The Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship Program for 2022 is now closed.
Scholarships for 2023-2024 will open in February 2023.
Eligible applicants must have a physical disability that impacts their mobility. Candidates may apply for more than one scholarship but only need to provide one copy of their personal letter, references and transcripts.
Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for scholarship, candidates must have a permanent physical disability that impacts their mobility.
Application Process
Scholarship candidates will be reviewed, qualified and the successful candidate(s) will be selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee of Easter Seals Ontario. Candidates will be given consideration based on the following criteria:
- Seeking post-secondary education.
- Demonstration of a consistent level of scholastic achievement and effort throughout their secondary school curriculum or post secondary curriculum.
- Participation in extra curricular activities.
- Served as a model, mentor and/or inspiration to fellow students or community members.
- Has applied for alternate financial assistance and still requires assistance.
Applicants are expected to explore and apply for any government assistance for which they may be eligible, and this will be taken into consideration when determining need. Applicants must be a resident of Ontario.
Supporting Documentation
The following documentation must be submitted with your completed application form:
- A typed, one-page letter from you in which you have outlined your qualifications for the award, including scholastic achievement, motivation, initiative, and extra-curricular activities, Easter Seals Ontario volunteer activities you have undertaken in the past year
- A copy of your secondary and, if applicable, post-secondary transcripts
- Any interim marks that are available before the deadline date. To be considered valid, interim marks must be submitted on school letterhead and authorized by a school official, and
- If not a registered client or previously registered client of Easter Seals Ontario, please include a current letter from a medical physician outlining your physical disability.
References
In addition, AT A MINIMUM you must ensure that the following references are also submitted by the deadline date:
- An academic reference on school letterhead from your secondary school principal or a current post-secondary institution professor; and
- A personal reference, from an individual who is familiar with your current extra-curricular activities and outstanding characteristics. The letter can not be written by a family member.
Please Note: all reference letters must be signed, dated within the past 12 months and where appropriate provided on official letterhead.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) will be required from all successful recipients for Easter Seals to issue a T4A statement for income tax purposes.
Additional Information
The successful recipient will be expected to thank the benefactors. Funds will not be paid to the successful recipient until the thank you letter and confirmation of enrollment are received. Letters must be received within 2 months of being notified they are the successful recipient.
Funding is awarded for the upcoming school year commencing in September 2022.
The application form and all supporting documentation must be received by Friday, April 29th, 2022.
Please remember to review the application form to ensure all information and supporting letters/documentation is provided. If any information is missing, the application will not be reviewed. Ensure you keep a copy of the completed form for your files.
If you have any questions, please call Alison Morse at Easter Seals Ontario, 416-510-5070 or toll free 1-800-668-6252 Ext. 335 or e-mail: scholarships@easterseals.org.
Got Questions? Contact Us
If you have any questions, please call Alison Morse at Easter Seals Ontario, 416-510-5070 or toll free 1-800-668-6252 Ext. 335 or e-mail: scholarships@easterseals.org.
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Century 21 B.J. Roth Scholarship
Scholarship established in 2020 by Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage in Barrie, long-time supporters of Easter Seals Ontario.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education.
Value: $500
David and Shelly Scholarship
The scholarship was established in 2021 to support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education.
Value: $200
Easter Seals Ontario Board of Directors Scholarship
Scholarship established in 2019 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
Value: $1,200
Hodglynn Holsteins Scholarship
Established in 2022.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education, with preference to a student pursuing studies leading to a career in the skilled trades 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.
Value: $1,000
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
The 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: Student who is or has been an Easter Seals Ontario client and has been an active volunteer in their community. Five Scholarships available.
Value: $1,000
Hira Scholarship Fund
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 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
Future Leader Award
Scholarship established in 2020 by the staff at Easter Seals Ontario.
Eligibility: Demonstrated volunteer and community leadership.
Value: $600
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
Established in 2020 in recognition of the life and community contributions of John Domenic Caggiula.
Eligibility: Preference to students in Finance or Business
Value: $500
Marco Ciotola Scholarship
Scholarship established in 2022.
Eligibility: Preference to student entering 1st year at College or University in fall 2022
Value: $5,000
Sal Iacono Family Bursary Endowment Fund
Supporting students with physical disabilities since 2009.
Eligibility: Must be attending, or planning to attend, Algonquin College.
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: The purpose of this scholarship is to assist young adults in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Peel, York & Durham) with the cost of post-secondary education or vocational training.
Value: $1,250
W.G. Watson Scholarship
Scholarship established in 2022 in recognition of the life and community contributions of W.G. Watson.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education.
Value: $950
Winston Malcolm Scholarship
The scholarship was established in 2021 to support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education.
Eligibility: To support students with a physical disability who are pursuing post secondary education.
Value: $500
Ursula Carsen Scholarship in honour of her grandchildren
This scholarship was established in 2021 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
For More Information
Contact scholarships@easterseals.org for more information.
Other Scholarships For Students with Physical Disabilities
Scholarship applications are usually due in the early spring of the year in 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.
“Whipper” Billy Watson Education Bursary
Whipper Billy Watson Bursary was founded by the employees of the former Canadian Airlines International to assist students with physical disabilities in full-time study at an Ontario College of Applied Arts & Technology. Bursaries are granted each year two students who demonstrate potential for studies at the Community College level.
Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship Program
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.
Hydrocephalus Canada Post Secondary Scholarships
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.
Tamara Gordon Foundation
The Tamara Gordon Foundation provides financial awards ranging from $750 to $3,000 to physically disabled students enrolled in degree programs at post-secondary institutions within Ontario. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their academic record, their community service, references and the completion of an application that includes an essay on the role that they can play in enhancing the experience of physically disabled students at their university/college.
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.
“Whipper” Billy Watson Education Bursary
Whipper Billy Watson Bursary was founded by the employees of the former Canadian Airlines International to assist students with physical disabilities in full-time study at an Ontario College of Applied Arts & Technology. Bursaries are granted each year two students who demonstrate potential for studies at the Community College level.
Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship Program
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.
Hydrocephalus Canada Post Secondary Scholarships
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.
Tamara Gordon Foundation
The Tamara Gordon Foundation provides financial awards ranging from $750 to $3,000 to physically disabled students enrolled in degree programs at post-secondary institutions within Ontario. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their academic record, their community service, references and the completion of an application that includes an essay on the role that they can play in enhancing the experience of physically disabled students at their university/college.
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.
