HWDSB created this page to help our community communicate award opportunities for students. This includes scholarships, bursaries and awards of distinction. Awards may or may not include a financial reward.
When your award is posted, you can then approach the schools individually for approval to distribute this information. Please note that if an award is not on the Awards page, HWDSB schools will not distribute the information.
Do you want your award displayed on this page? Click the tab to view our guidelines and then click here for the form to submit an award!
Independent Order of ODD FELLOWS
Allan Simpson Educational Fund
Deadline: March 1, 2026
The Allan Simpson Educational Fund assists with the cost of post-secondary education for young people who are either full orphans (both parents deceased) OR reside in a single parent home.
Last year, we received many quality applications and were able to award six renewable bursaries in the amount of $5,000.00 per academic year.
If you have any questions, or wish to receive a copy of the application form, please email [email protected]
Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2026
10 awards each $1000
This scholarship supports aspiring mechanics in pursuit of a career in the trades. In 2025 we proudly awarded 10 scholarships totaling $10,000 across Canada – honoring Jake Weitz, a passionate mechanic who believed in turning wrenches and helping others.
- Proof of application/enrollment to a post-secondary course for Automotive Services, Heavy Duty, Aviation, etc., Mechanics at an accredited College or University (Board discretion applicable) in Canada.*
- Applying for university scholarships applying for college scholarships, requirements Include: English 30-3 or English 12, Math 30-3 or Math 11 Physics 20 or Physics 11, Science 20 or Science 11, related CTS courses. **
- Maximum of one Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship can be acquired in each student’s academic lifetime.
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident (Birth certificate or proof of residency if not Canadian Citizen).
Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need. A short 2-3 minute video is welcomed, not required – detailing why the student desires this scholarship and why he/she believes they would be a good fit for the Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship. Complete the application form containing basic info (name, address, phone etc.).
Click here for more information.
The Full Potential Scholarship
Deadline: March 3, 2026
$1000 per year plus 40 hours of tutoring credits (renewable up to 4 years)
This national scholarship is an opportunity for Canadian students with documented learning disabilities who are applying to University or College in Canada for the 2026 academic year. The Full Potential Scholarship will be awarded to up to 20 Canadian students and provides both financial and academic support. Each recipient receives $1,000 per year, along with tutoring credits structured to support students throughout their post-secondary journey: 40 hours in year one, followed by 30, 20, and 10 hours in subsequent years.
Eligibility: Documented Learning Disability entering first year college or university in Canada
Click here to apply.
University of Waterloo Department of English
Writing in Colour Contest
March 6, 2026
The Department of English at the University of Waterloo invites grade 11 students in Ontario who are Black, Indigenous, or students of colour to submit an essay of between 500 to 1000 words to the 2026 Writing in Colour: English Grade 11 Essay Colloquium Award. The topic for this year is community. Students with the top selected essays will be invited to take part in a colloquium at the University of Waterloo consisting of a seminar, workshop, and tour of the school. At the colloquium, one essay will be selected to win a $1000 prize. The author of the winning essay will also be offered an opportunity to meet with members of the university community who could be helpful to their future ambitions.
Grade 11 students in Ontario who are Black, Indigenous, or students of colour.
Click here for more information.
The Edge Spirit Award
Deadline: March 6, 2026
The Edge Spirit Award in memory of Morris Mercanti recognizes an outstanding high-school-aged individual who embodies the same values of Charity of Hope co-founder, Mr. Morris Mercanti. A business icon, a community leader, a family man, and a friend to many who needed a helping hand, Morris Mercanti made the lives of everybody around him better.
A bursary in the amount of $2000 will be provided to the successful recipient in honour of Morris Mercanti.
Individuals applying for the Edge Spirit Award must demonstrate the following values:
1) An Endurance to Overcome Obstacles
2) A Positive Attitude that Inspires Others
3) A Pursuit of Continuous Learning and Education
4) A Competitive Edge
Click Here for the application guidelines and form.
The Vimy Foundation
The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize
Deadline: March 17, 2026
Fully funded 10-day experiential program in France and Belgium.
T’S HERE – The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize is open for applications! During this fully funded educational program, recipients from Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Germany will visit Belgium and France from July 31 to August 10, 2026 to study the interwoven First and Second World War history of their respective countries, as well as the environmental impact of the wars. Participants will gain new perspectives on well-known and lesser-told stories of the wars, see their lasting impact on people and the environment, and connect with students from around the world.
Youth aged 15-17 living in Canada can apply by March 17, 2026 here: https://vimyfoundation.ca/programs/beaverbrook-vimy-prize
Zonta Young Women In Leadership
Deadline: April 1, 2026
The goal of the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is to encourage young women to participate in leadership positions by recognizing the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.
In order for more women to be represented in key decision-making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to pursue careers or seek leadership positions in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations and further their education with these aims in view.
Who is Eligible?
Women, aged 16-19 on 1st April each year, living in a Zonta district or who are citizens of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
❑ Active commitment to volunteerism.
❑ Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
❑ Volunteer leadership achievements.
❑ Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
❑ Support for Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls.
Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards. The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels.
Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000.
Click here for more information.
Stoney Creek Lions Club
Deadline: April 30, 2026
The Stoney Creek Lions Club is a non-profit belonging to an international organization of volunteers, and members who participate in serving its respective communities. “WE SERVE”. The Stoney Creek Club has approved bursary funding for its two public local high schools within the boundary of our club’s service district.
In 2026, the Lion’s Club of Stoney Creek has approved four bursary grants of $500.00 to be awarded to students of senior year moving forward on to post-secondary education. The bursary award intended to be equality awarded between schools and students within Stoney Creek district.
Applications accepted by mail or email no later than April 30, 2026
The two eligible secondary schools in our district are.
- Orchard Park Secondary School
- Saltfleet District High School
To be eligible for the bursary award the student must be a person who ordinarily resides in the geographical area served by the Stoney Creek Lions Club and attend the schools listed above.
Eligibility: District High School noted above, each (2 awards of $500.00 )
You should be between the age of 17 to 21 of age. The applicants are reviewed by committee in the order of:
- Proof of acceptance to Post secondary education.
- Need of the applicant.
- Community volunteer and community commitment.
- Acceptance where the Lions Club of Stoney Creek may make known of individual Bursary award with student/parental permission.
The Lions Club of Stoney Creek
Fruitland Community Centre
14 Sherwood Park Road
Stoney Creek, Ontario, L8E 4Y8
Email [email protected] to request the application form.
Professional Engineers Ontario
PEO Chapter Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th, 2026
Each year, PEO chapters offer scholarships to Gr. 12 students who have applied to an engineering program at a post-secondary institution accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). There are 36 scholarships valued at $1,500 each (1 scholarship per chapter). Scholarship winners are invited to meet the PEO chapter in their community, and it is our hope that the scholarship program can: – build connections between PEO and future professional engineers; – foster interest in engineering careers among high school students; – raise awareness of the professional licence; and – provide some financial assistance to future engineers.
Scholarship Objectives:
- Foster interest in engineering among high school students
- Build connections between PEO and future Professional Engineers
- Provide financial assistance to students pursuing accredited engineering programs
- Promote a sense of belonging to a respected profession that values high standards, competence, and responsibility
- Highlight the importance of the P.Eng. licence and encourage students to pursue licensure as part of their career development
Click here for more information
Click here for the application form in English
Click here for the application form in French
The Black Foundation of Community Networks
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 and based in Ontario. BFCN provides free programs and resources to support Black communities and also connects people with existing resources and other local organizations. There are three key pillars to our work: Community Advocacy, Community Resources, and Community Programs which includes the BFCN Scholarship Program.
Each year BFCN presents annual scholarships and awards to Black students pursuing post-secondary undergraduate education in Canada. These $1,000 awards are granted to students who have demonstrated community involvement, leadership qualities and financial need. To learn more and apply for the 15th Annual BFCN Scholarships and 12th Annual Aim 2 Achieve Awards, please visit bfcn.ca/scholarships.
Applications are launched in April and due July 31 of each year.
Click here for the scholarship directory.
Chaney-Ensign Bursary Fund
Two application deadlines – October 1 and February 1
NEED HELP WITH TUITION? A bursary is money to help pay for your education that you don’t need to pay back. Ever!
Hamilton Community Foundation is a local charity. We have a program called the Chaney-Ensign Bursary that’s specifically for postsecondary students like you who graduated from high school in Hamilton.
Complete the application on our website by these dates:
- February 1
- October 1 You can apply (and receive funds) in both rounds.
Three steps to get a bursary:
- Graduate from a publicly funded high school in Hamilton.
- Apply for OSAP (you don’t need to have received funding).
- Submit application for a bursary.
Apply online here when the portal is open.
Think Big Scholarship
(ongoing opportunity)
As a Partner in Education Toromont Cat is pleased to award students with a scholarship upon admission to one of our sponsored College Programs. With over twenty thousand dollars designated for scholarships Toromont Cat is paving the way to a rewarding career as a Technician.
Up to ten awards of $2,000.00 will be awarded to successful applicants; $1,000.00 towards 1st semester tuition then upon successful completion of semester 1, $1,000.00 will be awarded to towards the remainder of the program.
Click here for more information.
Federal Education Grants and Bonds
(ongoing opportunity)
To help save for a child’s future studies, the Government of Canada provides two education savings incentives, which are deposited into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) consists of a basic amount of 20% on the first $2,500 in annual personal contributions to an RESP (this grant is available to all eligible beneficiaries regardless of family income), as well as the additional amount of Canada Education Savings Grant, which is:
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- 10% on the first $500 of annual personal contributions for children from families with an adjusted income greater than $46,605 and up to $93,208; or,
- 20% on the first $500 of annual personal contributions for children from families with an adjusted income of $46,605 or less.
CESG is available until the end of calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 17, and the maximum lifetime amount, including the additional amount of Canada Education Savings Grant, is $7,200.
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The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is available for eligible children from low-income families born in 2004 or later and provides an initial payment of $500 plus $100 for each year of eligibility, up to age 15, for a maximum of $2,000. Personal contributions are not required to receive the CLB. RESPs are the only savings vehicle that attract the federal and, where applicable, provincial education savings incentives. The money saved in an RESP is not only used to help with tuition, but can also be used to pay for housing, transportation and other education-related expenses, such as textbooks, equipment, supplies, etc., once enrolled in post-secondary education. You will need you and your child’s SIN. Visit your bank and ask to open an RESP.
Learn more: Brochure
Criteria for awards
Awards will be approved based on the following criteria. For context, the promotion of awards will align with the Education Act:
Education Act, Regulation 298 S.24: No advertisement or announcement shall be placed in a school or on school property or distributed or announced to the pupils on school property without the consent of the board that operates the school except announcements of school activities.
Criteria for Approval:
- There cannot be a fee for a student to apply for an award.
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- A student providing their likeness (name, photo, post-secondary institution, area of study, etc.) may not be a requirement to be considered for an award.
- The organization offering the award is responsible for obtaining consent before a student’s name, photo or any personal information is shared or posted where it is accessible to the public (e.g., on websites, social media platforms or in print material)
- The material must NOT contain commercial advertising, corporate logos, reference to corporate sponsors, or be a private business, unless these are directly linked to an award.
- The information must be respectful of all faiths, races and ethnic backgrounds.
- The information must respect the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Education Act.
Awards will be removed after their application deadline. If your award is offered annually, you will need to resubmit each year.
Questions
Questions regarding the distribution of award opportunities should be directed to:
Hamilton Foundation for Student Success
905-527-5092 ext. 2103
email [email protected]
Disclaimer
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information regarding scholarships on this website. It is the responsibility of the student to do research early in order to note deadline changes, revisions to criteria, and so on. Contacting the sponsor directly for the most up-to-date information is recommended.
HWDSB schools may have awards that are specific to a given school. That is, only students attending a given school may be eligible for certain school specific awards. Check with your Principal (elementary) or Guidance Counsellor (secondary) for more information about school specific awards offered by your school.