Please pay careful attention to deadlines as they are firm. For scholarships where ONE student from JH is nominated, there is an application that must be completed. Please see Ms. Crocker in the Career IB Centre for your application package.

Writing a Strong Scholarship Application- Conceiving, drafting, and revising great applications to win you the award.

By Matthew Butler

General advice

Writing's an essential skill for students and academics, and it's just as important in everyday life. The scholarship application essay is a great way to merge these two writing worlds, while putting yourself to the new test of convincing scholarship providers to invest in you. Showing how your experiences, life story, skills, and academic history make you a qualified applicant is a great skill.

Great scholarship applications reflect the time and effort that was put into them. The best way to start off on the right foot is by reading the eligibility requirements and question prompts closely and paying close attention to the instructions. Don’t go over the word limit, but don’t drastically undershoot it. Don’t start off with a disadvantage — ensure that your grammar, spelling, and structure are flawless.

Top tips for writing your essay

The key to writing a successful application is your ability to transfer your life experiences onto paper in a meaningful way to best display your value.

Try keeping these tips in mind while you write:

• Brainstorm some memorable experiences you’ve had that can set you apart from others or have defined your life.
• Practice articulating a few major points: explain why these experiences matter and how they have shaped you and others.
• Identify your goals for yourself. Ask yourself why — why does this goal matter to you? Consider how your goals will affect your community.
• Consider connecting your story to the award. If the scholarship is offered by a community organization, you may want to discuss how your actions have supported and uplifted your community.
• Try reading your work aloud to get a feel for its tone and flow.
• Share it with a trusted friend or adult for a second opinion on what works and what needs another look.

Remember, your first draft is not going to get you the scholarship.

Like any skill, your writing will improve with practice. So get writing!

• READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS / QUESTIONS CAREFULLY!

1. Read the fine print – even when filling out personal information.
2. If it says No Abbreviations under “School District” don’t write SD 36!
3. If it says No Teachers under “School Representative” don’t write a teacher!
4. Use appropriate punctuation and capitalization in ALL categories!
5. Stick to the word count
6. Be honest and do not exaggerate
7. Explain why you deserve this scholarship without putting down other applicants

Award: $2,500

Awards Available: 4

Deadline: March 31, 2025

If you are a young British Columbian who has made a difference in your community, we want to hear from you! The Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and exemplary contributions and commitment to enriching the lives of others in the community.

Who is Eligible?

The Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarship recognizes four student leaders in the province of British Columbia who are entering their first year of post secondary education, and have made exceptional contributions in the following areas:

• School and community service, leadership
• Initiating community development
• Affecting positive change
• Mentoring others
• Personal development and growth

Taking the time to do something for others during difficult times in one’s own life requires particularly outstanding commitment. This is why, as part of the selection process, the personal circumstances and/or challenges of each applicant will be considered. Applicants who possess personal qualities such as dedication, commitment to helping others and strength of character will also be considered.

Award: $5,000

Awards Available: 55

Deadline: January 2025

The BC Excellence scholarship is awarded to 55 high school graduates who have demonstrated service and leadership, both at school and in their communities, and who show aptitude for and commitment to their chosen career or area of post-secondary study.

Students selected for this award receive a $5,000 scholarship voucher from the Ministry of Education and Child Care that they can use to be reimbursed for tuition paid after they are attending a post-secondary institution that is designated by the Province of BC or a program provider that is approved by SkilledTradesBC.

Students have five years to redeem their BC Excellence scholarship vouchers.

Take a look at the Marking Guidelines for the Award:

Marking Guidelines BC Excellence Scholarship

CapU applications for Entrance Awards open on October 15, 2024 and close on March 1st, 2025.

For more details, click on the website.

Future Students - Capilano University

Award: $42,500

Awards Available: 10

Deadline: January 27, 2025

The University of Guelph offers National and International Scholarship Programs. The University offers 10 scholarships valued at $42,500 each. They include a research assistantship position and mentorship by one of the University's leading professors. These scholarships reward top students and recognize academic excellence, innovation, community and school engagement, and leadership.

President's Scholarships (7 available)- established to recognize students of academic distinction who have made significant contributions to their schools and their communities and demonstrate the potential to become leaders in society. Students must achieve a minimum 90% admission average and be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to apply.

Lincoln Alexander Chancellor's Scholarships (2 available)- established in honour of the Honorable Lincoln Alexander to recognize students of academic distinction who have made significant contributions to their schools and communities and demonstrate the potential to become leaders in society. These scholarships will be awarded to enhance student diversity on campus with a focus on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Metis); or a person with a disability; or a person of colour/racialized person. Students must achieve a minimum 90% admission average and be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to apply.

Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President's Scholarship (1 available)- established in honour of the University's eighth president, Dr. Franco Vaccarino, to acknowledge his remarkable impact on the University. This scholarship is awarded to the top international student. It recognizes a student of academic distinction who has made significant contributions to their school and their community and demonstrates the potential to become a leader in society.

Scholarship Value: $100,000-$120,000 each

Awards Available: 100

Award Deadline: January 27, 2024 - Application due by December 20th to be considered.

As a reminder, The Schulich Leader Scholarship awards $120,000 for Engineering AND $100,000 for Science, Technology or Mathematics.

At Johnston Heights, we nominate one student for this scholarship.

Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest and most prestigious undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarships in Canada. Each year, 100 scholarships are awarded - 50 for engineering students valued at $120,000 per scholarship and 50 for science, technology or math students valued at $100,000 per scholarship.

Every high school in Canada can nominate one graduating student per academic year. You MUST be nominated for this scholarship in order to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

-graduate high school in 2024/25 academic year

-Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

-Plan to enroll in an eligible STEM program at a partner university

-Meet the following criteria:

• Academic excellence, AND
• Leadership, charisma and creativity
• **Strong consideration will be given to students with financial need.
• Be entrepreneurial-minded and intend to pursue a career in one or more of the following focus areas:
• A) Technology
• B) Engineering
• C) Entrepreneurship and business enterprise
• D) Applied scientific research

https://portal.thecmolikfoundation.com/application-form

Scholarship Value: $45,000

Awards Available: up to 20

Award Deadline: February 7, 2025 - Application due by January 10 to be considered

Each school can nominate ONE student.

While a post-secondary education can be life-changing, it’s a goal that’s out of reach for many students. We’re trying to change that. Every year, we award up to 20 scholarships, each one a maximum of $45,000 paid over five years of study, to students graduating from BC high schools. Scholarship recipients have faced adversity but have responded with positivity and tenacity, achieving academic and social goals. With hard work and support, their post-secondary dreams can become a reality.

What’s more, students who are awarded the Undergraduate Scholarship are eligible to apply for our Graduate Scholarships, three $30,000 scholarships awarded each year.

In order to be eligible for a TCF Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a current resident of BC
• Have lived in Canada for at least 7 years
• Be in Grade 12 or a recent secondary school graduate
• Have demonstrated financial need
• Have faced adversity
• Plan to be a full-time student
• Be ineligible for the BC Tuition Waiver Program (for former youth in care)
• Use funding for a post-secondary institution or college
• Be endorsed by their school principal

Award: $1500

Awards Available: 30

Deadline: Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis

-For Canadian youth between 15-29 years old

-Enrolled part time in school or not in school at all

-A Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident

-Grades and transcripts are not required

-Hundreds of scholarships available

-Not working at RBC or a dependent of someone working at RBC

Click the link above for more information

Award: Up to $70,000 over 4 years

Deadline: September 4 - November 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm EST

Number of Awards: Up to 20

-For students who have shown exceptional leadership in making a meaningful and lasting difference in their community.

-Must have a minimum average of 75%

Award: $1000

Deadline: March 9, 2025

Number of Awards: 40

The RE/MAX Quest for Excellence scholarship program is a cash scholarship that recognizes students for their ongoing community contributions and pursuit of leadership. Through this scholarship program, RE/MAX Canada is pleased to offer 40 scholarships of $1,000 each to students across Canada (except for Quebec).

The 2025 Quest for Excellence program will invite eligible students to write and submit an essay based on one of three key themes: charitable community contribution; the vision for a brighter future; and ensuring Canadians have a safe, secure and affordable place to call “home.”

“The 2025 Quest for Excellence scholarship program is about more than just providing financial assistance; it’s about recognizing students who are dedicated to their communities and driven by a passion for leadership.”

Eligibility Requirements:

- Must be a Grade 12 student attending high school in Canada in the 2024-25 school year.

YVR Art Foundation is accepting applications on a rolling basis and up to 10 awards will be distributed in 2023. Aspiring Artist Awards are for BC and Yukon Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 20 who reside in BC or the Yukon. Aspiring Artist Awards are $500 each and are awarded on an annual basis to youth to support their self-directed work in the visual arts through the purchase of supplies, attending workshops and much more.

Visit the link above for more information and to download an application form.

The Credit Union Foundation of BC was established by BC credit unions in 1958 to support our members in their journey through post-secondary education. In this co-operative spirit, credit unions have helped thousands of members pursue their dreams and in turn build stronger and more vibrant communities.

The CUFBC has three application periods each year:

• Winter: January 1 – February 15
• Spring: May 1 – June 15
• Fall: September 1 – October 15

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants who do not meet the following criteria are not eligible for a bursary.

• All applicants must have a demonstrated financial need.
• Proof of enrolment, tuition payment and transcripts are required.
• A recent letter of reference from a credit union, coach or other individual that speaks to your community involvement and shared credit union values is required.
• Applicants must be BC residents who are Canadian Citizens, a permanent resident of Canada or designated as a protected person.
• Applicants must be in attendance at a public Canadian post-secondary school when the application is submitted.
• Applicants attending accredited private schools will only be considered if the program is not offered at a public school. Applicants must provide a statement as to why they are not attending a public school and provide a receipt for tuition.
• Programs of study may be academic, vocational, technical or technological.
• Graduate and post graduate students are not eligible.

Award: up to $80,000

Deadline: December 1, 2024

The UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program assists Black Canadian students who are transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another post-secondary institution. The purpose of the program is to financially support academically qualified students who show an interest in joining and contributing to the UBC community at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, but who would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance. Through the program, new students can access renewable awards of up to $80,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered for the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award:

• You must self-identify as Black (African, African-American, African-Canadian, Afro-Caribbean)
• You must be a strong academic student and meet all UBC admissions requirements.
• You must demonstrate financial need.
• You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person in Canada.
• You must be entering directly from high school or transferring from another post-secondary institution.
• You must apply to a direct entry undergraduate program at UBC, and not have a previous degree.

Award: $28,000 over four years

Deadline: December 1, 2024

The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award is highly competitive, and we consider the most suitable candidates to be those who demonstrate the ideals of Terry Fox - true humanitarians, individuals who are compassionate and altruistic in their intention to improve the lives of others and human welfare overall.

Terry Fox Scholars are 'doers' with the ability to inspire and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Eligibility Requirements:

• In good academic standing.
• Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
• Students graduating from secondary (high) school or students completing their first year of CÉGEP or students who have completed secondary (high) school
• Involved in voluntary humanitarian activities (for which they have not been compensated).
• Planning to or are already studying towards their first university degree or diploma at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or entering their 2nd year of CÉGEP in the upcoming academic year.

Click on the link below to see scholarships available to students planning to attend UBC.

Click on the link below to see scholarships, bursaries and awards for Indigenous students.

Award: $2000

Awards Available: 5

Deadline:

Award: $1500

Awards Available: 30

Deadline: December 18, 2024

The RBC Future Launch Scholarship is an innovative new scholarship program for young Canadians (ages 15-29) looking to learn new skills for the modern workforce.

The RBC Future Launch Scholarship will be awarded to those who show passion and a clear vision for their future:

• For youth enrolled part-time in school or not in school at all
• Grades and transcripts are not required
• Up to 500 scholarships available annually

Award: up to $20,000

Deadline: Applications open November 4, 2024 and close on December 16, 2024

A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

The vision for the BUILD scholarship program is to create a pathway for aspiring tradespeople to begin their journey toward a rewarding career and to address the critical skills gap in B.C.’s growing economy.

• Up to $20,000 per student towards the completion of the Red Seal Certification
  Year 1: Foundation/Pre-Apprenticeship Program - $10,000
  Level 2: $2000 (tuition and stipend)
  Level 3: $2000 (tuition and stipend)
  Level 4: $2000 (tuition and stipend)
  Red Seal Certification Completion Award: $4000
• Apprenticeship
• Access to Mentors
• Digital Community
• Workshops & Events

Award: Up to $44,000

Deadline: Applications open November 4, 2024 and close on December 16, 2024

Are you the one?

Bright minds are more than grades, and our scholarship is more than money. We give people what they need for a brighter future.

• Up to $44,000 per student /
  4-year undergraduate degree
• Up to $22,000 per student /
  2-year college diploma/certificate or
  trade-school foundation programs
• Student Success Program
• Peer Support Groups
• Access to Mentors
• Summer Paid Internship Opportunities

Eligibility Requirements:

-Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and reside in BC

-Apply to one of the twenty-five BC post-secondary institutions or trade schools

-Currently be in Grade 12 and have a minimum grade average of 75% in the most recently completed school year.

-Demonstrate your and/or your family's financial adversity, and how it has affected you.

-Plan to be a full-time student and use the funding for post-secondary education.

-Receive a letter of reference from your secondary school

Award: $2000

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicant must have been a foster child with an official Canadian or American foster care program and agrees to having the above organization verify the same. Youth who were involved in kinship care or other alternative living situations can also receive consideration for this award.

Applicant will be enrolled as a full-time student at a recognized general/ vocational College or post-secondary institution in Canada or USA by the start of the next school semester.

Award: up to $1000

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Sher Vancouver would like to recognize all those youth who work tirelessly for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

This annual award is given to exceptional youth, ages 16-30 who have shown commitment and leadership within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The winner receives a cash prize of $1000, First Runner Up receives $600, Second Runner Up receives $400. Honorable mentions receive $200 and Emerging Leaders receive $200.

Award: $20,000-$60,000

Deadline: December 15, 2024

If you’re a current high school student who demonstrates excellence in academic and extracurricular activities, you may be eligible for this scholarship.

It is available to both domestic and international students admitted for the fall term to any undergraduate degree.

Academic Requirements

To be considered, applicants must have grades in the 90% range OR minimum 31 IB points, excluding predicted bonus points, in courses required for admission to their primary program.

**Note that the application for Fall 2025 has been delayed, but an update will be provided in November by SFU**

Award: TBD

Awards Available: 10

This scholarship was created in perpetuity to:

• Reduce financial and other barriers students face when accessing post-secondary education
• Foster academic achievement
• Ensure successful transition to university learning and life
• Build confidence and develop life skills
• Position students for career and leadership success
• Build a life-long international community in partnership with the Uggla Family Scholars program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and graduates of the Shitima School in Kabwe, Zambia
• Foster networks for life through a dynamic alumni cohort

Eligibility Requirements:

Ten scholarships are awarded each year to students who face significant financial barriers to participation in post-secondary education. This may include students who identify as Indigenous, Black, or a person of colour, students living with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ students, and students of all gender identities. The intent of the Uggla Family Scholarship is to promote equity and remove historical and existing discrimination, including barriers to full participation in social, cultural, economic and political life.

Other eligibility criteria include:

• Available to domestic (Canadian) students admitted for the fall term to any undergraduate degree.

Award: $1000-$50,000

Deadline: December 16, 2024

Created in memory of BURGER KING® Co-founder James “Jim” W. McLamore, the BURGER KING℠ Scholars program has awarded $32 million in scholarships to more than 30,000 high school students, BK® employees and their families across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico since 2000. In 2017 alone, the Foundation awarded $3.5 million to more than 3,200 students in North America.

Scholarship grants range from $1,000 to $50,000 and are intended to help students offset the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. Recipients are selected based on their grade point average (GPA), work experience, extracurricular activities and community service.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Grades: 80 - 100%
• Volunteer Experience
• Citizenship: American or Canadian

Award: $1000

Awards Available: 30

Deadline: January 31, 2025

Kin Canada Bursaries, a program of the Hal Rogers Endowment Fund (HREF), awarded 52 deserving students with a $1,000 bursary for their 2017-18 school year. Successful applicants were chosen based on their community and school involvement, knowledge of Kin Canada and financial need. Download the list of 2017 bursary recipients.

Since its inception in 1994, $978,000 has been awarded to 978 students across Canada. The amount disbursed in any one year depends on the balance of the Hal Rogers Endowment Fund and its governing laws.

Kin Canada Clubs play a vital role in the Kin Canada Bursaries program. They make donations to grow the fund, which affects how many bursaries are awarded each year.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Financial Need
• Volunteer Experience
• Citizenship: Canadian or Permanent Resident (Canada)

Award: $5,000-$10,000

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) is a charitable, grassroots organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims/survivors of this violent crime.

Each and every year, thousands of Canadians are killed or injured in impaired driving crashes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a terrible crime that touches all our lives. It is an irresponsible, dangerous and intolerable act.

MADD Canada strives to offer support services to victims/survivors and their families and friends, heighten awareness about the dangers of alcohol and/or drug-impaired driving, and to save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

At the heart of MADD Canada are our volunteers; they include not only mothers, but fathers, friends, business professionals, experts in the anti-impaired driving field and concerned citizens who want to make a difference in the fight against impaired driving.

Eligibility Requirements:

MADD Canada’s Bursary Program is open to Canadian citizens who have themselves been severely injured or who have had a parent (or legal guardian) or sibling killed or severely injured as a result of an impaired driving crash.

AWARDS AND BURSARIES INFORMATION

1. Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool - for all of Canada.
2. Metis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy - financial assistance to support Metis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
3. Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy - financial assistance to support Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education.
4. Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) - provides funding for First Nation students who are registered Status Indians, are affiliated with a BC band OR are on the BC General List AND do not have band memberships and therefore, ineligible to apply for funding through their band. Must have resided in BC for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.
5. NWAC Indigenous Skills and Employment Training - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The NWAC ISET program helps Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals fully participate in economic opportunities. If qualified, financials supports such as tuition, living allowance, childcare, job starts, and other resources to help Indigenous women and gender-diverse people reach their employment and skills training goals.
6. Indspire: Bursaries and Scholarship Awards - Deadlines are August 1, November 1, February 1 at 8:59 PST. There is one application for all of Indspire's bursaries and scholarship (with a few exceptions) to be considered for all applicable bursaries and scholarships.

Here are some helpful sites to search for scholarships. Create an account and filter your results based on your profile.

Scholarships Made Simple | ScholarTree

Yconic -

ScholarshipsCanada - Find Scholarships, Student Awards, Bursaries & Financial Aid

◦Check specific post secondary institutions for specific scholarships for international students.

Award: $2500

Awards Available: 4

Deadline: March 31, 2025

If you are a young British Columbian who has made a difference in your community, we want to hear from you! The Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and exemplary contributions and commitment to enriching the lives of others in the community.

Who is Eligible?

The Trevor Linden Community Spirit Scholarship recognizes four student leaders in the province of British Columbia who are entering their first year of post secondary education, and have made exceptional contributions in the following areas:

• School and community service, leadership
• Initiating community development
• Affecting positive change
• Mentoring others
• Personal development and growth

Taking the time to do something for others during difficult times in one’s own life requires particularly outstanding commitment. This is why, as part of the selection process, the personal circumstances and/or challenges of each applicant will be considered. Applicants who possess personal qualities such as dedication, commitment to helping others and strength of character will also be considered.