Easter Seals Ontario (ESO) Post-Secondary Scholarship Applications for 2024 are now closed!
The ESO Scholarship Program has provided over 290 scholarships to students with physical disabilities entering post-secondary, totalling over $600,000!
Families of children with physical disabilities often incur significant additional expenses, making it challenging to send their child to post-secondary school. This is why we are so grateful to the donors, volunteers, and staff who generously provide financial support to allow these students to pursue their academic dreams through the ESO Scholarship Program.
To be eligible for a scholarship, all candidates must:
- have a permanent physical disability that impacts their mobility;
- be pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college or university; and
- be a resident of Ontario
Candidates may apply for multiple scholarships. Some scholarships have specific criteria that must be met and/or demonstrated as part of the application process.
We look forward to receiving your application and learning about your academic and personal achievements, leadership experiences, and advocacy skills!
Applications for 2025 Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships will open early February 2025. The deadline to apply will be sometime mid April, 2025.
Interested in learning more? Check out these FAQ links below, including how to apply.
Scholarship Requirements
The ESO Scholarship Program empowers students with physical disabilities to pursue and achieve their academic goals.
The number of available scholarships varies from year to year with anywhere from 10 – 20 being made available in a given year, based on the generosity of our donors.
Applications for ESO Scholarships are accepted annually from early February each year. The application deadline is generally mid-April.
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- Am I eligible for an ESO Scholarship?
- You are a person with a physical disability that impacts your mobility.
- You are either a current or past client of ESO or you are able to provide a letter confirming your diagnosis from a health care professional.
- You have applied or been accepted to an accredited post- secondary institution (university or college and will be attending full or part time).
- You are a resident of Ontario.
- What types of programs/courses are eligible?
- You must be entering or studying at an accredited post-secondary or graduate level program in a college or university.
- Classes taken in-person, virtual or a combination of both is acceptable.
- Some scholarships indicate a preference to students entering a specific field of study.
- Selection Criteria
- Your application must be completed in full to be considered.
- The Scholarship Selection Committee considers each applicant’s interest in the scholarship, and the applicant’s educational and personal goals.
- All applications are carefully reviewed and considered by the Scholarship Selection Committee.
- The Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to offer alternate scholarships based on the number of applications received and criteria met.
- All applicants will be notified shortly after final decisions are made.
- What do I need to apply
- In order to apply for a Scholarship, you’ll need to submit:
- A completed ESO online scholarship application that includes answers to questions 24, 25, 26 & 27, providing as many details or examples as possible.
- Indication that you are an ESO client or a letter from a health professional confirming that you have a physical disability that impacts your mobility.
- The selection of successful recipients will be based on the answers provided to questions 24, 25, 26 and 27 using a scoring system. Grading of the answers will be completed by members of the Scholarship Selection Committee.
- In order to apply for a Scholarship, you’ll need to submit:
- When should I apply?
- Am I eligible for an ESO Scholarship?
Applications are accepted annually from early February to mid-April.
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- Where do I apply?
Visit our application page to apply now!
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- When will I know if I’m selected as the recipient of a scholarship?
We will be in touch with all of our applicants by mid-May/early June to let you know the status of your application.
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- How many scholarships are there? And what are the amounts awarded?
The number of scholarships varies from year to year as we rely on the generosity and financial support of donors, volunteers, and staff but generally we offer between 10-20 scholarships annually. Amounts range from $500 – $5,000 per scholarship.
This guide provides some suggestions for completing the 2025 ESO scholarship application.
The online application form must be filled out completely. We cannot accept incomplete applications.
Applications can be submitted from early February 2025 until mid-April. Be sure to submit your completed application by the April deadline.
You can apply for one or more scholarship/s even if you have received one or more in the past. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships within ONE application.
Applicants must:
- have a permanent physical disability that impacts their mobility;
- be pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college or university;
- be a resident of Ontario.
The Scholarship Selection Committee looks at whether applicants have met eligibility criteria as well as their answers to the following questions on their application which outlines their academic and personal achievements.
We want to know more about you! Please prepare to answer the following questions on the application form providing details and examples.
24. Describe any academic successes or achievements.
25. Share information on your participation or achievements outside of school (e.g. sports, activities, or clubs).
26. Provide specific examples of leadership or advocacy.
27. Please describe a specific challenge or situation you faced relating to your disability and how it was handled and/or overcome?
If you have any questions, please call Alison Morse at Easter Seals Ontario, 416-421-8778 or toll free 1-800-668-6252 Ext. 336 or e-mail: scholarships@easterseals.org.
Successful Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship recipients must:
- Respond to confirm their acceptance of an Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship.
- Payment is conditional upon Easter Seals Ontario receiving.
- satisfactory evidence that the applicant has been admitted into the university/college identified on the scholarship application.
- A thank you letter to the donor of the scholarship as an acknowledgement and recognition of the scholarship.
- Each scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient in one installment.
Please note: Acceptance of an Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship indicates your permission for Easter Seals Ontario to (possibly) share your photo and approved profile on our website, social media and Annual Report.
2025 Easter Seals Ontario scholarship funds must be applied for tuition in the 2025/26 academic year. Any requests for deferral of tuition payment for any reason must be submitted in writing and approved by the Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship Committees’ administrator or designate.
Do you have questions? Contact us.
Annual General Meeting
All successful applicants are invited to attend the ESO Annual General Meeting in June, in person or virtually, to acknowledge receipt of their scholarship/s. It is entirely voluntary whether you would like to acknowledge your scholarship in person, virtually or by written statement.
Thank You Letter to Donors
All successful applicants must provide a written thank you letter to the donor of the scholarship indicating the university or college they are attending and how the scholarship will assist them in pursuing their academic goals by August 1, 2025.
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario Board of Directors Scholarships
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: $1,200
Hodglynn Holsteins Scholarship
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 environmental science or agriculture.
Value: $1,000
Connie O’Connor Memorial Scholarship
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
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
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
Hira Post Graduate Scholarship
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
Hira Scholarship
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
John Domenic Caggiula Memorial Scholarship
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
Kevin and Christy Kelly Scholarship
This scholarship is to support a student whose area of study includes Finance or Business.
Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Finance or Business
Value: $500
Sal Iacono Family Bursary Endowment Fund
Supporting students with physical disabilities since 2009.
Eligibility: Must be attending, or planning to attend, Algonquin College. Two scholarships available.
Value: $1,500
Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund
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
Ursula Carsen Scholarship
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
Erica Vanclief Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of a cherished Easter Seals Ontario staff member and friend.
Learn more about Erica Vanclief.
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
Vigneswaran Scholarship
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 group/community.
Value: $1,500
KPMG Scholarship
To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.
Eligibility: Preference given to a student pursuing studies in business or accounting. Six scholarships available.
Value: $2,500
Karen, Mark and Quinn Smith Scholarship
To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.
Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Human Resources or Business Administration.
Value: $500
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario Board of Directors Scholarships
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: $1,200
Hodglynn Holsteins Scholarship
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 environmental science or agriculture.
Value: $1,000
Connie O’Connor Memorial Scholarship
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
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
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
Hira Post Graduate Scholarship
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
Hira Scholarship
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
John Domenic Caggiula Memorial Scholarship
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
Kevin and Christy Kelly Scholarship
This scholarship is to support a student whose area of study includes Finance or Business.
Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Finance or Business
Value: $500
Sal Iacono Family Bursary Endowment Fund
Supporting students with physical disabilities since 2009.
Eligibility: Must be attending, or planning to attend, Algonquin College. Two scholarships available.
Value: $1,500
Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund
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
Ursula Carsen Scholarship
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
Erica Vanclief Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of a cherished Easter Seals Ontario staff member and friend.
Learn more about Erica Vanclief.
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
Vigneswaran Scholarship
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 group/community.
Value: $1,500
KPMG Scholarship
To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.
Eligibility: Preference given to a student pursuing studies in business or accounting. Six scholarships available.
Value: $2,500
Karen, Mark and Quinn Smith Scholarship
To support students with physical disabilities attend post-secondary schooling.
Eligibility: Preference to students pursuing studies in Human Resources or Business Administration.
Value: $500
Easter Seals Ontario has proudly supported almost 300 students with physical disabilities achieve their academic goals since 1996 through our Scholarship Program.
For More Information
Contact scholarships@easterseals.org for more information on the Scholarship Program.
How You Can Help Support Academic Dreams
If you would like to donate to our Scholarship Program or find out more – contact us!
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarship applications are usually due in the early spring of the year which the student is commencing their studies in September. Contact the individual scholarship organizations to obtain the application criteria and deadline submission dates.
In addition to the scholarships listed below, contact the university or community college directly to obtain information about other scholarships that might be available.
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarships Canada
Scholarships Canada – The website lists scholarships from across Canada with provides information on eligibility. Listings are updated annually and searchable by multiple categories, including scholarships for students living with a disability. Students are matched to scholarships and bursaries when they create an account. In addition to matching, ScholarshipsCanada.com provides additional resources such as Scholarship Deadline Alerts.
Bloorview School Bursary
The Bloorview School Authority Bursary is awarded to a student with a disability who attended Bloorview School Authority (formerly Bloorview MacMillan Centre) and is/was a client of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, is starting studies in a recognized post-secondary institution (college or university), and has demonstrated achievement with a high academic record, participated in extra-curricular activities and made community contributions through volunteerism.
Hydrocephalus Canada Post-Secondary Scholarships
The program was established to encourage and support students with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus to develop independence and responsibility for their own future educational directions and to assist students to pursue higher education with the ultimate goal of obtaining a degree or graduate certificate or diploma. Value: will be determined on an annual basis.
Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship
The Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship Program was established to recognize youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and volunteerism in the community, and have benefited from services and supports offered by a Children’s Treatment Centre. Applicants must have been a client of an Ontario Children’s Treatment Centre. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership in school and/or in their community, a personal statement, and recommendations by school and community mentors.
Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship
Friends of We Care Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship is awarded to a student with a disability, who has at minimum one full semester left in their post-secondary education. $3,000 will be awarded to the selected candidate. Any interested applicants are asked to submit an application form, along with a 1-2 page letter and/or a 1-2 minute video link describing why they should be considered.
Rick and Amanda Hansen Post-Secondary Scholarship
Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1-to-4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities.
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarships Canada
Scholarships Canada – The website lists scholarships from across Canada with provides information on eligibility. Listings are updated annually and searchable by multiple categories, including scholarships for students living with a disability. Students are matched to scholarships and bursaries when they create an account. In addition to matching, ScholarshipsCanada.com provides additional resources such as Scholarship Deadline Alerts.
Bloorview School Bursary
The Bloorview School Authority Bursary is awarded to a student with a disability who attended Bloorview School Authority (formerly Bloorview MacMillan Centre) and is/was a client of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, is starting studies in a recognized post-secondary institution (college or university), and has demonstrated achievement with a high academic record, participated in extra-curricular activities and made community contributions through volunteerism.
Hydrocephalus Canada Post-Secondary Scholarships
The program was established to encourage and support students with spina bifida and or hydrocephalus to develop independence and responsibility for their own future educational directions and to assist students to pursue higher education with the ultimate goal of obtaining a degree or graduate certificate or diploma. Value: will be determined on an annual basis.
Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship
The Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarship Program was established to recognize youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and volunteerism in the community, and have benefited from services and supports offered by a Children’s Treatment Centre. Applicants must have been a client of an Ontario Children’s Treatment Centre. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership in school and/or in their community, a personal statement, and recommendations by school and community mentors.
Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship
Friends of We Care Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship is awarded to a student with a disability, who has at minimum one full semester left in their post-secondary education. $3,000 will be awarded to the selected candidate. Any interested applicants are asked to submit an application form, along with a 1-2 page letter and/or a 1-2 minute video link describing why they should be considered.
Rick and Amanda Hansen Post-Secondary Scholarship
Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1-to-4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities.
Preparing for Post Secondary Education
RBC Student Budget Calculator – Use the RBC Student Budget Calculator to help you figure out how much money you’ll need to get through the school year. When you don’t have an exact amount to work with, estimate on the high side. You can always go back and rework the figures later.
