Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s Post-Secondary Education Program

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Troy, youth ambassador and scholarship recipient.

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Through the generosity of our donors, hundreds of scholarships and bursaries are granted directly from the Foundation to individuals each year across the country.

In addition to the national Post-Secondary Education Program administered by our staff, the Foundation provides grants to numerous partner agencies throughout Canada to provide education-related supports to students at all stages of their educational journeys.

When the Post-Secondary Education Program was launched in 1995, $15,000 was awarded to nine students in the Toronto area. Now, each year we grant approximately $1.5 million to about 500 post-secondary students across Canada.

The National Post-Secondary Education Program grants funds according to the following key areas of need:

Scholarships

Funded by private donors, scholarships are awarded through an annual competitive review process using the criteria of individual attributes, academic achievement, personal contribution, and potential for success.

Bursaries

Funded by private donors, bursary applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the school year from students pursuing either part-time or full-time studies. This funding is available to students who meet the eligibility criteria and who demonstrate financial need.

BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program

In 2020, BMO Capital Markets welcomed Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada to join their Equity Through Education Program.

Equity Through Education is a charitable initiative aimed at creating a more diverse workplace by offering support to help bright, deserving people realize their educational ambitions by giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have. In the first year of this partnership, BMO Capital Markets supported 30 scholarships and 30 bursary students through Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s National Post-Secondary Education Program.

HSBC National Transformation Project

Launched in 2015, the HSBC Bank Canada National Transformation Project provides a range of critical and flexible education-related supports, all designed to ensure students can succeed in their academic journey. Supports include bursaries, career related supplies and training, mental and physical health resources, and more.

Ted Rogers Scholarship Fund

Ted Rogers Entrance Scholarships are available for young people in Canada with experience in government care who are starting their first post-secondary education program. Learn more in our For Youth section.

2022-2023 Post-Secondary Education Program Report

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Would you like to support the Post-Secondary Education Program?

If you are interested in helping a deserving student receive a post-secondary education, please contact Sarah Nanacsik, Senior Development Officer, at [email protected] or 416-923-0924 extension 250 for more details on the following options:

  • A pledge of $28,750 over five years ($5,750 per year) to create a scholarship in your name that will provide post-secondary education supports for one student each year
  • A gift of $125,000 to create a permanent legacy by establishing an endowed scholarship in your name that will be invested to create a scholarship providing post-secondary supports for one youth every year for generations to come
  • A gift of $5,750 to establish a scholarship in your name to support one youth with a scholarship for one year, helping them move towards their goal of a post-secondary degree and a better future.
  • A gift of $2,300 to create urgently needed bursaries
  • A gift of $2,300 to support Graduation Awards (between $500 – $2,000 per youth) giving youth incentive to complete their post-secondary program by providing financial assistance with repayment of student loans and recognition for their success