Reach for
Success
The Children’s Foundation Reach for Success program will create equal access to post-secondary education.
The Children’s Foundation understands that a youth finishing their education is key to changing the trajectory of a disadvantaged life. Ultimately education is proven to be one of the most critical social determinants of health. People with higher levels of education have better access to healthy physical environments, they tend to smoke less, to be more physically active and to have access to healthier foods. In many cases, education is key in breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Children’s Foundation Reach for Success program creates equal opportunity for youth to pursue post-secondary education and achieve their goals by removing the financial barrier that is often prohibitive.
What is the difference between a Scholarship and Bursary?
Scholarship – Financial support given to a student to offset the cost of tuition. Payments are made twice per year and issued directly to the institution. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement. Amounts range from $2500/yr and up – depending on funding available.
Bursary – Financial support given to a student to offset the cost of textbooks, school supplies, rent, groceries and other living expenses. Payments are issued twice per year and made directly to the student. Bursaries are typically awarded based on financial need. Amounts range from $2000/yr and up, depending on funding available.
Students may apply to The Children’s Foundation for both a scholarship and a bursary.
Who can apply?
Any youth entering post-secondary education or returning, who demonstrates financial need.
Bursaries
Bursaries are provided to students who have been impacted by Children’s Aid or overcome hurdles to be in the position they are today to help pursue post-secondary education. Awards range from $2000 per year for full-time students in a college program to $2500 per year for full-time students in a university program. Bursaries are available for part-time students. Bursary applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and the final review will take place on June 30 for the upcoming school year. Awards are paid twice a year, in September and in January.
Bursary Eligibility
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A youth who has had past or present involvement with CAS (Temporary Care Agreement (TCA), Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA), Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY), Renewed Youth Supports (RYS), adoption, and Kin Care. This also includes youth who have received protective services from Children’s Aid at some point in their life, youth who have been touched in some way by Children’s Aid, or youth who have unusual family hardships, as identified by a CAS PSW or other agent, guidance counselor or teacher (through reference letter in the application process)
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Under 26 years of age at the start of their current school program, or under 30 years of age if they have received a scholarship or bursary funding from The Children’s Foundation for the same program in previous years
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Registered at 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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Bursary applications are given based on financial need
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Before receiving a bursary, proof of enrollment must be provided by September 15th and January 15th
How to apply
To apply for a bursary, students must submit the following documents:
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Bursary Application (link to form)
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Proof of Enrollment
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Reference
*Incomplete applications will not be considered*
Bursaries are paid twice a year, in September and January.
Scholarships
Scholarships are provided to students who have been impacted by Children’s Aid to help pursue post-secondary education. Students may apply for named scholarships ranging from $2,500 - $3,000 per year for up to $12,000 over 4 years (or $7,500 over 3 years, depending on the program length). Scholarships are awarded once a year through a competitive process and decisions are made by The Children’s Foundation. Scholarships for the 2022-23 school year range from $2,500 to $12,000.
Scholarship Eligibility
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A youth who has had past or present involvement with CAS (Temporary Care Agreement (TCA), Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA), Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY), Renewed Youth Supports (RYS), adoption, and Kin Care. This also includes youth who have received protective services from Children’s Aid at some point in their life, youth who have been touched in some way by Children’s Aid, or youth who have unusual family hardships, as identified by a CAS PSW or other agent, guidance counselor or teacher (through reference letter in the application process)
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Under 26 years of age at the start of their current school program, or under 30 years of age if they have received a scholarship or bursary funding from The Children’s Foundation for the same program in previous years
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Registered at or planning to attend school either 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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Bursary applications are given based on financial need
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Before receiving a scholarship, proof of enrollment must be provided by September 15th and January 15th
Criteria
Scholarship applications are reviewed by The Children’s Foundation staff to ensure that applicants meet the eligibility criteria, but the applications are scored by our Awards Committee. This Awards Committee is made up of 5-10 friends of the Foundation, including Board members, a youth committee representative, a foster parent representative, and community members. Scholarship applications are scored on Individual Attributes (eg. personal and academic challenges and progress), Academic Achievement (eg. high grades and/or significant gains despite individual limitations), Personal Contribution (eg. strengths and coping skills demonstrated in personal life and commitments outside of school), Potential for Success (eg. whether goals are clear and realistic) and Financial Need.
How to apply
To apply for a scholarship, students must submit the following documents:
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Scholarship application (link to form)
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Reference (link to form)
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Proof of Enrollment
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Transcript
*Incomplete applications will not be considered
Scholarships are awarded once a year, please apply by June 30th.
Youth Awards
Youth awards are provided to local children who have been impacted by Highland Shores Children’s Aid, to acknowledge their personal achievements in one of six categories (Arts, Sports, Volunteerism, Culture & Heritage, Academics, and Personal Best).
The Reach for Success Youth Awards honor children and youth who have overcome many barriers to achieve their personal and academic goals. Offering support and encouragement to motivate children to stay in school will always be a solid investment.