Scholarships

To be eligible for a scholarship, all candidates must:

• be a current or past client of Easter Seals Ontario
• have applied or been accepted to an accredited university or college and will be attending full-time or part-time (classes taken in person, virtually or a combination are acceptable);
• and be a resident of Ontario
• be between the ages of 15 – 39 years of age

• Your online application must be completed in full.
• Applications must be received by April 17, 2026, midnight.
• Some scholarships have specific criteria that must be met and/or demonstrated as part of the application process. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships if they meet the general and/or specific criteria for any scholarship offered.
• Answers to questions 25, 26, 27, and 28 will be graded by members of the Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship Selection Committee using a scoring system. Please ensure that you answer the questions fully, providing as much detail (or examples) as possible.
• The Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to offer alternate scholarships based on the number of applications received and the criteria met.

• All applicants will be notified once final decisions are made by mid-May, early June.
• Once an award letter has been sent, applicants must respond to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship

• Acceptance by the recipient indicates your permission for Easter Seals Ontario to (possibly) share your photo and approved profile on our website, social media, and Annual Report.
• Scholarship payments are conditional on Easter Seals Ontario receiving:
  • Satisfactory evidence that the recipient has been accepted to an accredited university or college (as indicated on the scholarship application).
  •  A thank you letter from the recipient to the donor by August 1, 2026, as an acknowledgement and recognition of the scholarship.
  • Easter Seals Ontario scholarship funds must be applied for tuition in the 2026/2027 academic year. Any requests for deferral of funds must be submitted in writing and approved by an Easter Seals Ontario administrator or designate.
• Annual General Meeting (AGM): All successful recipients will be invited to virtually attend the Easter Seals Ontario AGM in June 2026, to acknowledge receipt of their scholarship(s). This is entirely voluntary, and recognition can be done in person or by written statement.

If you would like to donate to our Scholarship Program or find out more – contact us!

If you have any questions, please contact us at scholarships@easterseals.org or by phone at 416-421-8778 or toll-free at 1-800-668-6252, extension 367.

These scholarships were established in 2020 to assist current and former clients who have been supported by Easter Seals Ontario with the cost of post-secondary education.

Eligibility: Current or past Easter Seals Ontario client and has been an active volunteer in their community. Five scholarships available.

Value: $1,000

Scholarship established in 2019 by the Board of Directors to help young adults who have been supported by Easter Seals Ontario with the cost of post-secondary education.

Eligibility: Must be a current or past Easter Seals Ontario client who has made a significant contribution to their community.

Value: $1,350

Established in 2022 in memory of a former Camp Merrywood camper.

Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education at a college or university.

Value: $1,000

This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of a cherished Easter Seals Ontario staff member and friend.

Eligibility: To support a student starting post secondary education at a college or university who can clearly demonstrate that they have been identified as a “cheerleader” for those facing challenges and/or who has made a positive impact in their community.

Value: $1,000

Established in 2026 in memory of a past Easter Seals Ontario Board member and donor.

Details: Supporting an applicant who demonstrates academic excellence, technical aptitude, and a strong interest in pursuing a career in computer technology or related fields (Computer Technology, Information Technology, Software)

Value: $2,000

Jay and Jayshri Hira established the Hira Post Graduate Scholarship in 2013 in memory of their parents, the Late Reva Hira and Ravjee Hira.

Eligibility: Preference to a post-graduate student who serves as a model and inspiration for others.

Value: $5,000

Jay and Jayshri Hira established the Hira Scholarship Fund in 2013 in memory of their parents, the Late Reva Hira and Ravjee Hira.

Eligibility: Preference to a student who serves as a model and inspiration for others. Two scholarships available.

Value: $2,500 each

Established in 2022.

Eligibility: To support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing post secondary education, with preference to a student pursuing studies leading to a career in science or healthcare.

Value: $1,000

Established in 2020 in recognition of the life and community contributions of John Domenic Caggiula.

Eligibility: Preference to applicants studying for a career in the skilled trades.

Value: $500

Established in 2026

Details: There are (2) scholarships available.

Value: $2,000 each

To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.

Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Human Resources or Business Administration.

Value: $500

This scholarship is to support a student whose area of study includes Finance or Business.

Value: $500

Details: $15,000 in total; 6 scholarships available

Value: $2,500 each

Established in 2026 in memory of a treasured Easter Seals Ontario staff member.

Details: Supporting a passionate and talented applicant who is pursuing studies in the creative arts such as Fashion Design, Makeup Artistry and/or Fine Arts.

Value: $2,000

Supporting students with physical disabilities since 2009.

Eligibility: Must be attending, or planning to attend, Algonquin College. Two scholarships available.

Value: $1,500 each

The Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by Dr Paul Truelove, Past President of the Board of Easter Seals Ontario and Sarah Dell, 1999 Provincial Easter Seals Ambassador.

Eligibility: Must live in the Greater Toronto Area (Peel, York, Durham and Toronto) and have had significant community involvement.

Value: $1,250

This scholarship was established in 2021 in honour of Ursula Carsen’s grandchildren and is to support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing a post secondary education.

Eligibility: To support a student with a physical disability who is pursuing a post secondary education at college or university.

Value: $500

To support a student from a racialized group/community who is starting post secondary education at a college or university.

Eligibility: Preference to a student from a racialized or marginalized community.

Value: $1,000