The 2023 Easter Seals Ontario Post-Secondary Scholarship Applications are now closed.
All eligible applicants must have a physical disability that impacts their mobility and must be pursuing post-secondary education. You may apply for multiple scholarships provided you meet the above eligibility and/or any additional criteria listed for specific scholarships.
We encourage all students who require financial assistance to apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) as well as to any scholarships, awards, or bursaries available to them.
Scholarship Requirements
Scholarship applications will be reviewed, qualified and successful applicants will be selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee of Easter Seals Ontario.
Application Process
To be eligible for a scholarship, all candidates must:
- have a permanent physical disability that impacts their mobility and
- be pursuing a post-secondary education (college or university).
Some scholarships have specific criteria that must be met and/or demonstrated as part of the application process.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, candidates will be given consideration based on the following:
- Ability to demonstrate a consistent level of scholastic achievement and effort throughout their secondary school or post-secondary curriculum and
- Will have served as a model, mentor and/or inspiration to fellow students or community members through extra curricular activities, advocacy work and/or volunteer activities.
Only ONE copy of each of the documents below is required, regardless of how many scholarships you are applying to.
- A typed, one-page letter outlining your qualifications for the award, including scholastic achievements, motivation, initiative, and extra-curricular activities, including any volunteer contributions.
- An official 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
- A current letter from a medical physician outlining your physical disability must be included if you are not a registered client or previous client of Easter Seals Ontario.
References – must be signed and dated within the past 12 months
- An academic reference on school letterhead (secondary or post-secondary).
- A personal reference from an individual who can speak to your extra-curricular activities, community or volunteer work. This letter cannot be written by a family member.
Please remember to review the application form to ensure all information and supporting letters/documentation has been provided. If any information is missing, the application will not be reviewed. Ensure you keep a copy of the completed form for your files.
Scholarship applications will be reviewed, qualified and successful applicants will be selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee of Easter Seals Ontario. The successful recipient will:
- be expected to provide a thank you letter to the benefactor/s within one month of being notified of the scholarship; funds will not be disbursed until the letter is received
- receive funds once confirmation of enrollment in post-secondary is provided;
- provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN #) to Easter Seals Ontario to be issued a T4A statement for income tax purposes.
If you have any questions, please call Alisha Stubbs at Easter Seals Ontario, 416-421-8778 or toll free 1-800-668-6252 Ext. 336 or e-mail: scholarships@easterseals.org.
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario 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
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
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
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.
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 of a visible minority who is starting post secondary education at a college or university and who is enduring financial hardship.
Eligibility: Preference to a student of a visible minority and who is enduring financial hardship.
Value: $1,500
Easter Seals Ontario Scholarships
Easter Seals Ontario 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
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
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
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.
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 of a visible minority who is starting post secondary education at a college or university and who is enduring financial hardship.
Eligibility: Preference to a student of a visible minority and who is enduring financial hardship.
Value: $1,500
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 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.
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.
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.
