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Financial Resources for Black and Racialized Students

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There are many factors that can influence an individual's decision to access post-secondary education. One significant factor is the financial resources an individual has access to, and whether their parents have attended post-secondary education. In North America, students who are Black and raciliazed are more likely to be the first in their family to attend university and may have less access to the financial resources necessary to pursue their studies. The decision is impacted by certain demographic factors, including coming from a family that earns a lower income and having parents who did not attend college or university. In North America, these factors are experienced at higher rates by students who come from racialized and minority ethnic backgrounds.

The Ontario Student Grant was established in 2017-18, meaning that increased financial support is available for students from families earning less than $50,000/year. However, many students will continue to rely on additional financial aid to fund their education. You can find a list here of external bursaries, scholarships and scholarship portals, some of which are particularly geared towards Black and racialized students (both undergraduate and graduate). We hope that you find this useful, and encourage you to connect with us and the folks in Student Financial Services for more information about additional financial aid offered through the University of Guelph.

Black Business and Professional Association National Scholarship

BBPA National Scholarship Fund was created in 1986 to support the achievement of academic excellence by Black Canadian youth through an annual scholarship program.

Features

  • Scholarships are awarded in three categories:

    • BBPA Legacy Scholarships, in the names of Black Canadians who enriched Canada with their contributions in the arts, the professions, science, business, technology, politics and other areas of endeavour;

    • First Generation Scholarships, funded by the investment income from a grant from the Government of Ontario and available exclusively to students residing in Ontario that are the first in their family to attend university or college; and

    • Sponsored or Name Scholarships funded directly by corporations or individuals in the name of the corporation or individual; or established in the memory of a relative.

Black Canadian Scholarship Fund

The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund was created in 1996 by Dr. Horace Alexis and Ottawa community members to enhance the educational future of our young people, supporting the future leaders of tomorrow and ensuring community development. The BCSF was established to provide opportunities and encourage academic excellence for qualified black students in the chosen field of study.

Features

  • The BCSF hold events throughout the year (e.g. Dinner & Dance, Golf Tournament, etc.)

  • List of recipients per year

  • Opportunities to donate, volunteer, and sponsor

Black Educators Association (BEA)

Founded in 1969, the Black Educators Association (BEA) was created to assist African Nova Scotian and other African-Canadian communities develop strategies towards an equitable education system.

Features

  • Note scholarship deadlines are broken down by month.

  • Each scholarship listed is summarized (e.g. organization, contact information (website, address and phone number if available), value, qualifications, and deadline).

Community Unity Alliance (CUA)

The Community Unity Alliance is a not-for-profit organization designed to assist community-based groups in becoming more independent.

Features

  • Each scholarship listed is summarized within the online document

    • Summary/qualifications

    • Contact information

    • Value

  • Broken down by subject, corporate, athletic, general Canadian scholarships and awards

Disability Awards

A portal (headed by the National Educational Association of Disabled Students) to awards and scholarships for students with disabilities at Canadian colleges and universities.

Features

  • Contains information on government student loans and grants organized by province.

  • If there is an award that is not listed, the site accepts suggestions for awards.

GSO Travel Grant

The Centre for International Programs is excited to announce the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) Travel Grants! This funding opportunity is designed specifically to support and increase the participation of students who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad opportunities, including Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis), students registered with Student Accessibility Services, and/or students who have demonstrated financial need.
 

RBC Scholarship

RBC has developed a set of scholarship programs worth more than $500,000 a year to help address the need for student funding across Canada.

Features

  • Application deadlines

  • Scholarship details and eligibility

    • RBC Students Leading Change Scholarships for undergraduates

    • RBC Royal Bank Scholarship for Indigenous students

    • RBC Scholarships for children of RBC Employees

Scholarships Canada

Scholarships Canada was created in 1997, the website lists all relevant scholarships, bursaries and alternate financing.

Features

  • Update listings on an annual basis

  • Students are matched to scholarships and bursaries they create an account

  • Featured scholarships

  • Provides additional resources (i.e. scholarship deadline alerts)

  • Post events, workshops, webinar, contests, and articles

The Toronto Community Housing / Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships

The Toronto Community Housing /Leaders of Tomorrow scholarships valued at $1,000 – $2,000 each are available to students from Toronto Community Housing / high priority neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area who are attending an accredited Canadian university or college.

Yconic

Since 1998, Yconic has been devoted to helping high school, college, and university students find information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. Powered by their 'authentic help' model, today we help corporate partners understand, engage, and acquire Millennial and Gen Z Canadians.

Features

  • Offers scholarship matching & peer-to-peer support

  • Get matched to scholarships and student awards

  • Access to a discussion board with other members

  • Follow academic subjects, school, or other special topics