Reach for
Success
Empowering Youth Through Education
The Children’s Foundation Reach for Success program helps ensure that financial hardship is never a barrier to a young person’s ability to explore their potential, learn new skills, and thrive through post-secondary education. By removing financial obstacles, the program creates equitable opportunities for youth to pursue advanced education and build a foundation for long-term success.
Through scholarships and bursaries, Reach for Success supports deserving youth who are navigating personal and financial challenges while working toward their educational goals. These supports allow students to focus on learning, growth, and possibility, rather than financial strain.
Education is often the turning point that changes the trajectory of a young person’s life. It is widely recognized as one of the most important social determinants of health. Youth who are able to continue their education are more likely to access healthier environments, develop life skills, and make informed choices that support their overall wellbeing. By supporting education, we help young people learn, grow, and thrive.
What is the difference between a Scholarship and Bursary?
Scholarship – Scholarships provide financial support to help offset the cost of tuition, enabling students to fully focus on their studies and educational goals. Payments are issued directly to the educational institution and are typically awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and volunteerism. Award amounts vary depending on funding availability and fundraising success, and are often in the range of $2,500.
Bursary – Bursaries provide financial support to help students manage the everyday costs associated with post-secondary education, such as textbooks, school supplies, rent, groceries, and other essential living expenses. Payments are made directly to the student and are awarded based primarily on demonstrated financial need. Award amounts vary depending on funding availability and fundraising success, generally ranging from $500 to $3,000.
Students may apply to The Children’s Foundation for both a scholarship and a bursary.
If awarded, payments are made twice per academic year (fall term, winter term).
Who can apply?
Any youth entering or returning to post-secondary education who has been affected by hardship or financial need and who live in Hastings, Northumberland, or Prince Edward County.
Eligibility
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Under 26 years of age at the start of their current school program, or under 30 years of age if you have received a scholarship or bursary funding from The Children’s Foundation for the same program in previous years
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Registered or planning to attend school full time for a full academic year at an accredited post-secondary school
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Resides in Hastings, Northumberland, or Prince Edward County (before attending school, and/or when not attending school)
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Affected by low income and/or hardship
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Proof of Enrollment needs to be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month before the student's term begins for the first payment; Proof of continuing studies needs to be submitted at least one month before the start of the second term for the second payment
*The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is April 30, 2026*
PLEASE NOTE the application forms are designed to meet security standards and to protect sensitive applicant data. The forms have SSL encryption, and are stored on dedicated HIPAA-compliant servers, allowing secure data handling practices for TCF to safely collect and store information.
How to apply
1. Gather all required documents (Application Checklist below)
NOTE: You will need to upload Proof of Enrollment or Proof of Acceptance as part of your application
NOTE: A personal reference will need to accompany all first-time applicants
2. Complete the online application(s) and submit. You may apply for both a scholarship and bursary, but separate applications are required.
*Incomplete applications will not be considered*
Reminder:
Award payments are made in two installments (fall term, winter term)
Application Checklist
You will need to have the following ready in order to complete your online application for a Scholarship or Bursary. Your application will not be reviewed without the following documents:
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Proof of Enrollment or Proof of Acceptance to the college or university you will be attending – You will need to upload this as part of your application form.
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A reference form completed by a notable individual in the applicant’s life. Examples of a reference person include, but are not limited to, a Children’s Aid Worker/Former Worker, School Counselor, Teacher, Coach, Leader in the Community or such. Please share the following reference form link with your reference: https://form.jotform.com/260125301347243
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Completed online application form (separate application forms are required if you are applying for both a scholarship and bursary, but only ONE reference form is required).
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open. Applications are due no later than April 30, 2026.
Please click on the following link(s) to access the online application form:
Reach for Success SCHOLARSHIP Application
Reach for Success BURSARY Application
HSCA Youth Awards
A little encouragement goes a long way...
Youth awards are provided to children who have been impacted by family hardships and overcome barriers to achieve their personal and academic goals. HSCA workers acknowledge their achievements through nominations in one of six categories (Arts & Culture, Sports, Academics, Kindness, Leadership and Personal Best). During the Reach for Success Awards night in June, award winners are celebrated, supported and encouraged to stay in school and keep working hard. If you are a Highland Shores worker and have a youth whom you would like to nominate, please contact nadia.younan@thechildrensfoundation.ca for the application form.