Awards Bursaries and Scholarships

Chairperson's Scholarship Award

• The Chairperson's Scholarship is a $1,000 award given out annually to a graduating student.
• Eligibility
• To receive this award you need to:

• Exemplify excellent leadership and citizenship
• Represent student issues to others
• Not be a Student Trustee with the school board
• Be nominated by your secondary school principal
• Be representative of the diverse student population of the DDSB
• Be representative of the geographic areas of the DDSB
• Have a diverse set of accomplishments and leadership endeavours

• Apply
• Secondary school principals must forward a written submission to the Chairperson of the Board by May 30, with the following information about the nominee:
  • The extent to which they meet the criteria
  • Their contributions to school life
  • Their initiative in seeking the award
• If the principal is not sufficiently acquainted with the nominee, they can submit information provided by a staff member more familiar with them. The principal should initial the form.
• Selection
• A committee consisting of the Chairperson and 4 other trustees makes the final selection. We will hand out the award at our June Board meeting.

Durham Regional Police Services Diversity Scholarship

• The Durham Regional Police Services Diversity Scholarship is a $1,500 award given out annually to a graduating student.
• Eligibility
• To receive this award you need to:
  • Be a current resident of the Regional Municipality of Durham
  • Be accepted and enrolled into a full-time program in a field related to a career in policing at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Trent University, Durham College, or Oshawa College
  • Submit a high school transcript with your application
  • Submit a 500 word essay outlining how you have overcome adversity or championed diversity in your community or school
  • Submit a reference letter from a teacher or community leader
  • Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, human equity and inclusivity at your school
• Apply
• Visit Durham Regional Police Services for more information about the application process.

Congress of Black Women of Canada Ajax and Pickering Chapter Youth Scholarship

• The Youth Scholarship is a $1,000 award given to Afro-Canadian students (male of female) living in the Ajax or Pickering area each year. Check out the Congress of Black Women of Canada Ajax-Pickering Youth Scholarship for more information on eligibility and the application process.

Durham Black Educators' Network (DBEN) Activating Student Success Award

• We give out the DBEN Activating Student Success Award to 6 DDSB students in grades 7 to 12 annually. The recipients include 2 elementary school students and 4 high school students.
• Apply
• Fill out the DBEN Activating Student Success Award application form and submit it to the selection committee by the last Thursday in March.

Mark Joel Trailblazer Award

• The DBEN gives out a $500 award yearly to a graduating DDSB student.
• Eligibility
• To receive this award you must:
  • Be part of the black diaspora (from Caribbean or African decent)
  • Be entering a post-secondary institution with the goal to become a teacher
  • Be in your graduating year at a DDSB school
  • Show leadership within your school or community
  • Provide information on your academic performance
  • Include a recommendation from your secondary school principal
• Apply
• In addition to a completed application form, secondary school principals must forward a written submission to the Chair of the selection committee by March 31, with the following information about the nominee:
  • The extent to which they meet the criteria
  • Their contributions to school life
  • Their initiative in seeking the award
• Selection
• A committee makes the final selection. The committee consists of 2 trustees, 4 educational administrators, and Mark Joel, a retired Superintendent of Education. We will present the award in May as part of the Activating Success – Student Awards night.

Wiesenthal Scholarship

• The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre awards a $3,600 university entrance scholarship to 7 students in grade 12 across Canada.

TD Canada Trust Scholarship

• TD Canada Trust gives out scholarships each year to students across Canada who demonstrate community leadership. Learn about the eligibility requirements and application process to see if you qualify.

Meridian's Commitment to Communities – Sean Jackson Scholarship

• Meridian gives out the Sean Jackson Scholarship each year to 1 high school graduate who demonstrates both academic excellence and an outstanding commitment to their community. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Grants

• Explore the financial aid programs available through OSAP.

Scholarships Canada

• Scholarships Canada provides a collection of scholarships and awards from across the country. Read their directory and find funding opportunities available to you.

Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) Scholarships

• THE BFCN scholarships offer a way to break down the financial barriers that exist for many people trying to access post-secondary education.