Education Support

Have you ever thought about going to post-secondary school, such as college or university? We want you to know that there is support available to you! Let’s start by talking about a Bursary and OSAP.

What is a bursary?
Its financial assistance for school- that you do not have to pay back.

What is OSAP?
In Ontario, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers both loans (which must be repaid) and bursaries, scholarships and grants (which aren't repayable).

You can always talk to you worker or caregivers about how to go about applying for bursaries and OSAP. There is lots of information and it can be overwhelming, so it’s always good to go through it with someone you trust. We have posted some information below on different bursaries available and information on OSAP.

There are two major bursaries that you can apply for at The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. They are the Dare to Dream Bursary and The Clark Bursary and Grant.

Dare to Dream Bursary Program

For most, pursuing a post-secondary education is key to a successful and productive future. However, post-secondary education is expensive and most youth need the financial help from family or loans in order to afford college or university programs. The Dare to Dream is an educational bursary program for youth in care of the Children’s Aid Society.

Bursaries range from $1,000 per year to $4,000 per year for college and university students. The bursary program, managed by the Champions For Children Foundation, has awarded over $1 million dollars to Ottawa CAS youth over the last 12 years.

You can apply to this program if you have completed high school, and have demonstrated willingness and desire to continue with your education. The selection criteria for this program evaluates candidates on various levels, and does not reward only those with a high grade point average, but rewards those youth who have the motivation and desire to make their “dream” come true.

For more information visit championsforchildrenfoundation.ca or ask your worker.

The Clark Bursary Awards

The Clark Bursary Fund was established in 1989 through a generous donation by Ron and Nancy Clark of Caledonia. It was created to assist youth in care of an Ontario Children's Aid Society of former wards supported by Extended Care and Maintenance to achieve their academic and career goals. We are pleased to announce that through the continued generosity of Ron and Nancy Clark, we will be able to continue to award bursaries in 2007-2008:

20 new bursaries will be awarded in 2007-2008
young people who are attending Community College will receive $2,500 annually for two years

while attending school (3 years if the course is 3 years in length)
young people who are attending University will receive $4,000 annually for three years while

attending school (4 years if the course is 4 years in length)
young people who received bursaries in the last two or three years will be eligible for a follow-up award this year, if they are continuing in school

The Clark Bursary Fund Awards are administered through the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies and are available to:

Wards in CAS care
Former wards on Extended Care and Maintenance
Young people who are living in their family home and receiving support from a CAS
Young people who are less than 21 years of age on September 1
Young people who have been approved as the applicant from their CAS
Young people who have secured one personal reference to support their application.

These bursaries are awarded to young people associated with Children's Aid Societies who are pursuing

post-secondary education
University
Community college
or technological institutions

or who are completing other training opportunities

Hairdressing
Apprenticeships
etc.

Applicants are encouraged to explore other avenues of financial support

Ontario Student Awards Program
other bursaries.

For more information visit the OACAS website click here

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Ontario ministry of training, colleges and universities.

How do I pay for postsecondary education and training?

Most students have concerns about paying for tuition, books and other school expenses. As a youth with Crown ward status, you may have specific financial challenges, such as a lack of family support, or having support that ends before you've finished your studies.

There are two major ways to obtain financial support: you can borrow, and you can apply for bursaries, grants and scholarships. Learn more about these ways of financing your education. Click on the link below for more information on the process of obtaining OSAP and additional support available to crown wards.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/students/crownwards/paying.html

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