The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) Scholarship Program launched in the fall of 2021. Applications will be accepted from September 1st to October 31st of each year. Awards will be given to individuals who self-identify as African, Caribbean or Black (ACB) students wishing to attend College or University or enroll in a Red Seal Program in Canada.
The GBHS hopes to promote academic excellence, leadership skills, and encourage community involvement amongst our youth. The goal of GBHS Scholarship Program is to foster excellence within the ACB community via financial support prior to their post-secondary education.
- Three (3) scholarships will be awarded at a value of $1,000 each. One (1) scholarship will be awarded in each of these categories:
- Information Technology and Skilled Trades
- Arts and Black Studies
- Business and Science
Scholarship Awards:
- The Norwood E. Francis Memorial Scholarship recognises an outstanding student embarking on post-secondary education in the field of technology or the skilled trades.
- The Kween Company Award recognises an outstanding student hoping to earn a degree, diploma or certificate in the field of arts or Black studies.
- The DL Francis Dream Makers Award recognises an outstanding student hoping to earn a degree, diploma or certificate in the field of science or business.
The scholarships will be awarded at the Guelph Black Heritage Society event held in December of the academic year in which the student applied.
GBHS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Self-identifies as African, Caribbean or Black (ACB).
- Must be a currently enrolled post-secondary student or a graduated high school student accepted for study towards a diploma, degree, certificate or a Red Seal Program.
- Must be studying at any accredited College or University or Red Seal Program.
- If a graduating high school student, the applicant must have already completed high school at the time of completing their application.
- The scholarships will be granted to an individual(s) who may not have outstanding academic achievements but have demonstrated outstanding talent in either the Arts, Black Studies, Technology or Skilled Trades discipline.
- Priority will be given to a student who has demonstrated high community engagement through volunteer work.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
All applications will be evaluated by the Scholarship Committee and will be based on the standard criteria:
- Academic Achievement: This is based on your academic transcript, and by testimony to your scholarly excellence that is provided by a letter of recommendation by a teacher.
- Financial need. This is based on information provided by your letters of reference, plus any reinforcing narrative you provide in your essay.
- Recognized contribution to the African, Caribbean & Black (ACB) community. This is based on information presented in your letters of reference, plus any reinforcing narrative you provide in your essay.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Completed applications must be submitted by the deadline of October 31st
- Two (2) references must be provided who can speak to your community involvement and/or your achievements/commitment in respective fields of study. One may be a teacher from your school, college or University. The other must be from an individual (other than teachers or family members) who is familiar with you and can attest to your community service.
- Provide a one-page essay explaining why the scholarship should be awarded to you.
- Provide proof of acceptance or confirmation of enrollment from the institution you plan to attend.
- An up-to-date transcript from the institution you are currently attending or last attended.
CHECKLIST FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION
- Application is submitted in full before deadline of October 31st.
- All areas of application are completed in full and checked for grammar and spelling.
- Ensure to attach: Two (2) references, one-page essay, transcript and proof of acceptance.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 31st.
