Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact a scholarship administrator?

You can email us at scholarships@bbpa.org

Who can help me find more scholarship information?

If you are in high school, make an appointment with your guidance counsellor, or reach out to the financial aid department of the schools that you are considering. You may also contact the faculty or department at the institution where you wish to go.

Does applying for the BBPA scholarship earlier than the deadline help me?

The important thing is getting your full application in before the deadline. Scholarship administrators have to review every submission, but they may not do so in order of receipt. Focus on a complete, comprehensive application, rather than an early one. The decisions about who gets scholarships are not based on time of arrival but instead on the scholarship award criteria. An early application will enable prompt review and ensure that your application gets full consideration, but only if it is complete.

How much effort should I put into this application process?

You should put full effort into it. Provide all the required information to make your case and strengthen your chances of being selected to receive a scholarship.

Do I have to write an essay for every scholarship I apply to?

While there are many scholarships that do not require an essay component, we do! The BBPA views this as an opportunity to learn about you, the applicant. Refer to the application guide and tell us your unique story.

Is there a limit to the number of awards I can apply for?

The application form does not ask that you target your candidacy to a specific scholarship. This is because the judges will assess your application and your interests, against scholarships with donor-determined criteria. Where you fulfil specified donor criteria you will be evaluated for those scholarships plus you will be considered for all other scholarships which do not have specific donor criteria. In summary, you will be considered for as many scholarships as you’re a fit for.

How do I get a scholarship?

Apply — it’s that simple! Many students assume that that will not qualify, and so they do not apply. Once the application window opens, start applying and ensure that your application is sent in before the deadline to ensure that your chances of acceptance remain high. If approved, the BBPA will contact you about your award.

Are the chances of winning higher if I work hard and apply to lots of awards?

We look for and reward hard work. That will certainly improve your chances. We do not recommend multiple submissions for scholarships. That slows down the process and coveys unprofessional behaviour on the part of the applicant.

When do most scholarships become available?

BBPA National Scholarships are offered at the end of each school year. The application process is typically from May to July. We notify students immediately upon application review and award scholarships as Fall semester begins. Scholarship applications will remain closed until the school year ends.

How can I send other documents if I have already submitted my application?

As a standard professional practice, follow the guidelines of any application process. These processes enable prompt and consistent evaluation of all applications. It is always best to answer all questions and submit all relevant documents and information before sending in your application. Documents sent to us outside our portal, or via email will not be used and your application will be disqualified. Please contact us if you have further questions about this.

My school only sends transcript directly to the asking body. How can they send my transcript on my behalf?

You have the option within your application, to add your academic director’s name and email. A message will be sent to him/her with a secure link on how they can upload your transcript. They do not need to mail the hard copy over to us.

I am a post-graduate student. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. If the program in which you are enrolled meets the scholarship criteria, and your own conditions fit the criteria as well, then you may be eligible. Please note that people completing programs may not apply for scholarships as ‘replacement’ or ‘recovery’ of funds. The application criteria require forward participation in a program for you to be eligible.

I am an international student with a student visa. Am I still eligible to apply?

You are eligible to apply. The conditions of your participation in a Canadian educational institution must meet some reasonable standard of ownership on your part. However, such applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Priority will be given to citizens and residents of the country.

National Scholarship Program - Town Hall Meetings

DATES:

  • May 25, 2023
  • June 8, 2023
  • June 22, 2023

Applications Open: May 15, 2023

Host Town halls: May 25, 2023, June 8, 2023, June 22, 2023

Power of Mentoring: June 13, 2023

Application Closes: July 3, 2023

Notification of awards: August 11, 2023

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS 2023

Our National Scholarship Program (BBPA-NSP) will be open for new applications As of May 15, 2023, until July 3, 2023. Please see How to Apply for what you will need to complete your application. We will be hosting a number of applicant preparation sessions, starting in June 2023.

For the past 38 years, the Black Business and Professional Association has been advancing Black business communities, youths and professionals, to create equity and opportunity for all, so no one gets left behind. Through various programs, the BBPA continues to fulfill that promise.

One of such programs, the BBPA National Scholarship Program (NSP) was established in 1986 and is dedicated to supporting and promoting the achievement of academic excellence by Black Canadian youth through an annual scholarship program. It was borne out of the need to reduce the rate at which Black students drop out of school despite their rising intellect, due to unavailability of funds.

The NSP is managed by a volunteer board of trustees appointed by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) and is operated separately from the Harry Jerome Awards and all other BBPA activities. The NSP is also backed by mentorship programs, HR programs, financial literacy programs, skills training and more, in order to give a stronger foundation to applicants.

The NSP receives financial donations from Corporations and individuals that share its mission to support the education and development of Canada’s future leaders, through assisting Black youth in their attainment of post-secondary education. Donors may contribute to the General Fund, used to fund scholarships and assist us in covering our operating costs; or to the Endowment Fund, established to provide a secure financial base for the expansion of the annual scholarships and to create a scholarship program that can be maintained in perpetuity

Scholarships are awarded in three categories:

BBPA Specialty Scholarships are grouped into two sub categories,

  • The LGBTQ Scholarship, an annually funded scholarship that will be offered for the first time in 2020. The BBPA LGBTQ Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student from the LGBTQ community who wishes to pursue higher education at the college or university level.
    It will be awarded to a student who has completed high school, exhibits academic performance, social contribution and statements of personal need.
  • The BBPA Skilled Trades Scholarship, an annually funded scholarship that will be offered for the first time in 2020. This Scholarship recognizes an outstanding student who wishes to pursue a skilled trade of their preference. We recognize the need to bridge the gap between business and our youth, to promote economic community at the person, industry, and national level. It will be awarded to a student who has completed high school, exhibits academic performance, social contribution and statements of personal need.

BBPA Future Leaders Scholarships, are scholarships funded by the investment income from a grant from the Government of Ontario, well meaning individuals and corporations that donate to the endowment funds. They are awarded to students that are the first in their family to attend university or college as well as other qualified applicants;

BBPA Named or Legacy Scholarships are scholarships funded directly by Corporations or Black Canadians who enriched and continue to enrich Canada with their contributions in the arts, the professions, science, business, technology, politics and other areas of endeavor. This could be established in memory of the selected person, or named after selected Corporation. It is generally awarded to outstanding students with academic excellence, community service and/or special needs.

In 2019, the BBPA awarded 54 scholarships valued close to $180,000. Over the past 34 years the BBPA Scholarship Fund granted approximately 1,150 scholarships to the sum of $4.5 million. We are especially grateful to all organizations and individuals who have made a generous gift to our endowment fund. We thank all our sponsors for their contributions to the education of Black youth through the BBPA National Scholarship Fund.

We believe that no donation is too small to make a difference! We encourage all to donate to the BBPA National Scholarship Fund and help Black youth realize their dreams!

Donations may be made by cheque to BBPA National Scholarship Fund and mailed to the Fund at 180 Elm, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M4 or by calling the Fund at 416-504-4097.

The Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to Canadian students attending accredited universities or colleges who satisfy the eligibility criteria. Please refer to the overall BBPA National Scholarships eligibility criteria.

Sponsored Scholarships:

Xero Scholarship

Xero Scholarship valued at $5000 is awarded to a black student who attends any accounting field of study at an accredited Canadian College or University. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.

Kindred Foundation Scholarship

Two scholarships at $2,000CAD/each per year of enrollment for up to four years starting in 2022. The scholarships will be provided to students studying in the area(s) of mental health or health sciences(priority), or sciences(secondary).

Canadian Medical Foundation Bursary for Black Medical Students

Five (5) Canadian Medical Foundation Bursaries valued at $5000 each, are awarded to Black students who have been accepted to and/or are attending any medical school in Canada. Award is based on academic achievement, financial need, and contribution to the Black community.

Robert "Bobby Love" Izzard Community Leader Scholarship

The Robert “Bobby Love” Izzard’s $2500 scholarship is awarded to a student who emulates Bobby Love’s quest for education and sports. The award is given to a Black student who has life experience in the area of sports and is a resident of the Toronto Community Housing.

THE CANADIAN PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Canadian Public Relations Society Foundation Scholarship of $2500 is awarded to a Black student who attends any three+ year program in the field of Public Relations, at an accredited college or university located in Canada. Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and contribution to the Black community.

THE NED AND MYRNA BLAIR SCHOLARSHIP

The Ned and Myrna Blair Scholarship of $1000 is based on academic achievement, financial need, and contribution to the Black community. It is awarded to a student enrolled in African or Caribbean Studies at the University of Toronto or Black Studies at York University.

THE APW AFRICAN CANADIAN YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

The APW African Canadian Youth is awarded to a Black student and who has a strong desire of pursuing a career as an artist, more specifically in the areas of animations and illustrations. “APW / ACYS” will provide (1) scholarship annually, to be renewed on an annual basis. Each annual scholarship will cover full tuition and provision of supplies. No cash award will be made to the recipient and each Award shall be extended to the recipient for the period of study for one year which the recipient is enrolled.

CONNOR CLARK AND LUNN FINANCIAL GROUP SCHOLARSHIP

The Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group Scholarship is awarded to a Black student and who attends any three+ year program at an accredited college or university located in Canada. A $5,000.00 scholarship sponsored by Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group, will be awarded to a Black student who demonstrates strong academic achievement (80%+ average), financial need, active community engagement, and an interest in a business career. The award can be renewed for the duration of a student’s diploma or degree (up to four years). This scholarship is eligible for students enrolled in a business, economics, computer science/technology, engineering or a related program at an accredited college or university.

CHRISTEEN ROSS JULIEN SCHOLARSHIP (sponsored by Stanley Julien in memory of his Mother)

The Christeen Ross Julien Scholarship (sponsored by Stanley Julien in memory of his mother), provides two $5,000 scholarships per year to students in any program. The student must be entering first-year post-secondary studies, with strong community involvement, academic record, and financial need, in that order. Inspired by the truly remarkable talents and resilience of our scholarship recipients, the BBPA ensures that successful applicants meet its National Scholarship Fund eligibility criteria. Recipients represent the significant positive narratives in the community that are often overlooked. The BBPA and our donors are committed to their success and are proud of their academic accomplishments while making significant contributions to their communities. These young people will be the future leaders that all Canadians can be proud of and we are delighted to invest and celebrate these exceptional scholarship winners.

THE HARRY JEROME LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

(1) is a $2000.00 scholarship sponsored by the BBPA to honour Harry Jerome, an outstanding Black Canadian who was an Olympian, Officer of the Order of Canada and world renowned for his sports achievements. Equally respected for his dedication to educational and athletic opportunities for youth, Mr. Jerome was invited by Prime Minister Pierre Eliot Trudeau to help create and serve as a senior administrator in the Canadian Ministry of Sport. Reflecting this criteria, this scholarship is to be awarded to an applicant 18 years or older who has demonstrated superior achievement in academics, athletics and his/her involvement in helping those who need, assistance or support in the Black community.

THE DR. ANDERSON ABBOTT SCHOLARSHIP

(1) The Dr. Anderson Abbott Scholarship, for $4,000.00, is for a University of Toronto student enrolled in a Health Science program at the University of Toronto. The University established the scholarship in recognition of Dr. Abbott, the first Black medical doctor to graduate from a Canadian university and an army physician/surgeon for the North in the American Civil War. For his dedication and valor, he was given a special gift, President Lincoln’s Inauguration Shawl, by Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of the U.S.
President.

THE ROBERT SUTHERLAND/HARRY JEROME ENTRANCE AWARD

Established in 2008 by Queen’s University in cooperation with the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA),and the former Harry Jerome Scholarship program, to honour Robert Sutherland (BA, 1852), the first student of African heritage to graduate from Queen?s University, Ontario, Canada. As per Queen?s University, the funded scholarship is awarded to a Black student entering the first year of any direct-entry undergraduate degree program at Queen’s University, on the basis of demonstrated financial need, academic achievement and contribution to the community or other volunteer activities.

Application should be made to the Associate University Registrar (Student Awards) by March 1. Value $5,000.00 renewable for three years, providing a satisfactory academic average is maintained each year and financial need continues. Students apply to Queen’s University directly and are chosen by a committee of the Student Awards Office at Queen’s Univ.

THE ALRICA GORDON SCHOLARSHIP

for $2,000.00, (1) is sponsored by Mr. Konata Lake, former recipient of more than one BBPA scholarship. He sponsors the scholarship in honour of his mother, Mrs. Gordon, for her support through his many years of studies. Mr. Lake has asked that the scholarship recipient be a graduate of C.I., C.W. Jeffreys, Emery Collegiate Institute, or of other Jane-Finch at risk? high schools in Toronto.

THE DR. OUIDA M. WRIGHT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

(1) Sponsored by Dr. Leebert A. Wright in the name ofthe late Dr. Ouida M. Wright, who had a lifelong aspiration for higher education and who aided and inspired thousands of young people to make education a worthwhile goal. This $4,500.00 scholarship will be awarded to a female student who has been accepted into a post-secondary degree program in one of the sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology or medicine.

THE MINERVA SCHOLARSHIPS

(4) Sponsored by Dr. Miriam Rossi and Mr. Renato Rossi. The four scholarships, $2,000.00 each, in honour of Dr Rossi’s grandmother, Minerva Williams Senhouse. “For more than forty years Aunt Min counseled under-privileged young people in Boston, Mass. USA.”

SIX BBPA LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS

(6) , each for $1000 – $2,000.00, are sponsored by the BBPA and were established to acknowledge important contributions by members of our community which have enhanced the qualities of our every day life, in the arts, in the fields of law, education, communication science, government, as well as in athletics, research, and entrepreneurship. BBPA Legacy Scholarships are funded by general donations and investment income from the endowment fund.:

    1. 1. The Hon. Lincoln Alexander Scholarship (1) is in honour of the widely respected first Black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who continues to emphasize the need for fairness and equity for all citizens.
    1. 2. The Herb Carnegie Scholarship (1) honours the late Mr.Herb Carnegie, an outstanding athlete who fought against systemic obstacles to be acknowledged as a first rate hockey player. He was awarded the Order of Canada, to recognize his contributions helping many youth overcome obstacles to their success.
    1. 3. The Portia White Scholarship, in the musical arts (1) in honour of the late Ms. Portia White, a renowned opera singer in past decades, who overcame personal obstacles to establish an out-standing musical career.
    1. 4. The Al Hamilton Scholarship (1) honours the late Al Hamilton, journalist, founder of an ethno-cultural newspaper for the Black community, and a respected community activist.
    1. 5. The Beverley Mascoll Scholarship (1) honours the memory of Mrs. Mascoll, a well known and respected entrepreneur who often helped out less fortunate members of our community.
    1. 6. The Hon. Michaelle Jean Scholarship (1) honours the first Afro-Canadian Governor General. After the expiration of her appointment in September 2010, she continues to contribute significantly to humanitarian issues. She was named UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, immediately after her term.
FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIPS

First Generation Scholarships of $1,000.00 – $2,000.00 are available to students whose parents have not participated in post-secondary education studies are granted to individuals who are the first in his/her family to attend university. Students must be residents of Ontario and must meet all other eligibility criteria of the BBPA National scholarships. First Generation Scholarships are funded by an endowment established with the proceeds of a grant from the Government of Ontario.

THE TORONTO COMMUNITY HOUSING / LEADERS OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIPS

Four Toronto Community Housing / Leaders of Tomorrow scholarships valued at $1,000.00 – $2,000.00 each are available to students from high priority neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area who are attending an accredited Canadian university or college.

THE HARRY GAIREY SCHOLARSHIP

(1) for $2,000.00, is sponsored by the BBPA, in honour of Mr. Gairey’s important role as a community activist and his many valuable contributions to the Black community over the years.

THE HUMANITARIAM SCHOLARSHILP

(1) $1,000.00 is for a student at risk of being forced to leave his/her studies due to exceptional financial need and no possibility of other financial help. Sponsored by BBPA.

THE DENHAM JOLLY SCHOLARSHIP

(2) Sponsored by Mr. Denham Jolly, founder of the BBPA in the amount of $3,000.00. The two scholarships are awarded to student who are from a sole parent family or who are single parents themselves and are enrolled a full-time Nursing program.

THE MEJURI SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) is pleased to announce the Mejuri Scholarship Fund, in partnership with Mejuri. This is in line with its dedication to supporting and promoting the achievement of academic excellence by Black Canadian youth. Mejuri is a luxury jewelry brand, committed to serving a diverse customer base and making a difference within their communities and out in the world. They are deeply invested in supporting women and non-binary people in their pursuit of a higher education. This partnership will help achieve the mission of reducing the rate at which Black students drop out of schools due to unavailability of funds.

The Mejuri Scholarship Fund will fund and support Black Applicants who are women or non-binary people, 18 years or older, who display persistence, creative thinking, and a growth mindset in their application and have demonstrated financial need.

Mejuri will award 10 outstanding students who exhibit drive, creativity and ambition, $5,000 each for the 2020-2021 academic year. Mejuri will also support the ambition of other students through a $11,200 donation to the BBPA discretionary fund.

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

BBPA in partnership with the Government of Ontario sponsor scholarships in the STEM field. A scholarship will be rewarded to students who show a strong aptitude in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math and who are studying to become tomorrow’s scientists, engineers and inventors.

The Medina-Morrisey Family Charitable Foundation Scholarships

The Medina-Morrisey Family Charitable Foundation Scholarships of $5000 each are awarded to one Black male and one Black female student who attends any three+ year program in the field of Arts and Science at an accredited college or university located in Canada. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and contribution to the Black community.

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