Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards & Resources for
Post-Secondary Education
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................... ................3
TIPS WHEN APPLYING......................................................................................................................................3
PHYSICAL DISABILITY.........................................................................................................................................4
BLOORVIEW SCHOOL AUTHORITY: The Maurice Izzard Memorial Fund.........................................................4
BLOORVIEW SCHOOL AUTHORITY: "Whipper" Billy Watson Education Bursary..............................................4
Copnick/Hillard Scholarship Fund....................................................................................................................4
EASTER SEALS SCHOLARSHIPS: Beatrice Drinnan Spence Scholarship Fund.........................................................5
EASTER SEALS SCHOLARSHIPS: Frank Henry Ralph Pounsett Scholarship Fund.................................. ..................5
EASTER SEALS SCHOLARSHIPS: Hira Scholarship Fund.......................................................................................5
EASTER SEALS SCHOLARSHIPS: Rose Brodie Provincial Ambassador Scholarship Fund........ .................................6
EASTER SEALS SCHOLARSHIPS: TD Scholarship for Easter Seals Youth.................................................................6
EASTER SEALS SCHOLARSHIPS: Truelove Dell Scholarship Fund..........................................................................6
Shaw Media Internships for Students with Permanent Physical Disabilities..................................................7
Sal Ianco Family Bursary Endowment Fund..................................................................... ...............................7
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ............................................................................................................... ..........................8
Alliance for the Equality of Blind Canadian Scholarship Program...................................................................8
CNIB SCHOLARSHIPS: Barney Danson Scholarship ................................... .................................................8
CNIB SCHOLARSHIPS: F.J.L. Woodcock/Sir Arthur Pearson Association of War Blinded Scholarship Fund................8
CNIB SCHOLARSHIPS: Phyllis Gretzky Scholarship.................................................................. ............................9
CNIB SCHOLARSHIPS: Wayne and Walter Gretzky Scholarship Foundation for the Blind Young of Canada...............9
Judge Brian Stevenson Scholarship Fund............................................................... .........................................9
Rixon Rafter Scholarship Fund Judge Brian Stevenson Scholarship Fund.......................................................10
William and Dorothy Ferrell Scholarship.......................................................................................... .............10
HEARINGIMPAIRMENT.....................................................................................................................................11
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf Scholarship Awards for College Student ..........................11
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Scholarship Program CHHA ..............................................................11
LEARNING DISORDERS/DISABILITY......................................................................................................................12
ATEC Special Achievement Bursary................................................................................................................12
Justin Eves Foundation Scholarship................................................................................................................12
The Roy Cooper Memorial Scholarship Award...............................................................................................12
ANY PERSON WITH A DISABILITY.......................................................................................................................13
1800Wheelchair.ca Scholarship....................................................................................................................13
Ada Mackenzie Memorial Foundation..........................................................................................................13
BMO Financial Group Lime Connect Canada Scholarship/Internship for Students with Disabilities............13
Brain Tumour Survivours Education Award………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Carlson Wagonlit Travel................................................................................................................................14
CCRW Youth Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities.................................................................15
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 1
Centennial Flame Research Award for Persons with Disabilities..................................................................15
Childhood Cancer Canada Survivor Scholarship............................................................................................15
CHS James Kreppner Memorial Scholarship and Bursary Program...............................................................16
CMT International Sophie Abarbanel Educational Assistance Award...........................................................16
Diana Thomson Scholarship Award (Erinoakkids).........................................................................................16
Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick Scholarship Program..................................................................................................17
Emmy Duff Scholarship Foundation………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17
Eric Waldron Scholarship Award...................................................................................................................17
Google Lime Scholarship Program................................................................................................................18
Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited Scholarship Fund for Disabled Students.................................................18
Lilly-MDAO Moving Lives Forward Scholarship.............................................................................................18
Mattinson Endowment Fund Scholarship Fund for Disabled Students.........................................................19
Mephibosheth Scholarship............................................................................................................................19
NEADS: National Students Award.....................................................................................................................19
NEADS: Holly Bartlett Memorial Award.............................................................................................................19
OACRS Scholarship Program..........................................................................................................................20
OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship Award.................................................................................................................20
Spina Bifida Association of Canada Scholarship Program.............................................................................21
Sun Life Peer Support Scholarship.................................................................................................................21
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program.......................................................................................................21
TEVA Canada Scholarship for Childhood Cancer Survivors...........................................................................22
The MBO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship.........................................22
The National Bank Bursary and Summer Employment Program...................................................................22
ADDITIONAL BLANK CHARTS......................................................................................................................................23
BURSARY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND OSAP...........................................................................................25
BURSARY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES............................................................................................................25
OSAP FUNDING AND ELIGIBILITY.......................................................................................................................25
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PACKAGES.....................................................................................................................27
APPLICATION FORMS:......................................................................................................................................27
MEDICAL VERIFICATION OR DIAGNOSIS.............................................................................................................27
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................................28
ESSAYS OR COVER LETTERS:..............................................................................................................................29
RESOURCES................................................................................................................................................................29
REFERENCE LETTERS:.......................................................................................................................................29
MOCK REFERENCE REQUEST......................................................................................................................................30
REFERENCE LETTER TEMPLATE...................................................................................................................................32
WRITING A COVER LETTER/PERSONAL ESSAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP....................................................................34
TIPS: WHAT TO DO WITH A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ESSAY*..............................................................................35
SAMPLE COVER LETTER FORMAT...............................................................................................................................37
TOP TEN MISTAKES MADE ON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS....................................................................................38
ACTION WORDS..........................................................................................................................................................39
BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................................................40
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 2
Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards & Resources for PostSecondary Education
Introduction
There are various Scholarships and Bursaries available and different ways to find them. These include:

Speaking with your guidance counselor regarding the availability of scholarships/bursaries and which
are best suited for you.

Checking with disability specific organizations for scholarships or bursaries.

Checking with your university or college’s financial aid office (admission scholarships are automatically
offered to students who qualify).

Looking at clubs and community service organizations in the area, especially if parents or other relatives
belong to them.

Visit National Educational Association of Disabled Students at www.neads.ca. This website provides
applications for awards and scholarships. Their new site www.disabilityawards.ca has a greater variety
of scholarships and awards available to browse through and apply for.
A list of information on Scholarship Programs, Awards, Bursaries, Scholarships, and Full Financial
Assistance for students is available online on the following websites:
 http://www.studentawards.com
 http://www.scholarshipscanada.com
 http://www.canlearn.ca/
 http://www.graduateaid.com/
http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/education/scholarships/disability-scholarships-canada.php
When accessing online financial search engines, you should sign up. It is free, and helps to focus the search criteria
that specifically fits your needs. They are also a great resource for helpful tips on the application process. Do not
limit yourself to disability scholarships; however, they are an untapped resource for financial aid.
Tips When Applying
1. Be Prepared
a. Know your strengths
b. Have a clear goal for school and beyond
c. Make a Financial Plan- how much will school cost?
2. Search, Collect & Organize
a. Organize your "portfolio"- copies of any certificates, letters of recommendations, news
articles, projects, report cards/transcripts from the last 2 years etc.
b. Write a resume. Even if they do not ask for one, a resume will make it easy to fill out the basic application form.
c. Find as many applications as possible. Many will be very similar, so you can reuse the same information.
3. Apply! Apply! Apply!
a. Do not just apply to 1 scholarship. Once you prepare for 1, you will most likely have all the information for all.
b. Worst case scenario is they say no. The best case is you have more money than you need!
c. Re-apply again next year. Some scholarships can be accessed more than once.
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 3
Physical Disability
Scholarship Name
School and
Field of Study
BLOORVIEW
SCHOOL
AUTHORITY: The
Maurice Izzard
Memorial Award
First year of
an Ontario
College of
Applied Arts &
Technology as
a full-time
student
First Year of a
Full-Time
Ontario
College of
Applied Arts &
Technology
BLOORVIEW
SCHOOL
AUTHORITY:
"Whipper" Billy
Watson Education
Bursary
Copnick/Hillard
Scholarship Fund
Any Canadian
Full-time
Program
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
Needed with
Application Form
$1000
May

Physical Disability 



Cover Letter
1 Reference
Transcripts
Copy of SIN
$2000
April


Physical Disability 
Canadian citizen




Transcript
Diagnosis
2 References
Proof of
Citizenship
Cover Letter



Transcript
Diagnosis
2 References
$500
August
15th


Spinal Cord Injury
Canadian citizen
or a landed
immigrant
Contact
Submit application form to:
Saryl Jacobson, Principal/Director
Bloorview School Authority
150 Kilgour Road
Toronto, Ontario, M4G1R8
Telephone: (416)424-3831
Fax: (416)425-2981
E-mail: school@bloorview.ca
For more information:
www.bloorviewschool.ca/scholarships/
Applications can be obtained by
contacting the National Office at
(613)723-1033 or Email:
info@canparaplegic.org
Send completed applications to:
Scholarship Selection Committee
Canadian Paraplegic Association
1101 Prince of Wales Dr., Suite 230,
Ottawa, ON
K2C 3W7
For more information:
www.canparaplegic.org
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 4
Physical Disability
Scholarship
Name
School and
Field of Study
EASTER SEALS
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Beatrice Drinnan
Spence
Scholarship Fund
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility




$5000

EASTER SEALS
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Frank Henry
Ralph Pounsett
Scholarship Fund
Any Ontario
Post-Secondary
Institution
EASTER SEALS
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Hira Scholarship
Fund
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$1250
May



$2500




Last Updated: 08/10/13
Physical Disability
Ontario Resident
Minimum GPA:75%
Extracurricular
Activity
Applied for
alternate financial
assistance and still
require assistance
Physical Disability
Registered with
Easter Seals
Ontario
Applied for
alternate financial
assistance and still
require assistance
Physical Disability
Ontario Resident
Minimum grade of
80% in Secondary
School and 75% in
Post-Secondary
School
Applied for
alternate financial
assistance and still
require assistance
Needed with
Application Form








Cover Letter
Transcripts
Proof of application
to other financial
assistance
2 References
Cover Letter
Transcripts:
Secondary School
and PostSecondary if
applicable, if not
Post-Secondary
interim- results
Letter from
medical physician
Proof of application
to other financial
assistance
Contact
This application must be submitted
to: Scholarship Selection Committee
Director, Provincial Services
Easter Seals Ontario
One Concorde Gate
Suite 700
Toronto, ON M3C 3N6
If you have any questions, please call
Easter Seals Ontario :
(416)421-8778 ext.355
Toll-Free: 1-800-668-6252
Email: scholarships@easterseals.org
For more information:
www.easterseals.org
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 5
Physical Disability
Scholarship Name
School and
Field of Study
EASTER SEALS
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Rose Brodie
Provincial
Ambassador
Scholarship Fund
Any PostSecondary or
Vocational
Institution
EASTER SEALS
SCHOLARSHIPS:
TD Scholarship
For Easter Seals
Youth
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility



-

$5000
May





EASTER SEALS
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Truelove Dell
Scholarship Fund
Any PostSecondary or
Vocational
Institution
-





Last Updated: 08/10/13
Physical disability
Ontario resident
Served as an Easter
Seals Ontario
Ambassador
Has consistent level
of achievement
through secondary
and Post-Secondary
curriculum
Physical Disability
Ontario Resident
Minimum GPA:75%
Extracurricular
Activity
Applied for
alternate financial
assistance and still
require assistance
Physical Disability
Must meet Ontario
Trust for Student
Support(OTSS)
Financial aid
requirements
Registered with
Easter Seals Ontario
Canadian Citizen
Needed with
Application Form












Cover Letter
Transcripts
Proof of application
to other financial
assistance
2 References
Cover Letter
Transcripts:
Secondary School
and PostSecondary if
applicable
If not PostSecondary interim
marks
Proof of application
to other financial
assistance
Cover Letter
Transcripts
Proof of application
to other financial
assistance
2 References
Proof of application
to other financial
assistance
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
Contact
This application must be
submitted to:
Scholarship Selection
Committee
Director, Provincial Services
Easter Seals Ontario
One Concorde Gate
Suite 700
Toronto, ON M3C 3N6
If you have any questions, please
call Easter Seals Ontario :
(416)421-8778 ext.355
Toll-Free: 1-800-668-6252
Email:
scholarships@easterseals.org
For more information:
www.easterseals.org
page 6
Physical Disability
Scholarship Name
School and
Field of Study
Value
Shaw Media
Internships for
Students with
Permanent
Physical
Disabilities
Any Canadian
Full-Time
radio and
television
arts or
journalism
program
Up to
$10,000
The Joubin/Selig
Scholarship Award
at the Toronto
Community
Foundation
Any Ontario
Full-Time
Program
$3005000
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
March


April


Permanent
physical
disability
Canadian citizen
or a landed
immigrant

Physical
(mobility)
Disability
Canadian citizen
or landed
immigrant










Needed with
Application Form
Contact
Proof of
enrollment
Transcripts
500 word essay
3 References
Submit application form to:
Shaw Media
121 Bloor Street East
Suite 1500
Toronto, ON
M4W 3M5
Fax: (647) 776-2801
Email:
disabilityinternships@shawmedia.ca
For more information:
www.shawmedia.ca/aboutus/intern
ships.aspx
300 word essay
Transcripts
Proof of
Acceptance
Diagnosis
1 Reference
Resume
Cost Summary
Submit application form to:
Attn: Manager, Programs
Toronto Community Foundation
33 Bloor Street East, Suite 1603
Toronto, ON
M4W 3H1
Fax: (416)921-1026
For more information:
http://tcf.ca/joubinselig-scholarshipfund
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 7
Visual Impairment
Scholarship Name
Alliance for the
Equality of Blind
Canadian
Scholarship
Program
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
$1500
October
Criteria of Eligibility



(CNIB Scholarship)
Barney Danson
Scholarship
Any Postsecondary
Institution
$5000
(CNIB Scholarship)
F.J.L Woodcock/Sir
Author Pearson
Association of War
Blinded Scholarship
Program
Any Postsecondary
Institution
$1000
Last Updated: 08/10/13
May


May

Needed with
Application Form
Blind, Deaf-blind
or partially
sighted
Canadian citizen
or landed
immigrant
High academic
performance

Blind or partially
sighted (less than
20/70 corrected)
Canadian citizen
or have held
landed
immigrant status
for one year prior
to date of
application
A secondary
school graduate
entering postsecondary






Contact
Application
form including
Average
Academic Grade
Cover Letter
1 Reference
Alliance for the Equality of Blind
Canadian Scholarship Program
PO Box 20262
RPO Town Centre
Kelowna, BC
V1Y9H2
Telephone: 1-800-561-4774
Email: info@blindcanadians.ca
For more information:
www.blindcanadians.ca/programs/
scholarship
1 Reference
letter
Indication of
graduation from
a secondary
school
Essay: maximum
of two pages on
the topic " My
abilities vs. my
disability"
Preference will
be given to
students with
financial needs
Application must be submitted to:
Research Coordinator
Grants, Awards & Scholarship
Program
CNIB
1929 Bayview Avenue,
Toronto, ON
M4G 3E8
Telephone: (416)486-2500 ext.7622
Fax: (416)480-7700
Email: shampa.bose@cnib.ca
For more information: www.cnib.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 8
Visual Impairment
Scholarship Name
School and
Field of Study
Value
Deadline
CNIB Scholarship
(Phyllis Gretzky
Scholarship)
(CNIB Scholarship)
Wayne and
Walter Gretzky
Scholarship
Foundation for
the Blind Young of
Canada
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Any Postsecondary
Institution
$3000
May
$5000
May
Criteria of Eligibility



Judge Brian
Stevenson
Scholarship Fund
Any Postsecondary
Institution
Last Updated: 08/10/13
$300500
September

Blind or partially
sighted (less
than 20/70
corrected)
Canadian citizen
or have held
landed
immigrant
status for one
year prior to
date of
application
A secondary
school graduate
entering postsecondary
Legally Blind
Needed with
Application Form








Contact
1 Reference letter
Indication of
graduation from a
secondary school
Essay: maximum of
two pages on the
topic " My abilities
vs. my disability"
Preference will be
given to students
with financial needs
Application must be submitted to:
Research Coordinator
Grants, Awards & Scholarship
Program
CNIB
1929 Bayview Avenue,
Toronto, ON
M4G 3E8
Telephone: (416)486-2500 ext.7622
Fax: (416)480-7700
Email: shampa.bose@cnib.ca
For more information: www.cnib.ca
Diagnosis
Cover letter
Resume
3 References
Judge Brian Stevenson Scholarship
Committee
The W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue,
Brantford, ON
N3T 3J9
Telephone: (519)759-0730
Fax: (519)759-4741
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 9
Visual Impairment
Scholarship Name
School and
Field of Study
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
Needed with
Application Form
Rixon Rafter
Scholarship Fund
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$300500
September

Vision Loss




Diagnosis
Cover Letter
Resume
3 References
William and
Dorothy Ferrell
Scholarship
Any PostSecondary
level for a
Career in
Service
Provision to
People with
Vision Loss
$750
February

Legally Blind

More than 1
Reference
Signed proof of
vision status

Contact
Chairman Rixon Rafter Scholarship
Committee
The W. Ross Macdonald School
350 Brant Avenue,
Brantford, ON
N3T 3J9
Telephone: (519)759-0730
Fax: (519)759-4741
Application may be obtained from
and mailed to:
Association for Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind and
Visually Impaired
Suite 440
1703 N. Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA
22311-1717
Telephone: (703)671-4500
Toll Free: 1-877-492-2708
Email: scholarships@aerbvi.org
For more information:
http://aerbvi.org
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 10
Hearing Impairment
Scholarship Name
Alaxander
Graham Bell
Association for
the Deaf
Scholarship
Awards for
College Student
Canadian Hard of
Hearing
Association
Scholarship
Program CHHA
School and
Field of Study
Information
only available
in mid January
annually
Any Full-Time
Program
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Value
$2500$10,000
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
March


$1000
JanuaryFebruary

Minimum GPA
80%
More
information
available only in
mid January
annually
Hard of Hearing,
Deafened or
Oral Deaf
Needed with
Application Form
 Information
only available
in mid January
annually




Audiogram
Transcripts
Essay
2 References
Contact
Questions may be directed to :
Youth and Family Programs Manager
Alexander Graham Bell Association
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2417 Volta Place, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: (202)204-4676
Fax: (202)337-8314
Email: wwill@agbell.org
For more information:
http://www.listeningandspokenlangua
ge.org
For further details:
CHHA National Office
2415 Holly Lane
Suite 205
Ottawa, Ontario
K1V 7P2
Telephone: (613)526-1584
TTY: (613)526-2692
Toll-Free-1-800-263-8068
Fax: (613)526-4718
Email: scholarship@chha.ca
For more information: www.chha.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 11
Learning Disorders/Disability
Scholarship Name
ATEC Special
Achievement
Bursary
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
$500
Deadline
March
Criteria of Eligibility



Justin Eves
Foundation
Scholarship
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Up to
$3000
April



The Roy Cooper
Memorial
Scholarship
Award
Any Ontario
Post-Secondary
Institution:
Majoring in
Engineering or
Physical
Sciences
Last Updated: 08/10/13
$1000
June

Documented
Learning
Disability
Need Financial
Assistance
Doing
Extracurricular
Activities
Documented
Learning
Disability
Ontario High
School Student
Residing in
Ontario
Learning
Disability
and/or AD/HD
Needed with
Application Form
 Transcript
 3 References











Transcript
Cover Letter
Copy of High
School Diploma
Recent
Neurodevelopmen
t or
Neuropsychologica
l
2 References
Cover Letter
Proof of Disability
Transcripts
1 Reference
Photocopy of high
school diploma
Photocopy of PostSecondary
acceptance letter
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
Contact
ATEC Special Achievement
Bursary
ATEC Vice President
P.O. Box 122
Pictou, N.S.
B0K 1H0
Telephone: (902)396-2720
Fax: (902)396-2732
Applications can be sent to:
Justin Eves Foundation
8111 Jane Street, Unit 1
Vaughan, ON
L4K 4L7
Telephone: (416)586-0085
Fax: (416)586-0050
For more information:
www.justinevesfoundation.com
LDA Halton
560 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON
L7R 3M4
Telephone: (905)333-1977
Fax:333-8116
For more information:
www.ldao.ca
page 12
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
1800WheelChair.ca
Scholarship
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
$500
May

Legal Resident of
Canada or have a
Student Visa
ADA Mackenzie
Memorial
Foundation
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$800$2000
October


Wheelchair athlete
Full-time/Part-time
student
BMO Financial
Group Lime
Connect Canada
Scholarship &
Internship Program
for Students with
Disabilities
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$2500
FallDate
Varies

Person with visible
or invisible
disability
Interested in
pursuing a career
as a financial
services manager
Available from
May-August for
the internship


Last Updated: 08/10/13
Needed with
Application Form
 Transcript
 Cover Letter
 500 word
essay or
Poem -Varies
annually
 Information
only available
in October





Cover Letter
Resume
Transcripts
Essay
1 Reference
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
Contact
1800Wheelchair.ca Scholarship
P.O. Box 275 Succ. Snowdon
Montreal, QC
H3X 3T4
For more information:
www.1800wheelchair.ca
Canadian Wheelchair Sports
Association
2255 St. Laurent Blvd., Suite 108
Ottawa, ON,
K1G 4K3
Fax: (613) 523-0149
E-mail: dlane@cwsa.ca
For more information:
www.cwsa.ca
Lime Connect Canada, Inc.
2 Bloor Street West,
Suite 700
Toronto, ON
M4W 3R1
Telephone: (416)323-5770
For more information:
www.limeconnect.com
page 13
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
Brain Tumor
Survivors
Education Award
School and
Field of
Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
$5000
May
Criteria of Eligibility




Carlson Wagonlit
Travel
Scholarship
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$1000
July




Last Updated: 08/10/13
Needed with
Application Form
Pediatric brain
tumor (Diagnosed
before age 18)
Applicant
between 16-25
years old
Enrolled in fulltime institution
Meets the
Secondary
institution
requirements

Treated for some
form of childhood
cancer/still be on
treatment
Family is a
member of
Candlelighters
Childhood Cancer
Support Programs
Inc.
Canadian
citizen/landed
immigrant
between age 1721








Contact
Letter of
acceptance
Proof of age
Resume
Medical
Eligibility Form
1 Reference
Personal Essay
Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada
620 Colborne Street, Suite 301
London, ON,
N6B 3R9
Telephone: (519)642-7755
Toll-Free:1-800-265-5106
Fax: (519)642-7192
For more information:
www.braintumour.ca
Letter of
acceptance
If treated in
childhood: the
dates and
location the
treatments
were received
1 Reference
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer
Support Program Inc.
311 Richmond Road, Suite 201
Ottawa, ON
K1Z 6X3
For more information:
www.carlsonwagonlit.com
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 14
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
CCRW Youth
Scholarship
Program for
Students with
Disabilities
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
$2500
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility

April


Centennial Flame
Research Award
for Persons with
Disabilities
Research
Award
Childhood Cancer
Canada Survivor
Scholarship
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$5000

May
Person with longterm and
reoccurring
disability
Full-Time Student
Not have been
awarded a CCRW
scholarships in the
past
Person with a
Disability
Needed with
Application Form
 Information
available near
April annually


Last Updated: 08/10/13
$1500
Varies:
Check
the
website
for more
informati
on


Hass been treated
or current being
treated for
childhood cancer
Residing in
Canada


Outline of
Research
Letter of
Reference relating
to research
Letter from
oncologist or
current physician
Confirmation of
enrolment
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
Contact
The Canadian Council on
Rehabilitation and Work
One Young Street, Suite 1202
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E5
Telephone: (416)260-3060
Toll-Free: 1-800-664-0925
TTY: (416)260-9223
Fax: (416)260-3093
Email:infor@ccrw.org
For more information:
www.ccrw.org
House of commons
Room 6-38, 131 Queen Street,
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613)996-1542
Fax: (613)996-1626
Email: huma@parl.gc.ca
For more information:
www.parl.gc.ca/huma
Childhood Cancer Foundation
21 St. Clair Avenue East,
Suite 801, Toronto, ON, M4T 1L9
Telephone: (416)489-6440
Fax: (416)489-9812
Toll-Free: 1-800-363-1062
Email:zoey@childhoodcancer.ca
For more information:
www.childhoodcancer.ca
page 15
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
CHS James
Kreppner
Memorial
Scholarship and
Bursary Program
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
$1000$15,00
0
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
April


Hemophilia or
another
inherited
bleeding
disorder
Varies
Needed with
Application Form
 3 References
 Proof of
eligibility
 500 word essay
CMT International
Sophie Abarbanel
Educational
Assistance Award
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$1000
May

Charcot MarieTooth Disease


Diagnosis
Proof of
registration at a
Post-Secondary
Institution
Diana Thomson
Scholarship Award
(Erinoakkids)
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$500
April

Current clients
of ErinoakKids

Secondary
school
information
package
Transcripts
2 References


Last Updated: 08/10/13
Contact
Applications submitted to:
Canadian Hemophilia Society
Scholarship and Bursary Program
400-1255,University Street,
Montreal, QC, H3B 3B6
For more information:
http://www.hemophilia.org
CMT International
1 Springbank Drive,
St. Catharines, ON
L2S 2K1
Telephone: (416)687-3630
Applications should be sent to:
Attention: Ms. Karen Hachey,
Executive Assistant ErinoakKids,
2695, North Sheridan Way,
Suite 120,
Mississauga, ON, L5K 2N6
Applications may be obtained
through Reception at ErinoakKids
South Millway Site
Telephone: (905) 820-7111
For more information:
www.erinoakkids.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 16
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
Dr. E. Bruce
Hendrick
Scholarship
Program
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
Varies
April


Spina Bifida
and/or
Hydrocephalus
Canadian Citizen
residing in
Ontario





Emmy Duff
Scholarship
Any Canadian
Post-Secondary
Institution
$1500
July




Eric Waldron
Scholarship Award
Any Ontario
Post-Secondary
Institution
$2000
July

Previous Cancer
or currently
being treated
Currently
attending/enroll
ed in Postsecondary
Institution
Residents of
Canada
Ongoing
Volunteer
Any Disability






Last Updated: 08/10/13
Needed with
Application Form
Transcripts
Proof of
Enrollment/Acce
ptance
Medial
Assessment Form
1 Reference
Cover Letter
Letter from
oncologist or
current doctor
Personal
Statement letter
Proof of
enrolment
250 words or less
describing
professional
goals
Diagnosis of
Disability
Documents
1 Reference
Contact
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
Association of Ontario
555 Richmond Street West,
P.O. Box 103, Suite 1006
Toronto, ON, M5V 3B1
Fax: (416)214-1446
Toronto & GTA: (416)214-1056
Toll-Free: 1-800-387-1575
Email: provincial@sbhao.on.ca
For more information:
www.sbhao.on.ca
Emmy Duff Scholarship Foundation
4 Glengrove Avenue West,
Toronto, ON, M4R 1N4
Email:
info@emmydiffscholarship.org
For more information:
www.emmyduffscholarship.org
Ontario Federation for Cerebral
Palsy, Attn: Awards Committee
1630, Lawrence Avenue West,
Toronto, ON, M6L 1C5
Telephone: (416)244-9686
Toll-Free: 1-877-244-9686
Fax: (416) 244-6543
Email: cathy@ofcp.ca
For more information: www.ofcp.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 17
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
Google Lime
Scholarship
Program
Imperial Tobacco
Canada Limited
Scholarship Fund
for Disabled
Students
School and Field
of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Pursuing
Computer
science/
Computer
Engineering
Degree or
related
technical field
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Lilly-MDAO Moving Any Ontario
Lives Forward
Post-Secondary
Scholarship
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
$5000
Varies


$5000
June

Person with a
Disability

Information
differs annually
$2000
April

Be diagnosed
with a mood
disorder
Current
receiving
medical
treatment

2 References

Last Updated: 08/10/13
Current
Undergraduate
Student with a
visible or
invisible
disability
Needed with
Application Form
 Cover Letter
 Resume
 Transcripts
 3 Essays
 3 References
Contact
Lime Connect Canada, Inc.
2 Bloor Street West,
Suite 700
Toronto, ON
M4W 3R1
Telephone: (416)32305770
For more information:
www.limeconnect.com
AUCC
600-350 Albert Street,
Ottawa, ON
K1R 1B1
Telephone: (613)563-1236
Fax: (613)563-9745
For more information: www.aucc.ca
Scholarship Selection Committee:
The Mood Disorders Association of
Ontario
36 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 602
Toronto, ON
M4R 1A1
Telephone: (416)486-8046 ext.246
Toll-Free: 1-888-486-8236
Emil:
Scholarship@mooddisorders.on.ca
For more information:
www.mooddisorders.on.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 18
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
Mattinson
Endowment Fund
Scholarship Fund
for Disabled
Students
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
$2500
May



Mephibosheth
Scholarship
NEADS: National
Student Awards
NEADS: Holly
Bartlett Memorial
Award
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Varies
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$3000
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$1000

April

March


March


Last Updated: 08/10/13
Canadian Citizen
or lived in
Canada for at
least two years
Diagnosed with
permanent
disability
Average of 75%




Needed with
Application Form
Proof of Disability
Transcripts
2 References
250 word essay
Physical/Sensor
y Disability
Full-Time status
with a minimum
GPA of 2.5



Essay
Proof of Disability
Cover Letter
Permanent
Disability
Strong academic
discipline
Canadian Citizen
or permanent
resident
Returning to a
Post-Secondary
Program

Proof of enrollment
and permanent
disability
Confirmation of
disability from an
official at the PostSecondary
Institution
Resume
Transcript
2 References




Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
Contact
Higher Education Scholarships
Association of Universities and
Colleges of Canada
600-350 Albert Street,
Ottawa, ON, K1R 1B1
Telephone: (613)563-1236
Fax: (613)563-9745
Email: awards@aucc.ca
For more information:
www.aucc.ca
Submit application to:
Financial Aid Office
Westminster Theological
Seminary
P.O. Box 27009,Philadelphia, PA
19118
Telephone: 1-800-373-0119
Fax: (215)887-5404
For more information:
http://www.wts.edu
NEADS National Student Awards
Program
National Educational Association
of Disabled Students (NEADS)
Room 425 Unicentre, Carleton
University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6
Email: etes@neads.ca
For more information:
www.neads.ca
page 19
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
OACRS Scholarship
Program
OBCL Epilepsy
Scholarship Award
a) The Margaret
Burka Memorial
Grant:
b) Award of
Excellence:
c) Continuing Studies
Award:
d) Artistic Merit
Award:
School and
Field of Study
Any PostSecondary
Institution
Any Ontario
Post-Secondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
Varies
March

$1000
May
Universal:
 Epileptic
 16-21 years of
Age
 Canadian citizens
or have landed
immigrant
Must be
recommended by
one of OACRS
Centers'
Needed with
Application Form
 Outline of
career goals
 Children's
Treatment
Centre must
provide a
recommendatio
n letter







a) Family Member
has Epilepsy
b) Those who have
challenges meeting
grade requirements

Cover Letter
Resume
Diagnosis
2 References
Transcripts
Proof of
Enrolment
600-1200 word
essay or (Artistic
Merit Award)
Art piece
Signed Waiver
Contact
Ontario Association of Children's
Rehabilitation Services
150 Kilgour Road,
Toronto, ON
M4G 1R8
Telephone: (416)424-3864
Fax: (416)467-7083
Email:info@oacrs.com
For more information:
www.oacrs.com
Mail the application form and all
requested documents to Epilepsy
Ontario:
The OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship
Awards Epilepsy Ontario
308-1 Promenade Circle
Thornhill, ON
L4J 4P8
Telephone: (905)764-5099
Toll-Free: 1-800-463-1119
Fax: (905)764-1231
Email: info@epilepsyontario.org
For more information:
www.epilepsyontario.org
c) Over 21 years of
age
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 20
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
Spina Bifida
Association of
Canada Scholarship
program
School and
Field of Study
Any Ontario
Post-Secondary
Institution
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
Varies
May


Sun Life Peer
Support
Scholarship
Any Canadian
Post-Secondary
Institution
$1000
August



Terry Fox
Humanitarian
Award Program
Any
Undergraduates
studying
towards their
first university
degree or
diploma
Last Updated: 08/10/13
$7000
February

Person with
Spina Bifida
and/or
Hydrocephalus
Member of
either SBHAC or
Local Provincial
Organization
Needed with
Application Form
 Proof of
acceptance/
 enrollment
 Transcripts
 1 Reference
 Resume
 Cover Letter
Spinal Cord
Injury
Canadian citizen
or landed
immigrant
Must be a
volunteer/staff
member of
Canadian
paraplegic
association

Maintain a
satisfactory
academic
standing and
continued
involvement in
volunteering






Proof of
disability
Proof of
enrolment
Transcript
1 Reference
3 References
Transcripts
Stamped,
SelfAddressed
Envelope
Contact
All requests for applications and
correspondence regarding the SBHAC
National Bursary Program
Should be directed to
National Bursary Program
c/o Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus
Canada
428-167 av. Lombard Ave,
Winnipeg, MB, R3B 0V3
Telephone: 1-800-565-9488
Email: bursary@sbhac.ca
For more information: www.sbhac.ca
Applications can be obtained and
mailed to:
Scholarship Selection committee
Canadian Paraplegic Association
1101 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite 230
Ottawa, ON
K2C 3W7
Telephone: (613)723-1033
Fax: (613)723-1060
Email: info@canparaplegic.org
For more information:
www.sci-can.ca
Send completed application to:
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
Program
AQ 5003, Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Telephone: (778)782-3057
For more information:
www.terryfoxawards.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 21
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
TEVA Canada
Scholarship for
Childhood Cancer
Survivors
School and
Field of Study
Any first year
Canadian
University in the
Fields of
Pharmacy,
Medicine or
Health Sciences
Training
Value
Deadline
Criteria of Eligibility
$5000
July

Treated
childhood
cancer patient
Needed with
Application Form
 Essay
 Copy of letter
of acceptance
 Copy of your
undergraduate
degree
certificate (If
applicable)
 Diagnosis
The BMO Capital
Markets Lime
Connect Equity
Through Education
Scholarship
Any second year
in a PostSecondary
Institution
majoring in a
business
relation
program
$5000
May

Person with a
Disability





The National Bank
Bursary and
Summer
Employment
Program
Any PostSecondary
Institution
$2500
$5000
-

Student with
physical or
sensory
disability

Last Updated: 08/10/13
Resume
Transcript
Essay
1 Reference
Cover Letter:
Contact and
education
information
Information
available upon
request
Contact
Submit completed applications to:
Scholarship Program Childhood
Cancer Foundation
21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 801
Toronto, ON
M4T 1L9
Telephone: 1-800-363-1062 ext.218
Email:gillian@childhoodcancer.ca
For more information:
www.childhoodcancer.ca
Lime Connect Canada, Inc.
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 700
Toronto, ON
M4W 3R1
Telephone: (416)323-5770
For more information:
www.limeconnect.com
National Bank of Canada
600 de la Gauchetiere O.
8th floor,
Montreal, QC
H3B 4L2
Email: scholarship@bnc.ca
For more information: www.bnc.ca
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 22
Additional Blank Charts
Physical Disability
Scholarship Name
School and Field
of Study
Value
Deadline
Criteria of
Eligibility
Needed with
Application Form
Contact
Visual Impairment
Scholarship Name
School and Field
of Study
Value
Deadline
Criteria of
Eligibility
Needed with
Application Form
Contact
Criteria of
Eligibility
Needed with
Application Form
Contact
Hearing Impairment
Scholarship Name
School and Field
of Study
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Value
Deadline
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 23
Learning Disorders/Disability
Scholarship Name
School and Field
of Study
Value
Deadline
Criteria of
Eligibility
Needed with
Application Form
Contact
Needed with
Application Form
Contact
Person with a Disability
Scholarship Name
School and Field
of Study
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Value
Deadline
Criteria of
Eligibility
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 24
Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities in Ontario may be eligible for a Special Opportunity Grant (Canada Study Grant)
through the Canada Student Loans Program and the OSAP Bursary for Students with Disabilities.
Applications for this bursary are available through Accessibility Services Offices and Student Awards Offices in
the province. Costs covered under the bursary program may include, but are not limited to:
 Note taking
 Tutors
 Special transportation
 Technical aids/equipment
 Computers
 Special chairs and splints.
Link to Bursary: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRD9197088.html
OSAP
Eligibility
Are you eligible for OSAP? Check https://osap.gov.on.ca to find out.
-To find out if you are eligible, fill out an online application form.
-You must meet certain citizenship and residency requirements. A complete list of requirements can be
found in the A to Z List of Programs.
-To receive aid, you need to attend a school that is OSAP approved.
-To find out if your school is approved, go to School Search. Public colleges and universities, some private
career colleges and some out of province and out of country schools are approved for OSAP. You need to
check each year if a school is approved.
You may be ineligible for OSAP if:
-You have not met the academic progress requirements.
-You have been convicted of a criminal offence involving fraud or theft under the Criminal Code (Canada) with
respect to any student financial assistance program in Canada.
-You have reported a significant variance in the income to the Canada Revenue Agency from what appears on
your OSAP application and any other income reported by you to the ministry or your financial aid office.
-You have declared Bankruptcy or Consumer Proposal, or Consolidation Orders under the Orderly Payment of
Debts.
-You are receiving other government aid that covers expenses related to your postsecondary studies.
-You have failed the credit check.
-You are receiving Stage 2 of the federal Repayment Assistance Plan.
-Your file is being reviewed for other reasons.
If you are not eligible now, contact your financial aid office to discuss how you can become eligible.
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 25
Funding Available
OSAP is based on financial need, which means that the amount of loan assistance available through OSAP will
depend on the individual circumstances of the student and his or her family. Lower-income students will be
able to access loans to cover part of their eligible costs of studying at out-of- country post-secondary
institutions. Parents of students with moderate and higher incomes will be expected to make a contribution to
the costs of their children's education, which will reduce the amount of loan assistance available.
This is the current maximum amount of money a full-time undergraduate student can receive:
Weekly Aid Maximum for OSAP Approved Schools
If you are enrolled at:
A public college or
university in Ontario
Single student with no
dependants:
$360/week
Student who is married, in a common-law
relationship or a sole support parent:
$560/week
An approved private
postsecondary school in
Ontario or an Ontario
hairstyling school (that is
not on probationary
status)
$360/week
$560/week
An approved Ontario
private postsecondary
school or Ontario
hairstyling school on
probationary status
$210/week
$210/week
A public college or
university in another
Canadian province
$360/week
$560/week
A private postsecondary
school in another
Canadian province
$210/week*
$210/week*
A private or public
postsecondary school
outside Canada
$210/week*
$210/week*
A hairstyling school
outside Ontario
Not eligible
Not eligible
* This maximum is funded only by the government of Canada.
If you have additional questions contact the Student Support Branch, Ministry of Education and Training by
telephone at (807) 343-7260, or by TTY at 1-800-465-3958.
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 26
Scholarship Application Packages:
Application Forms:
Applications outline the guidelines of the Scholarship/Bursaries, including eligibility, deadlines, what you
need to include, and how you can submit it. The forms typically cover four main areas:
1. Personal Information: contact info, age, SIN # etc.
2. Educational Information: where you went to school, where you plan on continuing school, future
goals.
3. Financial Breakdown: how much will school cost you (tuition, living away from home, books,
transportation, adaptive equipment) and how will you pay for it (what other scholarships, bursaries,
loans are you applying for/received).
4. Experience: where, when and what you learned from volunteering, work and extracurricular
activities.
Medical Verification or Diagnosis:
Most scholarships for persons with disabilities ask for some form of proof of your disability. Read the
Scholarship/Bursary instructions carefully to see what they require, and they may have a specific form
attached. Other documents include:
1. Written letter by a regulatory health professional, outlining your diagnosis.
2. Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which describes the goals set for a child during the school year, as
well as any special support needed to help achieve them.
3. Psychological educational assessment, which assesses the psychological
aspects of learning and their academic skills. (Psych-Ed Assessment Services, 2005)
Last Updated: 08/10/13
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
page 27
References:
Most Scholarships ask for 2 -3 references.
Each recommendation should speak to different aspects of your achievements.
1. Academic Reference: A person who can comment on your academic achievements at school. This
includes a teacher, Principal, or guidance counselor.
2. Community Reference: A person who can comment on your achievements and commitments outside of
classes. This includes any minister, youth group leader, coach, volunteer supervisor or employer, etc.
3. Character Reference: Additional reference from someone who knows you well, but NOT a family
member.
When requesting a reference, consider the following:

Position or respectability that may make their recommendation have more weight. Ask for
references from people with authority. For example, if the Mayor knows you from acknowledging
your contribution to the community ask them for a reference.

Make sure they know you well enough and will say good things about you. Your boss or supervisor
knows more about your diligent work habits than a Chief Executive Officer. They will provide
examples of experiences from your working relationship.

Choose someone relevant to the application and your field of interest, if possible. For example, a
communications or English teacher if you are going into journalism.

Always ask if you are using someone as a reference, even if you are reusing an old letter.

If possible, have a reference tailored to each application. At the very least, supply the reference with a
summary or explanation of:
o What the reference is for and attributes that are being evaluated
o Reminders of how long you have known them, and in what capacity
o Any specific skills you wish them to acknowledge in the letter
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Essays or Cover Letters:
Many scholarships request a letter or short essay. Most will supply you with guidelines, so read them
carefully. Once you write one, you can usually use it for other applications, with some modifications.
They typically discuss four main topics:
1. Disability: Explaining how it affects your life, and how you overcame any obstacles.
2. Experiences: Your community involvement and achievements.
3. Goals: What is your ultimate goal and how will you achieve it by going to school?
4. Financial Need: Why did you apply for this specific scholarship? How will you use the money?
Tips:

Be positive. Focus on how you overcame the barriers in your life, and focus on strengths or skills you
have gained.

Have a clear goal. Know where and why you are going to school. They are investing in the future, so give
them a worthy investment. Even if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up, you can
explain how getting a post-secondary education will help you explore your options and grow as a
productive member of society.

Try to relate your achievements back to the scholarship. What qualities are they looking for? Some
Scholarships/Bursaries are dedicated to a person, or in memory of them. Do your research and try to
use any that describe you.
Other Verifications
Many scholarships ask for proof of:
 Grades: A copy of transcripts for the past 2 years will suffice.
 Acceptance: A copy of your acceptance letter, enrollment, timetable.
Resources
Reference Letters:
The following are:


2 mock requests for a reference letter.
A template and an example of a reference letter.
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MOCK REFERENCE REQUEST
[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[College Name]
[Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
Dear Mr. Doe,
I am writing to ask whether it would be possible for you to provide a reference for me.
It would be much appreciated if you were able to attest to my qualifications for post-secondary education, and
the skills I attained during my time working or volunteering with you.
I am in the process of applying for scholarships and a positive reference from you would enhance my
prospects of achieving my future goals.
Please let me know if there is any information I can provide regarding my experience to assist you in giving me a
reference. I can be reached at jsmith@abcd.com or (111) 111-1111.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Smith
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[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[College Name]
[Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
Dear [Recipient Name]:
I am applying to several PhD programs in linguistics this winter, and am writing to ask if you would be willing to
write a letter of recommendation in support of my applications. I plan to specialize in Sociolinguistics in
English, particularly with respect to gender changes in speech. I would also like to further my understanding of
English syntactic theory.
I believe that the two courses I took from you, LING 311 Linguistics and Society (Spring 2000) and LING 403
Seminar in Comparative Linguistics (Fall 2001) have helped me to develop a solid foundation for my graduate
studies in linguistics. Our investigation into the complex and fascinating interaction among language, culture,
and society planted the seed from which my passion in Sociolinguistics has evolved.
I have included a summary of my academic and professional experience to help you decide whether to
recommend me. I plan to apply for Fall 2003 admission to four schools, and the applications are due in early
January.
Should you decide to recommend me, I will send you a draft of my statement of purpose, copies of my
transcripts, my resume, a writing sample, and any other materials you think would help you in the evaluation
process. If you have any questions, please contact me at (555)555-0199 or someone@example.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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REFERENCE LETTER TEMPLATE
Salutation
If you are writing a personal letter of reference, include a salutation (Dear Mr. Marina, Dear Ms. Templeton,
etc.). If you are writing a general letter, say "To Whom it May Concern.”
Paragraph 1
The first paragraph of the reference letter template explains your connection to the person you are
recommending, including how you know them, and why you are qualified to write a reference letter to
recommend employment or graduate school.
Paragraph 2
The second paragraph of the reference letter template contains specific information on the person you are
writing about, including, why they are qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a
reference letter. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.
Paragraph 3
When writing a specific letter referring a candidate for a particular job opening, the reference letter template
will include information on how the person's skills match the position they are applying for. Ask for a copy of the
job posting and a copy of the person's resume so you can target your reference letter accordingly.
Summary
This section of the reference letter template contains a brief summary of why are you are recommending the
person. State that you "highly recommend" the person or you "recommend without reservation" or
something similar.
Conclusion
The concluding paragraph of the reference letter template contains an offer to provide more information.
Include a phone number within the paragraph, include the phone number and email address in the return
address section of your letter, or in your signature.
Sincerely,
Writer Name
Title
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[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[College Name]
[Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
July 23,2013
Salutation
I am happy to submit this reference letter which recommends Michelle for a scholarship award.
Over the past years, I have been able to support xxxxxx in my capacity as a xxxxxxxxxxxxx at xxxxxx recreation
centre. Our recreation centre serves / provides xxxxxxx for many families living in Halton and Peel Regions.
How long have you known Michelle? What makes Michelle special? What interactions have you had with
her?
Today, she is a happy young lady who has never let her disability stand in her way. How would you describe
her? An example that you have seen that impresses how independent she is….
I have no reservations in recommending Michelle for this award.
If clarification is needed, please contact me at 905-xxx-xxxx. Yours
truly,
Name
Title
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Writing a Cover Letter/Personal Essay for a Scholarship
1. Use your resume as the database for the cover letter or essay. If you cannot include your resume with the
cover letter or essay, as in most scholarship applications, you will need to include all information from your
resume in the letter.
2. Divide the material into specific areas, just as you would in a resume. You should almost always include
information about your education, scholarships and awards received, work experience and goals. Other
categories you may or may not talk about are volunteer work, research projects, conference papers or
presentations, independent study projects, affiliations, language and skills.
3. You will need a strong, organized opening statement to indicate the key categories that make you a good
candidate.
4. Introduce each section with a clear topic sentence, indicating which area you plan to discuss. They should
contain key words to help direct the reader.
 I have always chosen challenging courses, and have an excellent/ very good/ good academic
record.
 My academic achievement is demonstrated by the numerous scholarships I have received, both at
the high school and university level.
 I have developed strong leadership skills, and know how to interact with a wide variety of other
people while working several different jobs…
 I have done a fair amount of community service including…
 My independent research projects have strengthened my skills in laboratory work and developed in
me an eye for details.
 Tutoring has taught me to work diplomatically and successfully with a wide variety of students.
 Travel has played a large role in shaping my view of others and of cultural differences.
5. Your discussions should be result oriented. As a result of working at a bank, you value accuracy, efficiency
and understand job responsibility.
6. You should stress the qualities and areas of expertise that make you a good candidate for the scholarship.
To do this, refer to the qualifications listed with the scholarship. The committees also often look for:
 Knowledge of chosen field, carefulness of work
 Motivation, enthusiasm, seriousness of purpose
 Creativity, originality, ingenuity of problem solving
 Ability to plan and carry out research, organization
 Ability to express thought in speech and writing
 Maturity, emotional stability, ability to withstand stress and face challenges
 Leadership skills
 Self-reliance, initiative, independence, adaptability
 Responsibility
 Ability to work well with others
 Growth potential, desire to achieve, dedication to goals
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7. You will need a concluding sentence that wraps up the letter and summarizes key strengths.
8. Choice of words is important. Achieve a balance between bragging and modesty. Avoid exaggerations
and clichés but do not down play your worth. Use action words.
9. Proofread your letter/essay. Consider grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Avoid wordiness. Be clear and
concise.
10. Format the letter as a letter. That means addresses and the date at the top, a greeting (Dear Mrs. Wolf,)
a closer (Sincerely,) and a signature above your name in print.
11. Format the essay as an essay. If they’ve asked for an essay, do not submit a letter.
* More often than not, scholarships only require either a cover letter or personal essay. If only one is required,
the body of text and guidelines remain the same but the format is done accordingly. If both are required,
think of the cover letter as a small, tight introduction to the personal essay. If a cover letter, personal essay,
and resume are required, then the cover letter introduces you, the purpose for sending the information you’re
sending, and gives a brief overview of what to expect in the resume. The personal essay becomes an expansion
of the resume as well as a source of information on those things we can’t learn from the resume or cover letter.
TIPS: WHAT TO DO WITH A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ESSAY
1. Answer the Question. Review the question asked by the application. Has the student completely
answered it? If not, what additional info needs to be included? How can it be effectively inserted into
the text?
2. Be Original. Is the essay individual and creative or does it give an unexciting narrative?
3. Be Individual. Scholarship officers want to learn about the student and his or her writing ability. Is the
essay meaningful and descriptive about the student’s feelings and not entirely about actions?
4. Don’t overuse the Thesaurus throughout the Composition. Big words used inappropriately make for
clunky, unconvincing essays.
5. Use Imagery and Clear, Vivid Prose. A lot of students who come to us are not at ease with using
imagery, so it’s up to us to see that all of the reader’s senses are engaged.
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6. Spend Most of Your Time on the Introduction. Expect scholarship officers to spend 1-2 minutes reading
the essay. The introduction should grab the reader’s interest from the beginning. Some things to keep
in mind:

Don’t summarize in the introduction. If you summarize, the scholarship officer need not read the
rest of your essay.

Create mystery or intrigue in your introduction. It is not necessary or recommended that your first
sentence give away the subject matter. Raise questions in the minds of the scholarship officers to
force them to read on. Appeal to their emotions to make them relate to your subject matter.
7. Relate Body Paragraphs to the Introduction. The introduction can be original but cannot be silly. The
paragraphs that follow must relate to the introduction.
8. Use Transitions. Applicants continue to ignore transitioning to their own detriment. Use transitions within
paragraphs and especially between paragraphs to preserve the logical flow of the essay. Transitions are
not limited to phrases like “as a result, in addition, while, since, etc.” but includes repeating key words
and progressing the idea. Transitions provide the intellectual architecture to building an argument.
9. Conclude with a bang. The conclusion is the last chance to persuade or impress the reader. In the
conclusion, avoid summary since the essay is usually short to begin with; the reader should not need to be
reminded of what was written 300 words before. Also, do not use stock phrases like “in conclusion, in
summary, to conclude, etc.”
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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FORMAT
[Your Street Address] [City,
Prov., Postal Code]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[College Name]
[Street Address]
[City, Prov., Postal Code]
Re: Subject Line
Members of the Selection Committee:
Opening: 1-3 sentences. The reason for the letter, the specifics of your application, and how you relate to it.
Explain your disability. Your general goal/area of interest.
First Paragraph: 2-4 sentences. Topic Sentence, discussion of one of the areas mentioned earlier (for example,
education). Briefly or in depth, depending on accompaniment of personal essay and/or resume.
Second Paragraph: Transition, second achievement - volunteer or job experience.
Third and or Forth Paragraph (If needed): Other skills and achievements
Closing: Often times it’s easy to transition from your goals to a summation of the letter. Do not use the same
wording as the opener. Thank the committee for considering your letter.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Typed Name]
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TOP TEN MISTAKES MADE ON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
By Laura DiFiore
1. Forget to include your name and/or address! You would be surprised how many students do not
include their name or address on an application!
2. Submit an incomplete application. Make sure you include all required references, photos, transcripts,
and essays.
3. Be rude or abusive to the judges. Telling the judges that they will burn in Hades if they don’t pick you,
or that they are idiots because they don’t accept applications from students in your major. These are a
sure-fire way to guarantee you will NOT be considered for this application, and that the judges will tell
all their judge friends how nasty you are.
4. Submit a dirty application. Use a plate for your lunch, not your application. Don’t spill beer on your
application!
5. Apply when you do not meet their minimum requirements. If they require a minimum 3.0 GPA and
you have a 1.2 GPA, don’t waste your time!
6. Send it “postage due.” Oops!
7. Mail the envelope but forget to out the application in it. Surprisingly common!
8. Submit inappropriate supporting documentation, such as including a picture of you at age 6 months
when the application asks for you to include a photo, or including a copy of your arrest record as a
reference! (This really happened!)
9. No one can read your application. The use of fancy, hard to read script on your essay, or handwriting
that even a doctor would be ashamed of, is not appropriate.
10. Spelling errors! Even ONE spelling error can doom your application! Remember, if you do not take
the time to spell-check your application, the judges won’t take the time to read it!
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ACTION WORDS
Accelerated
Accomplished
Achieved
Acquired
Activated
Adapted
Addressed
Administrated
Advised
Allocated
Analyzed
Anticipated
Applied
Appointed
Appraised
Approved
Arranged
Assessed
Assisted
Assigned
Attained
Audited
Augmented
Averted
Avoided
Broadened
Built
Calculated
Centralized
Clarified
Collaborated
Combined
Completed
Composed
Conceived
Concluded
Condensed
Conducted
Consolidated
Constructed
Contributed
Controlled
Converted
Corrected
Created
Cultivated
Decentralized
Decreased
Defined
Delegated
Delivered
Demonstrated
Designed
Determined
Developed
Devised
Directed
Discharged
Discovered
Documented
Distributed
Doubled
Earned
Edited
Effected
Eliminated
Employed
Enforced
Engineered
Established
Estimated
Evaluated
Examined
Exceeded
Executed
Exercised
Expanded
Expedited
Extended
Extracted
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Facilitated
Financed
Forecast
Formed
Formulated
Found
Founded
Framed
Fulfilled
Generated
Guided
Handled
Headed
Helped
Hired
Identified
Implemented
Improved
Improvised
Influenced
Initiated
Inspected
Installed
Inspired
Instigated
Instituted
Integrated
Instructed
Interpreted
Interviewed
Introduced
Invented
Invested
Investigated
Launched
Lectured
Led
Lightened
Liquidated
Located
Made
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Mediated
Minimized
Mobilized
Modernized
Modified
Monitored
Motivated
Negotiated
Obtained
Operated
Ordered
Organized
Originated
Overcame
Oversaw
Participated
Performed
Pinpointed
Pioneered
Planned
Prepared
Presented
Processed
Procured
Produced
Projected
Programmed
Promoted
Proposed
Provided
Proved
Published
Purchased
Realized
Recommended
Reconciled
Recruited
Redesigned
Reduced
Re established
Regulated
Reinforced
Rejected
Relate
Re negotiated
Reorganized
Reported
Represented
Researched
Reshaped
Resolved
Restored
Revamped
Reviewed
Revised
Revitalized
Revived
Saved
Scheduled
Secured
Selected
Set up
Settled
Shaped
Showed
Simplified
Sold
Solved
Sorted
Sponsored
Staffed
Standardized
Stimulated
Started
Streamlined
Strengthened
Scholarships & Bursaries for Post-Secondary Education
Stretched
Structured
Studied
Suggested
Summarized
Supervised
Supported
Surpassed
Surveyed
Sustained
Tailored
Taught
Terminated
Tested
Tightened
Traded
Trained
Transacted
Transferred
Transformed
Translated
Trimmed
Tripled
Uncovered
Undertook
Unified
Used
Utilized
Verified
Vitalized
Widened
Won
Wrote
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Bibliography
Cooperative Education and Career Center, U of M – Flint. (n.d.). Scholarship Packet. Retrieved 07 2010, 25, from
Writing Resources: www.umflint.edu/writingcenter/documents/Scholar.doc
Dosman, K. (2009). The Transition from High School to Post Secondary School: A Timeline-Style Guide for
Practitioners, Parents, and Physically Disabled Youth . Mississauga : ErinoakKids Centre for
Treatment and Development.
Doyle, A. (2010). Reference Letter Template. Retrieved 07 21, 2010, from About.com:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/referenceletters/a/refertemplate.htm
Fawcett, S. (2009, 03 24). 10 Secrets For Writing. Retrieved 07 2010, 24, from WritingHelp-Cenrtal:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/article-complaint-letter.html
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students. (2010). Financial Aid Directory. Retrieved 07 24,
2010, from NEADS Web Site: http://www.neads.ca/en/norc/funding/
Thum, M. (2010). Writing a Cover Letter for a Scholarship. Flint: English Department Lecturer, U of M.
Acknowledgements
This document was researched and compiled by Michelle Asgarali (2010), later updated by Rachel Dean (2011)
and Adheesha Ratnayake (2013), at Erinoakkids Centre for Treatment and Development under the guidance of
Jon Greenaway, Social Worker and Transitions Coordinator.
Special thanks to the following people for their contributions:
Katherine Dosman, Student Occupational Therapist (University of Western Ontario)
ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development
Joe Henry, Leader of the review and assessment of the Peer Mentor Program
Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Christy Taberner, Disability Services Case Manager
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
Devon Stoyka, Goal Support Worker
Erinoakkids Centre for Treatment and Development
Ana Maria Ishi, Occupational Therapist, Coordinator of the Independent Living Program
Erinoakkids Centre for Treatment and Development
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