requires greater than average financial need.

For academic excellence and outstanding service to school or community to a student pursuing engineering at a post-secondary institution

Additional requirements:

  • Greater than average financial need
  • Female Oakville resident
  • Attending a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verified hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Status Sheet form and must be non-paid and non-credit hours.
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-202

Jean Malcolm Smith Award

The Jean Malcolm Smith Award is in honour of Jean Malcolm Smith, an Oakville resident who was well known for her leadership and volunteerism in the community. Significant school/community service and leadership are requirements for this award.

Financial need is NOT a criterion for this $1,500.00 award.

Additional Criteria:

  • Female Oakville Resident
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded high school
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation.  Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours.
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

The Mildred G. Allworth Award

The Mildred G. Allworth Award is in honour of Mildred G. Allworth, an Oakville resident who was well-known for her leadership and contribution to the University Women’s Club of Oakville. Significant school/community service and leadership are requirements for this award.

Financial need is NOT required for this $1,500.00 award.

Additional requirements:

  • Female Oakville resident 
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Attendance at a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Minimum average of 80% on credits earned in a publicly funded Oakville high school 
  • Significant service to and leadership in school and the community beyond the 40 hours required for graduation. Additional verifiable hours must be reflected on your Graduation Summary or Ontario Student Status Sheet, and must be non-paid and non-credit hours. 
  • Acceptance to and attendance at a Canadian University or College for 2024-2025

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

Halton Region Chinese Canadian Association Scholarship

The Halton Region Chinese Canadian Association is offering an award of $2,000 for the 2023-2024 post-secondary year. This award will recognize students who have demonstrated leadership and/or involvement in the promotion and integration of Chinese culture in the community.

The award will be sent directly to the institution you will be attending.

Scholarships Not Accepting Applications at This Time

The Honourable Dr. G. Raymond Chang Volunteerism Scholarship

Onyx Initiative would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Donette Chin-Loy Chang who has made a generous donation in honour of her late husband, The Honourable Dr. G. Raymond Chang.

The late Honourable Dr. G. Raymond Chang, OC, OJ, the third Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University – TMU – (formerly Ryerson), was a global business leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist. Dr. Chang believed that ‘education levels and the playing field,’ and that the value and power of volunteerism helps to enrich the lives of others. For his deep commitment to community and nation building, he received dozens of accolades, the highest honours coming from the country of his birth, Jamaica, and the country of his choice, Canada – the Order of Jamaica and the Order of Canada. TMU’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education was named for his generous contribution.

In honour of Dr. Chang’s steadfast belief in paying it forward, we are pleased to offer two $2,500 scholarships to be used for educational or job readiness expenses.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be an Onyx Scholar who will be enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution for both the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 terms.
  • Submit a 500-word essay about the value and power of volunteerism and social responsibility, including examples of your own volunteer initiatives. (References must be available upon request.)

Please note, financial means may also be taken into consideration.

Onyx Initiative Community Building Scholarships

The saying, “There’s strength in numbers” is a guiding principle for our entire team an a core aspect of our Onyx Scholars Program. Our success to date is due in no small part to the coalition that we have built of like-minded individuals, organizations, and institutions for whom increasing access, equity, and inclusion in corporate Canada for Black post-secondary students and recent graduates is a significant priority.

Which is why the act of “building community” by collaborating with others to help create a sense of unity and belonging for anyone who is marginalized or has been systematically excluded from key opportunities in life is so near and dear to our hearts.

In light of our steadfast devotion to this cause, we are thrilled to offer a ‘Building Community’ Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to recognize and assist Onyx scholars who are involved in initiatives at school, at work, at places of worship, at community centres, in their neighbourhoods, or in collaboration with their family members and friends that accomplish any or all of the following objectives:

  • Fosters teamwork around a project or program that benefits others in meaningful ways.
  • Creates awareness about issues of inequality in any area of society and provides solutions.
  • Brings people together to provide underserved individuals or communities with access to something of benefit to their physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing.
  • Provides underrepresented youth or adults with the opportunity to experience an activity, program or event that is either unfamiliar to them or they lack the resources to participate in it.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be an Onyx Scholar who will be enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution for both the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 terms.
  • Submit a 500-word essay telling us about the initiative, how and why you got involved, any successes to date, and why everyone should get involved in either the same project, a similar one, or any kind of community or coalition building activity that serves the needs of others.

Onyx Initiative Building Bridges Scholarship

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

These prolific words from the incomparable Nelson Mandela are a guiding principle for our entire team and a core aspect of our Onyx Scholars Program. Our success to date is due in no small part to the coalition that we have built of like-minded individuals, companies, organizations, and institutions for whom increasing access, equity, and inclusion in corporate Canada for Black post-secondary students and recent graduates is a significant priority.

Which is why we have spent the last year building partnerships with high schools across the country to raise awareness of our program and learn how we can serve as a bridge to support Black students in the transition from high school to post-secondary education. For us, interceding at this crucial stage is essential for giving these future leaders a springboard for personal and professional success.

In light of our steadfast devotion to this cause, we are thrilled to offer two ‘Building Bridges’ Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each to recognize and assist Black students who recently graduated from high school and are actively seeking higher education.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a recent high school graduate who is enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution beginning in September 2023.
  • Complete an application for admission into the Onyx Scholars Program, beginning in the fall/winter 2023.
  • Submit a 500-word essay about the importance of getting a post-secondary education, what your personal and professional goals are over the next five years and how you plan on achieving them.

Please note: Once the two recipients are selected, written consent will be requested for the use of their names and images in congratulatory posts on all Onyx Initiative social media platforms.

If you have application/award specific questions, please refer to that organization’s website or email them for further information.

For organizations that would like to use the Community Education Awards Hub to collect student awards applications, please contact The Foundation at education@theocf.org for further details. The platform is free to use for qualified organizations who meet certain requirements.