Unlock Your Future with a JCA Scholarship

JCA's scholarship program encourages leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement, empowering students to achieve their full potential.

About the Scholarship Program

The JCA Scholarship Program was established in 2002 to recognize academic excellence and support access to post-secondary education for students of Caribbean and African heritage. The program provides financial aid to undergraduate students pursuing studies at Ontario colleges or universities, helping to alleviate financial barriers.

With a minimum award value of $1,000 CAD for scholarships and $500 CAD for bursaries, the program reflects the Jamaican Canadian Association’s broader mission of advocating for and supporting the educational and cultural needs of the Caribbean and African communities.

The JCA
has awarded over 800 scholarships

Applications Open April 2026

The JCA offers a variety of scholarships to support domestic and international students pursuing higher education. Explore scholarships that provide general support or scholarships that focus on a specific program of study.

Here are a few key opportunities:

  • Nesbeth Scholarship

    Eligibility: Students continuing their studies in Business, Technology, Computer Science, or Health Sciences.

  • Dr. Lancelot Brown Dental Scholarship

    Eligibility: Students pursuing dental-related programs.

  • Mary Anne Chambers Scholarship

    Eligibility: Domestic students entering their first year of post-secondary education.

Explore more scholarships to take advantage of these opportunities!

The Program will re-open for applications April 15th, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

To apply for a JCA scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be of Caribbean/African background and provide proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or student status.

  • Be enrolled full-time at an Ontario post-secondary institution (proof of enrollment required).

  • Submit report cards (for high school students) or academic transcripts (for students already attending college or university).

  • Demonstrate financial need (income and expenses statement required).

    Click here to Download

  • Provide a two-page essay outlining academic and career goals, leadership activities, and personal experiences that are relevant to your application.

  • Submit two reference letters covering school, work, and/or volunteer experience.

  • Submit a digital photograph.

Required documents must be uploaded to the JCA scholarship portal before application submission.

JCA Scholarship Opportunities

Dr. Lancelot Brown Dental Scholarships

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Established by Dr. Lancelot A. Brown, a dedicated dentist and community advocate, this scholarship supports students pursuing excellence in education and community service. Dr. Brown has been a JCA scholarship sponsor since 2004 and actively contributes to initiatives supporting education, health, and the arts.

Priority is given to students pursuing dental studies, including dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assistant programs. Preference is also extended to applicants with exceptional aptitude in health sciences or visual arts, in addition to meeting standard eligibility criteria.

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Established by Dr. Lancelot A. Brown, a dedicated dentist and community advocate, this scholarship supports students pursuing excellence in education and community service. Dr. Brown has been a JCA scholarship sponsor since 2004 and actively contributes to initiatives supporting education, health, and the arts.

Priority is given to students pursuing dental studies, including dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental assistant programs. Preference is also extended to applicants with exceptional aptitude in health sciences or visual arts, in addition to meeting standard eligibility criteria.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Dr. Kathy Moscou and Dr. Gervan Fearon Scholarship

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Dr. Kathy Moscou is an Associate Professor and former Dean, Faculty of Design, OCAD University. Her background merges visual arts and health. She has a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a Master’s in Public Health and is a Fellow at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Governance, Accountability and Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Sector, Univ. of Toronto. She uses decolonized frameworks to examine governance, policy to foster wholistic health, inclusive neighbourhoods and equity. As a member of the Solid Black Collective she conducts research exploring the experience of Black creatives, and led the Vaccin8 for the Culture campaign and mentors Black youth.

Dr. Moscou is a mixed media artist & designer whose visual storytelling celebrates Black culture and the Black family. Her background is eclectic and unique, merging visual arts and health. Her work has been exhibited at the Onsite Gallery, Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Brandon), the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto), the M. Rosetta Hunter Gallery (Seattle) and the Bellevue Art Museum (Bellevue, WA) and Wheat City Nuit Blanche and Toronto Nuit Blanche.

Dr. Gervan Fearon is the President of George Brown College and a champion for education. With a distinguished career in post-secondary education and public service, Dr. Fearon has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and fostering community well-being.has a strong professional background in post-secondary education. He was President and Vice-Chancellor at Brock University (2017-2021) and Brandon University (2014-2017), and held numerous progressive roles in post-secondary education, including Dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University; Associate Dean at York University’s Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies; Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington; and as an Associate Professor at York University. Dr. Fearon also has a strong teaching and research record. His career also includes various roles in the Ontario Public Service.

Dr. Fearon is an active community member, serving on the boards of multiple organizations. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013), The Michaëlle Jean Foundation Influencer Award (2017), The University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor’s Award (2020) and several other awards of recognition.

Drs. Moscou and Fearon are passionate about education and the transformative opportunities it holds for individuals and communities.

In addition to meeting standard eligibility criteria, this scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community engagement.

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Dr. Kathy Moscou is an Associate Professor and former Dean, Faculty of Design, OCAD University. Her background merges visual arts and health. She has a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a Master’s in Public Health and is a Fellow at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Governance, Accountability and Transparency in the Pharmaceutical Sector, Univ. of Toronto. She uses decolonized frameworks to examine governance, policy to foster wholistic health, inclusive neighbourhoods and equity. As a member of the Solid Black Collective she conducts research exploring the experience of Black creatives, and led the Vaccin8 for the Culture campaign and mentors Black youth.

Dr. Moscou is a mixed media artist & designer whose visual storytelling celebrates Black culture and the Black family. Her background is eclectic and unique, merging visual arts and health. Her work has been exhibited at the Onsite Gallery, Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Brandon), the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto), the M. Rosetta Hunter Gallery (Seattle) and the Bellevue Art Museum (Bellevue, WA) and Wheat City Nuit Blanche and Toronto Nuit Blanche.

Dr. Gervan Fearon is the President of George Brown College and a champion for education. With a distinguished career in post-secondary education and public service, Dr. Fearon has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and fostering community well-being.has a strong professional background in post-secondary education. He was President and Vice-Chancellor at Brock University (2017-2021) and Brandon University (2014-2017), and held numerous progressive roles in post-secondary education, including Dean of the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University; Associate Dean at York University’s Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies; Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington; and as an Associate Professor at York University. Dr. Fearon also has a strong teaching and research record. His career also includes various roles in the Ontario Public Service.

Dr. Fearon is an active community member, serving on the boards of multiple organizations. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013), The Michaëlle Jean Foundation Influencer Award (2017), The University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor’s Award (2020) and several other awards of recognition.

Drs. Moscou and Fearon are passionate about education and the transformative opportunities it holds for individuals and communities.

In addition to meeting standard eligibility criteria, this scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community engagement.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Carol and Alwin Fearon Scholarship

(Open to international students from Jamaica in any year of study)

This scholarship is sponsored by Carol and Alwin Fearon for an international student from Jamaica in any year of study, with preference given to students pursuing economics, business or a related field.

Alwin and Carol Fearon are graduates of the University of Toronto who have dedicated their careers to education, financial literacy, and community development. Alwin Fearon is a seasoned financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, guiding individuals toward financial stability and success. Carol Fearon is a retired university administrator and college professor who has contributed significantly to higher education through teaching and academic leadership. Together, they share a deep commitment to empowering future generations through education.

Recognizing education as a powerful tool for social and economic advancement, Alwin and Carol Fearon are proud to offer this scholarship to Jamaican international students pursuing their studies at a higher education institution in Canada. They view this initiative as an investment in young scholars who will go on to shape their communities and contribute meaningfully to society. Their dedication to educational access extends beyond this scholarship, as they actively support three schools in Jamaica—two in Clarendon and one in Hanover—through the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE).

Beyond their work in education, the Fearons are deeply involved in philanthropic efforts that uplift communities both in Canada and Jamaica. Their generous contributions to various community causes reflect their enduring belief in fostering opportunities for growth and development. Through this scholarship, they continue their legacy of giving, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented and ambitious students from reaching their full potential.

This scholarship is available to international students from Jamaica only.

(Open to international students from Jamaica in any year of study)

This scholarship is sponsored by Carol and Alwin Fearon for an international student from Jamaica in any year of study, with preference given to students pursuing economics, business or a related field.

Alwin and Carol Fearon are graduates of the University of Toronto who have dedicated their careers to education, financial literacy, and community development. Alwin Fearon is a seasoned financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, guiding individuals toward financial stability and success. Carol Fearon is a retired university administrator and college professor who has contributed significantly to higher education through teaching and academic leadership. Together, they share a deep commitment to empowering future generations through education.

Recognizing education as a powerful tool for social and economic advancement, Alwin and Carol Fearon are proud to offer this scholarship to Jamaican international students pursuing their studies at a higher education institution in Canada. They view this initiative as an investment in young scholars who will go on to shape their communities and contribute meaningfully to society. Their dedication to educational access extends beyond this scholarship, as they actively support three schools in Jamaica—two in Clarendon and one in Hanover—through the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE).

Beyond their work in education, the Fearons are deeply involved in philanthropic efforts that uplift communities both in Canada and Jamaica. Their generous contributions to various community causes reflect their enduring belief in fostering opportunities for growth and development. Through this scholarship, they continue their legacy of giving, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented and ambitious students from reaching their full potential.

This scholarship is available to international students from Jamaica only.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Buchanan Family Scholarship

(Open to domestic students in any year of study)

Sponsored by Stacy-Ann Buchanan and Kenneth Buchanan, the Buchanan family strongly believe that education is an important factor in the further development of their community.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this award is given to a student entering their first year of post-secondary education in a liberal arts or fine arts program. Selection criteria include the recipient demonstrating financial need and having an excellent academic record.

(Open to domestic students in any year of study)

Sponsored by Stacy-Ann Buchanan and Kenneth Buchanan, the Buchanan family strongly believe that education is an important factor in the further development of their community.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this award is given to a student entering their first year of post-secondary education in a liberal arts or fine arts program. Selection criteria include the recipient demonstrating financial need and having an excellent academic record.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Black HR Professionals of Canada’s Marshall Workplace Law Scholarship for Human Resources Students

(Open to domestic students in any year of study)

Black HR Professionals of Canada’s Marshall Workplace Law Scholarship for Human Resources Students (open to domestic students in any year of study) is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Marshall Workplace Law and is hosted in partnership with the JCA’s scholarship program. BlackHRPC is an incorporated volunteer-based not-for-profit organization. We accelerate careers, break barriers, and cultivate networks for our members. We enable career advancement and representation of Black HR professionals and students. We exist to visibly increase and support the culturally engaged Black Diaspora to excel academically, prosper professionally and positively influence the HR community.

We are providing this scholarship towards university/college expenses required to ensure student success. Visit our websites and job board to learn more about BlackHRPC and Marshall Workplace Law.

www.blackhrpc.org

www.marshallworkplacelaw.ca

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this scholarship is open to self-identifying Black students who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees or protected persons enrolled full-time, in any year of study, in a Human Resources Management Program at an accredited Ontario college or university. Preference is also given to students with exceptional aptitude in Human Resources or Industrial Relations.

(Open to domestic students in any year of study)

Black HR Professionals of Canada’s Marshall Workplace Law Scholarship for Human Resources Students (open to domestic students in any year of study) is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Marshall Workplace Law and is hosted in partnership with the JCA’s scholarship program. BlackHRPC is an incorporated volunteer-based not-for-profit organization. We accelerate careers, break barriers, and cultivate networks for our members. We enable career advancement and representation of Black HR professionals and students. We exist to visibly increase and support the culturally engaged Black Diaspora to excel academically, prosper professionally and positively influence the HR community.

We are providing this scholarship towards university/college expenses required to ensure student success. Visit our websites and job board to learn more about BlackHRPC and Marshall Workplace Law.

www.blackhrpc.org

www.marshallworkplacelaw.ca

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this scholarship is open to self-identifying Black students who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees or protected persons enrolled full-time, in any year of study, in a Human Resources Management Program at an accredited Ontario college or university. Preference is also given to students with exceptional aptitude in Human Resources or Industrial Relations.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Bailey-Donaldson Nursing Scholarship

(Open to first-year domestic students)

This scholarship is sponsored by the late Daphne Bailey, Cynthia Donaldson, and Bernice Bailey, who between them, practiced nursing in Jamaican, England and Canada for many years. As longstanding members of the JCA, Bernice and Daphne have contributed greatly to the organization, particularly as members of the Women’s Committee.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, priority is given to applicants pursuing nursing education.

(Open to first-year domestic students)

This scholarship is sponsored by the late Daphne Bailey, Cynthia Donaldson, and Bernice Bailey, who between them, practiced nursing in Jamaican, England and Canada for many years. As longstanding members of the JCA, Bernice and Daphne have contributed greatly to the organization, particularly as members of the Women’s Committee.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, priority is given to applicants pursuing nursing education.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm
Interested in donating to the Scholarship Program? We’d love your support! Click here to donate and select “Scholarship Fund” from the Allocation list!
Interested in donating to the Scholarship Program? We’d love your support! Click here to donate and select “Scholarship Fund” from the Allocation list!

For questions, please contact scholarships@jcaontario.org

Who Should Apply

Domestic and international students who are enrolled in an Ontario college or university and can reflect personal accomplishments, leadership, and potential in their application. JCA scholarship recipients are committed to both their career goals and giving back to the community.

JCA scholarships are awarded based on three primary factors: academic achievement, involvement in school and community leadership activities, and demonstrated financial need.

Important Information

Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted through the JCA online portal by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Choosing a Scholarship: Applicants may only apply for one scholarship. Submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification. However, if you’re not selected for the scholarship you applied for, the JCA Scholarship Committee may consider you for other scholarships based on your profile and application.

Submission Process: Carefully review the list of scholarships to select the one that best matches your student profile.

Complete your application through the JCA online portal. First, create a user login, which allows you to access the portal. After your account is set up, you can proceed with your application. Ensure all required documents (proof of status, proof of enrollment, transcripts, essays, financial statements, reference letters, and a photograph) are uploaded before submitting the application. Once your application is submitted, no changes can be made. Therefore, be sure to read the instructions and review your application carefully.

Scholarship Requirements: Some scholarships may have additional specific requirements. Make sure to thoroughly read the descriptions to ensure you meet all criteria.

Eligibility Note: Most scholarships are intended for students entering their first year of post-secondary education, but some are open to upper-year students. Check the descriptions for eligibility details.

Some scholarships are available to international students. If this is not stated, assume the scholarship is for domestic students (Canadian citizens or permanent residents).

Graduate and professional studies (e.g., law, medical school, master’s, doctoral degrees) are not eligible for these scholarships.

Applicants studying at institutions outside of Ontario are not eligible to apply.

Restrictions: Previous scholarship recipients must wait at least one academic year before applying for another JCA scholarship.

A student can apply for a maximum of two scholarships throughout their studies.

Outcome Notification: Only successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application, typically by mid-late August.

Selection: The JCA Scholarship Committee and the Scholarship Donor will make final decisions, which are not subject to appeal.