ECSS GUIDANCE & CAREER EDUCATIONSERVICES

Helping to Finance Your Post-Secondary Pathway

Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards, Grants, and Loans

AGENDA• Useful resources

• Financing your education

• Definitions of terms

• School Nominated vs. Self-Nominated Scholarships

• Variety of ways to qualify

• Diverse criteria

• Beginning the search

• Specific upcoming application deadlines and other opportunities

• Questions

FIRST STEP…

Is to explore the Guidance link at: www.yrdsb.ca/schools/emilycarr.ss/pages/default.aspx

USEFUL RESOURCES ON THE ECSS WEBSITE • Presentations

• Scholarship/Awards Information Application and Deadlines

• Helpful Info Sheets:▫ Tips for Supplementary Application Forms

▫ How to Prepare and Write a Scholarship Application

▫ Helpful Hints for the Application Process

▫ Samples of Exemplary Essay Responses by Winning Applicants

▫ Final Checklist for Applications

• Suggested Websites to Help You Get Started

• Budget and OSAP Information (presentation date TBA)

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION invest your savings

RESP

bank loans

parents/guardians and relatives

summer job

part-time job on campus (work-study)

time off from your education to work – .a.k.a. Gap Year

College/University Co-operative Education programs

OSAP Loan or Grant

Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards, Grants, Fellowships

DEFINITIONS OF TERMSAll of these may:

• be awarded to attract students to a post-secondary institution• have academic criteria• be awarded for non-academic criteria• be awarded for financial need• be offered by schools, private agencies, public agencies, businesses, private

citizens, government officials, etc.

Scholarships, fellowships, grants, andbursaries are always a monetary gift.

Awards may be either monetary or some other form of recognition (e.g. certificate, pin, trophy, plaque, medal, book).

GRANTS VS. LOANS

OSAP-Loan

• Loans eventually need to be paid back• Online application process• When submitting your application for OUAC or OCAS you can click the OSAP button• www.osap.gov.on.ca will not update this year’s application

until later this year

OSAP-Grant

• Grants are gifts

money you don't have to repay designed for students entering a public college or university program from

high school must apply within four years of graduating from high school

• You can apply for this program without applying for OSAP

SCHOOL NOMINATED SCHOLARSHIPS

• There are some scholarships that require a nomination from the school in order for you to apply.

• Let your guidance counsellor know if you are interested in any of these.

• A chart of school nominated scholarships is posted online as well

• There will be an ECSS internal deadline for those scholarships – usually one to two weeks before the official deadline.

• The decision will be based on an adjudication of the applications, transcripts and references reviewed by the Scholarship Committee made up of faculty from the school.

• Once the committee meets and an applicant is chosen, then he/she will be notified to send his/her package(s) along.

SELF-NOMINATED SCHOLARSHIPS• Students apply directly for these scholarships and do

not need “endorsement” or nomination from the school.

• However, it is highly recommended you meet with your counsellor or a teacher to help you review your Scholarship application.

VARIETY OF WAYS TO QUALIFY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS• Automatic - Academic Achievement considerations exist for all

pathways – there is no action required for these.

• Most scholarship applications are open to any graduate who meets the criteria, and they require an application to be sent in by the student by a specific deadline.

• Some are open to school nominations only and it is up to the school to submit these nominations.

• Our school graduation awards recipients are selected by a team of staff members who review the nominations received by students and staff. Visit the ECSS website at the Guidance link: www.emilycarr.ss.yrdsb.ca.

DIVERSE CRITERIA

Academic Merit

Financial Need

Fine & Performing Arts

Geographic Location

Heritage and

Background

Language

Originality and Passion

First generation in family

to attend college or

university

Leadership &

Volunteering

Religion

Special Needs

Sports & Athletics

Student & Parent

Membership

Disabilities

Innovative Ideas

Talent

START YOUR SEARCH- Ready, Set, Go! Does your chosen College, University or Apprenticeship Training

organization provide automatic consideration based on final marks?

Make sure to check out the Scholarships and Financial Aid Information available at the post-secondary institution you are thinking of attending. This information usually includes the complete list of scholarships and bursaries, as well as eligibility and renewal criteria. Every college and university has this information on their website.

Research! Explore as many websites as possible: there will be suggested sites on the Valuable Resources Guide and on the ECSS website under the Guidance Link.

Check out and ask the leaders about scholarship funds:

• Extra-curricular clubs• Community clubs, civic organizations, local businesses• Religious /faith organizations• Parent/Guardian employers

SEARCH CONT’D… Prepare your own Personal Activity Tracking Sheet for future

applications and resumes.

Always network with family and friends.

Make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and your Ontario Education Number (OEN) handy.

Don’t delay requesting official transcripts from Mrs. Genova in the Guidance and Career Education Office – we require at least one day’s notice.

Give referees at least two weeks notice and provide them with a résumé.

It takes a great deal of time to apply for Scholarships, Bursaries, or Awards. This is why so many are unclaimed.

8 TIPS FOR SUBMITTING A GREAT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

1. Passion for the Subject - Only apply for an award if you actually have an interest in the subject matter. Your passion or disinterest will be reflected in your writing.

2. Research - Do the appropriate background work and find out exactly what a specific scholarship panel is looking for. Read the rules and regulations / terms and conditions.

3. Clarity of Thought - Be clear and concise. “How” you communicate is just as important as “what” you’re trying to communicate. Answer the essay question and only provide relevant information. Do not go over the word limit count.

4. Not a Résumé - Your scholarship application essay is not a substitute for your résumé so don’t simply re-write your résumé in essay form. Don’t list, discuss! Expand on your personal experience and clearly articulate your goals.

8 TIPS FOR SUBMITTING A GREAT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CONT’D…

5. Structure, Spelling, & Grammar - Be aware of proper essay structure. Always double-check your spelling & grammar and have someone proof read your work.

6. References – Ideally, references should be professionals at your school or organization that can vouch for your participation. Inform your references and make sure that their contact information is up-to-date. Assume that the scholarship administrator will check your references.

7. Complete All Requirements - Follow the instructions and make sure that you have collected and provided all the required materials. Making a checklist of all the elements will help.

8. Don’t miss the application deadline and apply early - Don’t procrastinate. Give yourself plenty of time to fill out the application and to gather required documents (reference letters and transcripts).

WHERE TO START YOUR SEARCH: • www.yconic.comScholarship service, become a member, take the test and get matched with Canadian scholarships. Financial awards for all kinds of students.

• Scholarship ReportYour ECSS Guidance and Career Education Team emails you a PDF of this report bi-monthly.

THE SCHOLARSHIP REPORT• VALUABLE TOOL -LINK was emailed to you on your gapps account.

• bi-monthly digital information resource for high school students and parents.

• current national and provincial scholarship listings

• helpful tips in the search for all forms of post-secondary funding.

• Information on University/College Open Houses, application deadlines and fees, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and other material pertinent to the graduating high school student is also provided.

• The Scholarship Report also includes listings of other types of awards as well as programs and activities that will enhance students’ skills as well as their scholarship applications!

• It is sent to your email on a bi-monthly basis with direct links to the scholarship providers.

SUGGESTED WEBSITES http://www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.caUse the Finance Tab – a valuable timesaver !!!

www.ontariocolleges.caClick Programs, and then Paying for College tab

www.scholarshipscanada.com-Scholarships, bursaries, awards

http://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/scholarships-grants-and-bursaries-for-canadian-students/

Universities Canada, deliver more than 3,500 scholarships each year to young people interested in pursuing higher education.

http://sfs.yorku.ca/pdf/money_matters.pdf-Information on financial planning

..and more

www.campusaccess.com-A comprehensive resources and information guide for university and college students.

www.aucc.caSite for scholarships, awards and bursaries

www.osca.caClick on students-Scholarships and financial aid assistance

www.canlearn.caThe best way to get from where you are now to the school that is right for you.

http://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/scholarships-101/Scholarships 101

www.cibc.ca - Financial information for students (Go to Personal Banking)

www.royalbank.com - Financial information for students (Go to Starting College/University)

www.bmo.com - Go to Personal Finances-Brain Money Calculator

www.tdcanadatrust.com - Financial information for students (Go to Student Services)

http://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/tuition-fees-by-canadian-university/ -Tuition Fees by University

www.osap.gov.on.ca - To apply on-line for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and Ontario Tuition Grand (OTG)

http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/ - Scholarship finder, search through thousands of scholarships and awards

http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/loantool.html - Loans for tools

http://www.disabilityawards.ca - Students with a disability

UPCOMING SCHOOL NOMINATED DEADLINES AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

1 . LORAN AWARD

Value: Renewable for up to four years, it includes an annual tuition waiver and a stipend of $80,000, access to funding and internships through a summer program, invitations to annual gatherings and forums, and mentorship opportunities.

Applicants must demonstrate: strong academic performance with a minimum cumulative average of 85% and moral character, commitment to serving others, great potential as leaders, independent thinking, and a willingness to take meaningful risks. This award is available for undergraduate study at specific universities. Each school can nominate up to 3 candidates.

http://www.loranscholar.ca/

ECSS In School Deadline: Thursday, October 10, 2019 (if chosen, must submit your application to the Loran committee by Wednesday, October 17, 2018)

Thursday, October 24, 2019 (direct pool applicants)- NOT sponsored by the school

2. UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO BOOK AWARD AND NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Value: Covers tuition and incidental fees for four years, will provide residence support in first year, and will include an additional, renewable, monetary award. Tenable only at University of Toronto.

Applicants must demonstrate superior academic performance, original and creative thought, exceptional achievement in a broad context, excel in academic pursuits, have enthusiasm for intellectual exploration, involvement in life of school and community. Tenable only at U of T.

https://future.utoronto.ca/scholarships/national-book-award/

https://future.utoronto.ca/scholarships/national-scholarship-program/

In-School nomination deadline: Friday, October 11, 2019

3. TD CANADA TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Value: Each scholarship is valued at up to $70,000 and includes up to $10,000 for tuition per year, $7,500 a year toward living expenses.

Applicants must demonstrate leadership in many areas such as environmental cleanup, the promotion of social justice, and the fight against child poverty, to name just a few.

TD Scholarship for Community Leadership

Deadline: November 15 , 2019

5. QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY MAJOR ADMISSION AWARD-CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP

Value : Annual value of $9000.00

• Applicants must be planning to attend Queen’s University and apply for admission to Queen's through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) prior to the Major Admission Award Application deadline.

• You must apply for admission to Queens online through OUAC prior to mid November (last year’s date was November 20, 2018) to ensure you gain access to SOLUS to be able to then submit your application by December 1, 2019.

• Open to outstanding students who stand out for their academic excellence (90% plus average), their demonstrated leadership and their original and creative thinking.

http://www.queensu.ca/studentawards/financial-assistance/admission-scholarships-bursaries-and-awards/major-admission-awards

Click on Chancellor’s ScholarshipFill out the practice application:https://www.queensu.ca/studentawards/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.sawww/files/files/019%20MAA%20Practice%20Application%2020190901.pdf

School Nominated

In-School deadline Monday, November 4, 2019 if you want to be considered for this award and meet the criteria.

4. SCHULICH LEADER SCHOLARSHIPS NOMINEE

Value: Schulich Leader Nominees appointed as Schulich Leaders at each

participating university will receive $60,000 ($15,000 per year to be paid over four years)

This scholarship is for students intending to enrol in a program at one of the 20

Canadian universities in the STEM areas of study (Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics) must be a Canadian citizen, each candidate must possess at

least two of the following three attributes:

▫ academic excellence ▫ outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership ▫ financial need

www.schulichleaders.com

In-School deadline-Friday, December 13, 2019

6. WESTERN NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Awarded to graduate with a minimum of 90% average in six grade 12U/M

courses and indicates University of Western Ontario as an OUAC choice.

In-School deadline-January 24, 2020

https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/national_scholarship_program.htmll

ATHLETIC AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

All athletic financial awards offered by Canadian universities must follow the criteria established by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the national governing body of university sport in Canada. The Ontario University Athletics (OUA) website has additional information on criteria for athletic financial awards in Ontario.

For additional information on the awards that are available at a specific Ontario university, use the OUA Directory for your sport.

www.oua.ca/directory

THE ONTARIO HOCKEY FEDERATION (OHF) BURSARY PROGRAM

Was introduced in 1997 to recognize and reward dedication in education and hockey. The program provides financial assistance to registered OHF participants to offset the cost of post-secondary education. Each year, the OHF awards bursaries to outstanding young people who display an

incredible amount of commitment both at the arena and in the classroom. The bursary recipients are determined on the basis of academic achievements, hockey involvement and community involvement.

http://www.ohf.on.ca/programs/bursary-program

RESOURCES for YOUUseful resources are posted on the ECSS website

www.yrdsb.ca/schools/emilycarr.ss/pages/default.aspxunder the Guidance link

• Click Presentations for this PPT and other useful presentations

• Click Potential Graduate and Scholarship Information for:

• Scholarship/Awards information application and deadlines

• Upcoming Scholarships

• Bi-monthly Scholarship Report-link always emailed to your gapps account

• Helpful Info Sheets:

▫ Tips for Supplementary Application Forms

▫ How to Prepare and Write a Scholarship Application

▫ Helpful Hints for the Application Process

▫ Samples of Exemplary Essay Responses by Wining Applicants

▫ Final Checklist for Applications

• ECSS Graduation Awards

Your Guidance and Career Education Counsellor will be happy to help you navigate this process!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOURECSS

GUIDANCE AND CAREER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

QUESTIONS?