Education

What is a bursary?

A bursary is a monetary award made to an individual to help pay for postsecondary education. The recipient does not need to repay this money.

What is OSAP?

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program for students persuing postsecondary studies. Talk to your worker or caregiver about how to apply for bursaries and/or OSAP. There is a lot of information which can be overwhelming, so it's always good to go through it with someone you trust.

Posted below is additional information on bursaries and OSAP.

This organization offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships to assist with post-secondary education expenses, focusing on youth in care and former wards. Local: 416-987-7725

The Ken Dryden Scholarship is awarded to youth currently or formerly in the care of the Children's Aid Society. Toll Free: 1-800-790-7074 Local: 613-230-8945 E-mail: info@youthincare.ca

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 and former wards to achieve their academic and career goals. Students attending College will receive $3,000 per year for two years (or three years depending on program). Students attending University will receive $4,500 per year for up to four years. Clark-Bursary recipients are eligible to receive the Clark Graduation award - a monetary gift of $1,000. Nominations of the Clark Bursary must be submitted by a Children's Aid Society. The nominees are the selected candidates from their agency and will have secured a personal reference to support their application. For more information on the Clark Bursary Awards visit the OACAS website.

The Dare to Dream Bursary is an educational bursary program for youth in care of the Children's Aid Society. Bursaries range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year for college and university students. The bursary program, managed by the Children's Aid Foundation of Ottawa, has awarded over $1 million dollars to Ottawa CAS youth over the last 12 years. You can apply for this program if you have completed high school, and have demonstrated a willingness and desire to continue with your education. The selection criteria evaluates candidates on various levels, and does not reward only those with a high grade point average, but focuses on youth who have the motivation and desire to make their dream come true.

This scholarship is awarded to youth currently or formerly in the care of the Children's Aid Society. Toll Free: 1-800-790-7074 Local: 613-230-8945 E-mail: info@youthincare.ca

OSAP helps qualified students have an opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education in Ontario. It provides financial support for tuition, books and when applicable, living expenses, to students who do not have the resources to meet these costs. Assistance is based on financial need as established by the federal and/or provincial governments through an assessment of your application. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website for more information and additional support available to crown wards.