You can email us at scholarships@bbpa.org

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the purpose of the scholarship program? The scholarship program aims to provide financial assistance to Black students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

 To be eligible, applicants must:

1. • Be a Black student who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (or have applied for permanent residency or a student/work visa).
   • Be enrolled in an accredited educational institution.
   • Be between 17 – 30 years old at the start of the academic year.

Eligible students must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents, including transcripts, financial aid documents, and a personal statement. Please see ”How to Apply”  for more information.

Applicants need to provide:

1. • Completed application form including:
     1. Academic transcripts
     2. Financial statement
     3. Personal statement
     4. Recommendation letter

 Applications are reviewed by a volunteer selection committee based on the eligibility criteria. The selection is made considering academic record, financial need, and personal statement. Please see “Selection Process” for more information.

The scholarship is worth anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000 annually.

Recipients must:

1. • Submit progress reports annually.
   • Participate in BBPA Mentorship and Financial Literacy Programs.
   • Obtain BBPA Student membership.
   • Attend a scholarship awards ceremony, if able.

The specific application deadline will be announced through various media outlets, including the website, social media, and email.

Upon successful submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email.

Applicants can check their status via the application portal and will receive notifications about their application status via email.

For any questions, applicants can contact the BBPA Scholarship Program team at scholarship@bbpa.org.

If an applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria, they will be informed accordingly.

Yes, an orientation session is held for all judges to ensure they understand the judging criteria and the process for evaluating applications.

The scholarship program is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all applicants and recipients and will not discriminate based on national origin, age, sex, religion, or disability.

The application form does not ask that you target your candidacy to a specific scholarship. This is because the judges will assess your application 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. Consider the following example. Should you be enrolled in the study of music, (i) you will be considered a candidate for The James Massey Music Scholarship, (ii) you will not be considered a candidate for scholarships requiring studies in law, business, science or other donor requirements you do not possess, and (iii) you will be considered for all other scholarships. In the end, all applicants will be considered for many scholarships.

For more detailed information, please refer to the complete scholarship procedures document or contact the scholarship program administrator.

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.

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).

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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.”

(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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 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.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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 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.

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 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.