We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that others can pass through.

Purpose

This award is intended for a Grade 12 student who will be applying to university or college for studies in Education. It aims to support students as they begin their journey in learning and working in educational fields, and to recognize the importance of education and mentorship within our communities.

The award is a one-time amount of $500 and has been generously donated by Graham Haley.

Criteria: 

• Be a student residing in the Greater Toronto Area with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora 

• Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution with the start date of September 2026 or January 2027 in an education-related field (teaching, social work, child and youth work, educational assistant, etc.) on a full-time basis

• Applicants must describe their career goals within their chosen field of education and explain why they deserve the scholarship

Purpose

This award is intended for a Grade 12 student pursuing post-secondary studies in finance, business, or commerce. It aims to support students as they begin their journey in these fields and to recognize the important role that business and financial leadership play within our communities.

The award is a one-time amount of $1,000 and has been generously donated by Jim Archer-Shee.

Criteria: 

• Be a student residing in the Greater Toronto Area with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution in finance, business, or commerce, with a start date of September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis 

In your statement include what you want to accomplish in the profession you have chosen and why you deserve the scholarship.

Purpose 

This award is intended for a grade 12 student who will be applying to a university or college for studies in the Arts (ie. dance, digital, drama, music, visual). This award is for a student who understands the unique ability of the Arts to nourish creativity; advance social justice; and, promote emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. The award will be a one-time amount of $500.  This award was generously donated by York Catholic Teachers. 

Criteria

* Must be a student attending a publicly-funded Catholic high school in York Region

* Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution for September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis

* Must have a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

* Must be applying to a program involved in the Arts (i.e., dance, digital, drama, music, visual)

In your statement included what you want to accomplish in the profession you have chosen and  why you deserve the scholarship.

Purpose

This award is intended for a Grade 12 student pursuing post-secondary studies. It aims to support a student who is in financial need as they begin their journey in post-secondary education. 

The award is a one-time amount of $1,000 and has been generously donated by Jim Archer-Shee.

Criteria

• Be a student residing in the Greater Toronto Area with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution  with a start date of September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis

In your statement include what you want to accomplish in the profession you have chosen and why you deserve the scholarship.

Purpose

This award recognizes two Grade 12 students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the well-being and advancement of their community. Through advocacy, leadership, and active engagement with important social issues and initiatives, the recipient exemplifies the importance of putting community at the forefront.

The award is a one-time amount of $500 and has been generously donated by Nicole Baxter. There are two awards of equal value. 

Criteria: 

• Be a student residing in the Greater Toronto Area with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Demonstrate significant commitment to and contributions within their community, including advocacy, leadership, and community engagement, as outlined in their personal statement

• Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution with the start date of September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis

In your statement outline your community and/or advocacy work and your leadership within your communities.

Purpose

This award is intended for a  post-secondary student who has demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to positively impacting their community. It aims to support students as they begin their post-secondary journey and to recognize the important role that emerging leaders play in shaping and strengthening their communities.

The award is a one-time amount of $1,000 and has been generously donated by Jim Archer-Shee. 

Criteria

• Be a student residing in Ontario with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Must have completed their first, second, or third year of post-secondary education by June 2026

• Must be  in good standing in Canadian University or College 

• In their personal statement, applicants must include what they wish to accomplish in the profession they are pursuing, and why they deserve the scholarship. 

· Must have a background of the African-Caribbean diaspora 

· In your statement outline your community and/or advocacy work and your leadership within your communities

Purpose

This award is intended for a Grade 12 student who is pursuing post-secondary studies in the skilled trades. It aims to support students as they begin their journey in a trades-related field and to recognize the importance of skilled work within our communities.

The award is a one-time amount of $1,000 and has been generously donated by Jim Archer-Shee.

Criteria: 

• Be a student residing in the Greater Toronto Area with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution in a trades-related field with a start date of September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis  

In your statement include what you want to accomplish in the profession you have chosen and why you deserve the scholarship.

Purpose

This award celebrates a Richmond Hill student who leads with purpose and is dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Through advocacy, service, and initiative, this award recognizes those who uplift others, challenge inequities, and embody the values of collective care and leadership.

The award is a one-time amount of $500 and has been generously donated by the City of Richmond Hill. 

Criteria: 

• Be a student residing in Richmond Hill with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Demonstrate significant commitment to and contributions within their community, including advocacy, leadership, and community engagement, as outlined in their personal statement

• In addition, applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria: 
  • Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution with the start date of September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis 

OR 

• Must have completed their first, second, or third year of post-secondary education by June 2026

Purpose

This award is intended for a Grade 12 or post-secondary student who is also an entrepreneur. The successful candidate will receive a spot in the Stairway to Leadership Diamond Effect Coaching Program, which provides 2 years of group business coaching valued at $5,000.

The program is designed to help participants build a solid business with proper structure, systems, and strategy, develop CEO-level business skills, generate a minimum of $50,000 in gross annual income, and prepare to scale their business to six figures and beyond, regardless of economic conditions.

The Package Includes:

• Weekly business coaching in a small group setting
• Access to the Business Skills Learning Portal

This incredible opportunity has been generously donated by Maggie Perotin of Stairway to Leadership (www.stairwaytoleadership.com).

Criteria

• Be a student attending a high school or university in the Greater Toronto Area

• Be an active entrepreneur

• Identify as having a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Be prepared to participate in a follow-up interview with a Business Coach (top three applicants only)

In a personal statement, applicants must describe their entrepreneurial goals, what they hope to accomplish in their business, and why they deserve this award.

Purpose

This award celebrates a Markham student who leads with purpose and is dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Through advocacy, service, and initiative, this award recognizes those who uplift others, challenge inequities, and embody the values of collective care and leadership.

The award is a one-time amount of $500 and has been generously donated by the City of Markham

Criteria: 

• Be a student residing in Markham with a background in the African-Caribbean diaspora

• Demonstrate significant commitment to and contributions within their community, including advocacy, leadership, and community engagement, as outlined in their personal statement

• In addition, applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria: 
  • Must be graduating high school in June 2026 and be admitted into a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution with the start date of September 2026 or January 2027 on a full-time basis

OR

• Must have completed their first, second, or third year of post-secondary education by June 2026