The 2021 Jamaican Canadian Association Scholarship Program will open for applications on April 30th.

Interested in donating to the Scholarship Program? We’d love your support!
Click here to donate and select “Scholarship Fund” from the Allocation list!

PURPOSE

The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) is a registered non-profit committed to identifying and responding to the needs of the Caribbean and African communities. This includes cultural programming, advocacy, education support and outreach on a range of issues. In 2002, a Scholarship Program was established to respond to the educational needs of these communities. The purpose of the Program is to recognize excellence and support access to post-secondary education for students of Caribbean and African heritage who are pursuing studies at an Ontario college or university.

The minimum award value of each available scholarship is $500 CAD.

APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN ON APRIL 30th

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Mailed applications will not be accepted this year. Please apply and submit required documentation via our online process.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please read the eligibility criteria and instructions to ensure that all requirements are met.
Some scholarships have additional requirements – these are noted in their description. Please read scholarship descriptions carefully to ensure any additional requirements are met.
Most scholarships are geared towards students entering or in their first year of studies. Some scholarships are also open to upper year students (e.g., second, third, fourth year) and are noted as such in their descriptions.
Applications for graduate and professional studies (e.g. master’s degrees, doctoral studies, law and medical school, etc.) are not eligible.
Some scholarships are open to international students and are noted as such in their descriptions. If this is not noted, the scholarship is available only to domestic students (i.e., Canadian citizens or permanent residents).
Applications for study at universities or colleges outside of Ontario are not eligible.
Previous scholarship recipients are not permitted to apply for scholarships in consecutive years (i.e., no back-to-back awards). A minimum of one academic year must pass before a recipient can apply for another JCA scholarship. Future applications may be regarded favourably if past recipients have volunteered with the JCA or given back to the organization in some way following their first award.
No student will be permitted to apply for or win more than two scholarships over the course of their program of study.
Only successful applicants will be notified about their application outcome. Notification will take place in mid-late August.
If you have questions please contact scholarships@jcaontario.org
PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, BELOW THE LIST OF AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS.

AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS

Dr. Ezra Nesbeth Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

Dr. Ezra Nesbeth is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto with varied and extensive experience in community and health programs. He has completed post-doctoral studies in health science and psychopathology in the United States. He has worked as a consultant with UNESCO and the World Health Organization developing community health programs for various jurisdictions domestically and internationally. He was head of clinical training at the Clinical Institute, Addiction Research Foundation in Toronto, consultant at the Clark Institute of Psychiatry and Assistant Professor, Community Health at the University of Toronto. He is a strong advocate of self-help and educational programs within communities and the workplace. Dr. Nesbeth donates generously to the Afro-Canadian community and the JCA.

After donating $25,000 to the JCA in 2003 towards the establishment of this scholarship, he formed the Dr. Ezra Nesbeth Scholarship Foundation as a separate entity that would focus specifically on the education of Afro-Caribbean Canadian youth by providing them with one other source of assistance to help offset the increasing cost of post-secondary education. On occasion he personally provides post-graduate support to some students. He has since personally contributed in excess of $400,000 to this cause.

Applicants for the Dr. Ezra Nesbeth Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships must meet the following criteria:

Must be a college or university student studying Business, Technology, Computer Science or Health Science.
Must have completed at least one (1) year of college or university in Canada (i.e., must be in second year or above).
Should have high academic standing (minimum B average).
Should demonstrate leadership ability.
Must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
Should be involved in extracurricular activities within the university, African-Canadian community, or wider Canadian community.
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Should not be in receipt of more than one other award of equal or greater value in the current year.
Must demonstrate economic need, a key selection criterion.
Must have a good understanding of the importance of economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship to the success of African Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area, and elsewhere in Canada (an essay is required for this).
May be required to complete an additional application form (if this is required applicants will be notified).

Dr. E. Nesbeth_Scholarship1 Dr. E. Nesbeth_Scholarship2

Bailey-Donaldson Nursing Scholarship

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.

Black African Museum (BAM) STEM Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students)

Black African Museum (BAM) is an affiliate entity of Visions in Green; a family owned and operated company run by CEO and Curator Angelita Elliott. Visions in Green specializes in providing authentic Cultural Arts, Entertainment and STEM programming through various activities, including exhibitions of African and Diaspora inventors, innovators, scientists, engineers, and trailblazers. The organization also offers the I Love STEM Selfie Center inspiring children, youth, students and the public in their dream career. Ms. Elliott is a business owner, curator, author and community activist who has worked and partnered with various organizations, groups and companies i.e. Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Peel District School Board (PDSB), Toronto Community Housing (TCH), Visions of Science Network for Learning (VoSNL) and others; organized or hosted events like the Toronto Visions in Green’s International Jerk & Jazz Festival 2005 & 2006, VoSNL Annual Science Symposium 1999-2009, Sherehekea Africa Presentations 2005 – 2020. Over its fifteen years, Visions in Green has worked with students, educators and event organizers in providing the best in STEM educational and authentic cultural programming. They have also created and provided jobs and volunteer opportunities for students and young adults in Toronto and the GTHA. Visions in Green is not a non-profit organization, however we make yearly donation to other organizations in the form of discounted or gifted presentations of our various educational, cultural exhibitions and presentations. We have given scholarships to other organizations and are pleased to partner with the JCA to start our own.

This scholarship is open to first year and upper year students, and to domestic and international students. Priority is to be given to STEM students. In addition to standard eligibility criteria, an additional essay is required which demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of STEM to the long-term success and survival of the African Diaspora, and the importance and impact of their chosen educational and career endeavours.

Dr. Lancelot Brown Dental Scholarships

Dr. Lancelot A. Brown has been in private practice since 1992, with a particular interest in cosmetic and implant dentistry as well as dentistry for children. Born in Montreal to Jamaican parents, he graduated from McGill University and served in the military in the Canadian Forces Dental Services (1984-1992), were he was appointed the officer-in-charge of the Royal Military College Dental Clinic from 1990-1992. He held the rank of Captain from 1989-1992. Dr. Brown has been a scholarship sponsor with the JCA since 2004. He remains committed to community involvement by organizing food, toy and book drives in his office and participating in 5K and 10K runs. Dr. Brown also sponsors a scholarship through the Association of Black Law Enforcers (ABLE) and supports his alma mater, McGill University, by funding a dental operatory in their Undergraduate Teaching Clinic. Since 2010, Dr. Brown has been involved with the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE Canada), sponsoring two basic schools in Westmoreland, Jamaica.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, priority for this scholarship is given to applicants pursuing dental studies (i.e., dentistry, dental hygiene, dental assistant). Preference is also given to students with exceptional aptitude in the health sciences and visual arts.

Buchanan Family Scholarship

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.

Carole and John Fowles Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students)

John and Carole Fowles moved to Canada with their young family just over 50 years ago from Carole’s home country of Jamaica, where both John and Carole were teachers at St. Elizabeth Parish’s Munro College. For many years, Carole was a well-respected medical social worker in Durham Region. Even now, she continues to provide palliative support for members of their retirement community. Carole is a recipient of the June Callwood Award for volunteer service and has been recognized both locally and by the Province of Ontario for service to her community. John was the Ontario Science Centre’s Director of Education when he retired after a 20-year career. He is a recipient of both the June Callwood Award for volunteer service and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal. In 1991, John and Carole were part of a team that founded the Durham Region Hospice, an organization committed to providing support to individuals facing critical illness and death. The Carole and John Fowles scholarship award was established by their children in honour of, and as a tribute to, their parents and their lifelong dedication to education and service to their communities.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, priority for this scholarship is given to a female student entering their first year of post-secondary education. This award is open to first year and upper year students, and to domestic and international students.

Dr. Mary Anne Chambers Scholarship

Dr. Mary Anne Chambers is a former Senior Vice-President at Scotiabank. She has served as a member of Provincial Parliament, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, and Minister of Children and Youth Services in the Government of Ontario. She currently serves as Governor of Canada’s International Development Research Centre and a Director of GraceKennedy Ltd., GraceKennedy Financial Group and Grace Foods Canada Inc. Mary Anne has been appointed to the Order of Ontario and has received Honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees from the University of Toronto, York University, Lakehead University and the University of Guelph. Her other awards include a Vice-Chancellor’s Award from the University of the West Indies, a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s Medal of Appreciation.

For the past ten years, Mary Anne has partnered with the University of Toronto Scarborough to sponsor an academic mentorship program for hundreds of middle and high school students. She has also personally funded scholarships for more than 40 students in Ontario universities and colleges.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, priority for this scholarship is given to applicants facing personal challenges, including the inability to secure the financial resources required to achieve their potential.

Professor Erma Collins Scholarship

Professor Erma Collins, B.A., M.Ed., retired from George Brown College in 1998. Of her 32 years of service, 27 were as a Professor of English and five as Chairperson of the English and Liberal Studies Department at the St. James Campus, the first African Canadian to hold such a position. While at George Brown, Professor Collins also wrote Brush up Your English, a textbook for use by students in the Remedial English Lab.

Since retirement, Professor Collins has done stints on Ontario’s College and Education Relations Commission and on the Council for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. A lifelong volunteer who has held many positions in the JCA and other organizations, and a firm believer in the power of education, she readily became a scholarship sponsor in the program’s inaugural year. As well, she sponsors a scholarship through the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association. Through the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE Canada), she has also adopted Norwood Basic School in Jamaica.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, priority for this scholarship is given to applicants attending an Ontario college.

Fay Conville Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is donated in memory of the late Fay Conville. Fay was a devoted member and builder of the JCA for more than 40 years. She was a dedicated volunteer, especially with the Scholarship Committee and the Saturday Morning Tutorial Program. Fay Conville is sadly missed by the JCA and wider community.

Yolande Davidson Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students)

Yolande is a public service professional and member of the JCA Board of Directors who has volunteered with underserved youth for a decade, in addition to her volunteerism at the JCA. She has been recognized as the Peel Youth Justice Committee’s Volunteer of the Year and has also received the JCA Women’s Committee’s Volunteer Award as well as the JCA President’s Award. A believer in lifelong learning, Yolande is a graduate of Queen’s University and York University.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this scholarship is open to both first year and upper year students.

Rosemarie Dolly Memorial Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students)

Rosemarie Dolly was a Jamaican educator and a trained Guidance Counsellor. She taught elementary education for over 20 years and was a school principal when she passed. Rosemarie was benevolent and always open to helping others learn and grow. She founded an evening institute to help adults complete high school level certifications and volunteered in various child and youth organizations. She passed away in January of 2014 and, to honour her memory, preference will be given to students in the field of education.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria and the preference for studies in education, this scholarship is open to both first year and upper year students.

Jay Douglas Scholarship

Jay Douglas first took to the stage in Montego Bay, Jamaica many years ago as a teenager. With over 45 years of showmanship, he has developed a wide-ranging repertoire of American blues, West Indian rhythms, jazz standard, fancy footwork, and plenty of stage charisma. In the early ’60s, Jay fronted tough R&B band “The Cougars,” who, with their skill and verve, lit up Toronto’s Yonge Street bars in the ’70s with soul, funk and reggae. Jay has also made numerous television and film appearances, and earned prime-time support slots for a veritable who’s who of musical legends including Fats Domino, Joe Tex, Percy Sledge, the Drifters, Toots and the Maytals, Sly and Robbie, Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley and too many more to mention. Jay is a Toronto-based performer who has been recognized numerous times for his work, including being a two-time Juno nominee. More information about Jay can be found at www.jaydouglasmusic.com.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, priority is given to applicants who are pursuing studies in music.

Dr. Gervan Fearon Scholarship

Dr. Gervan Fearon is passionate about education and the transformative opportunities it holds for individuals and communities. He currently holds the position of President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University. As well, Dr. Fearon is a visiting scholar at the University of Washington and faculty administrative leader of York University’s TD Community Engagement Centre, which is an innovative, community-based facility designed to improve public access and involvement in university activities and resources. He previously held the position of Dean of Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, and the former president of Tropicana Community Services.

Friends of JCA Scholarship

(For international students only)

This scholarship is sponsored by the Friends of JCA: Owen Dunbar, Rudolph Gibbs, Glenford Gordon and Sylvanus Thompson. Funding was made possible through the annual Elegant New Year’s Eve Affair at the Jamaican Canadian Centre.

Errol Anthony Grant, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Errol (Beast) Anthony Grant, Sr. was a sports coach, activist and Rastafarian man. He developed his love for sports and the outdoors growing up in St. Mary, Jamaica. He immigrated to Canada where he continued his schooling, graduating from Humber College with a diploma in Electrical Repairs. Throughout his life, Errol was involved in sports and became so well-known for his coaching skills, that he was invited to coach various teams in Toronto. Errol then became involved in his children’s sports team. He understood the importance of using sports to help keep youth off the streets, teach them life skills and demonstrate through his actions the importance of giving back to the community. He was also instrumental in the development of the Malvern Men’s Sunday Soccer League, where he shared his knowledge and techniques as a coach and player.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, preference is given to students who demonstrate Black community involvement/leadership, with a focus on social justice.

Tiffany Harris Scholarship

Tiffany Harris is a Chartered Accountant who received a JCA scholarship in 2003 that helped to jump start her educational journey of excellence. Graduating from the University of Toronto with High Distinction in the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Tiffany obtained her Chartered Accountant designation in 2009. She holds the position of Controller, Research Financial Operations for the Hospital for Sick Children. Prior to that Tiffany worked as the Manager of Risk and Compliance for Sears Canada and as a Senior Accountant for Ernst and Young, where she was the recipient of Gold and Silver Awards in recognition of her commitment to the organization’s values and her high quality of work and professional attitude.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, preference is given to students pursuing studies in business.

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Scholarships

As one of Canada’s leading educational institutions, Humber College supports its students through

scholarships and bursaries. Humber, a member of Polytechnics Canada, is committed to student success through excellence in teaching and learning. Humber’s broad range of career-focused programs includes apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and post graduate certificates. With more than 150 programs to choose from, Humber’s 20,000 full-time students and 55,000 part-time students have the flexibility to customize their educational path. Humber students learn from award-winning faculty in state of the art labs and classrooms that simulate working environments. More than 90% of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing studies.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, this scholarship is offered to a Humber College first year student who exemplifies community leadership and maintains a high academic standing.

JCA Past Presidents’ Scholarship

This scholarship is donated by JCA Past Presidents Roy Williams, Herman Stewart, Nehemiah Bailey and Kamala-Jean Gopie.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this award is intended for relatives of JCA members or for students who have volunteered, or participated actively in the organization.

Luann Jones Covenant Funeral Homes Scholarship

Luann Jones is the first Black founder and director of a funeral home in Canada. As the owner of Covenant Funeral Homes in Scarborough, Ontario, Luann believes she was called to serve families and care for their loved ones during times of bereavement, and considers it a privilege to do so. She has worked in the industry for 22 years, graduating from Humber College’s Funeral Services Program in 1997. Luann is also a past JCA scholarship recipient and believes strongly in giving back to her community. She is pleased to be able to pay it forward as a donor in the Scholarship Awards Program.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, priority is given to applicants who are pursuing studies in funeral services. Preference is also given to applicants who are single parents pursuing post-secondary education.

Dudley Laws Memorial Scholarships

These scholarships are sponsored in memory of the late Dudley Laws, a civil rights activist and executive director of the Black Action Defence Committee (BADC). A welder and mechanic by trade, he worked at Standard Engineering Works until he emigrated to the United Kingdom in 1955 and became involved in defending the rights of the West Indian community. He influenced the development and launch of the Somerleyton and Geneva Road Association in Brixton and also joined the Standing Conference of the West Indies and the St. John’s Inter-Racial Club. In 1965, he relocated to Toronto, where he worked as a welder and taxi driver. He joined the Universal African Improvement Association, a Garveyite organization. Laws became prominent in the 1970s and 1980s as a critic of the then Metropolitan Toronto Police Force, due to a number of young black men being shot by police constables, as well as other allegations of racist practices against the police. He was also a prominent advocate for immigrants and refugees, and worked as an immigration consultant in the 1990s. In 1988, he founded BADC following the police shooting of Lester Donaldson.

There are three scholarships in total:

Dudley Laws Black Action Defence Committee Scholarship
Dudley Laws Humber College Scholarship is provided by the Equity Department and is available only to students of Humber College
Dudley Laws Henry’s Records Scholarships, which gives preference for studies related to music

For all three scholarships, in addition to standard eligibility criteria, preference is given to applicants enrolled in studies related to social justice or the trades

Hugh and Ilene Lawson Charitable Organization (HILCO) Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students)

The Hugh and Ilene Lawson Charitable Organization was established with the stated mission of creating expansive, and inclusive educational opportunities for young men and women, that do not have the financial resources to pursue their higher educational aspirations.

Royal Senchi Design Award

(Open to domestic and international students)

This scholarship is sponsored by kydiaz design. In Akan, senchi means “to return”. As part of the Diaspora, one can draw much inspiration when returning to the continent based on its rich culture, ethnic diversity, complex history and beautiful landscapes. The Royal Senchi Resort in Ghana is impressive in its use of traditionally inspired architecture, design and art, which reflects our African history of building places and spaces to live.

In Ontario, many cities are undergoing major physical transformations. What will these cities look like in 5, 10 or 30 years? Where will you live? Where will your parents live? What will the buildings and public places around you look like? Who will design this? You!

This scholarship is open to applicants who are first or second year college/university students and who currently participate in the design of the space around them. Preference is given to students of architecture (building, interior or landscape). However, candidates from other design related fields such as web, graphic or fashion design will be considered. High school students may also be considered.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, applicants must:

Submit a 200-400 word personal statement that outlines your interest in design and answers why design is important to you and why it is important to society.
Submit a single creative piece: a hand drafted or digital drawing (or hybrid), a photograph, or a photograph of artwork or craftwork that strongly represents your design sensibility. It may include a 50 word description and should be in PDF or JPG format with a maximum size of 1 MB (1024 KB).

Safety Diva Canada Award

Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley is a first generation Canadian and child of Jamaican parents, Grace Carter-Henry Lyons and Leithland Lyon. Her mother is the leader and founder of the Heritage Singers Canada, established in 1977. She always took Lee-Anne and her brother (sometimes kicking and screaming) to many community functions and events, where she recalls seeing and interacting with so many examples of Black and Caribbean excellence. All of these positive influences helped Lee-Anne get where she is today. Through this award, Lee-Anne wants to continue serving the community that has given so much to her. She dedicates this award to her mother, The Heritage Singers Canada and her father, for his years of service in the Toronto Police Service.

Lee-Anne established this award to pay it forward to a student interested in pursuing a career in the safety profession. Lee-Anne has achieved one of the highest positions one could have as a safety professional and might be the very first Black safety professional in Canada to hold an Executive Vice President title for a large employer. She is currently Executive Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality at Horizon North Logistics (TSE: HNL), a leading integrated facilities management, workforce accommodations, forestry and modular building service provider. She holds a BASc from Ryerson in Occupational and Public Health, is a (Certified Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), a Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS), and is NEBOSH and IEMA certified. She prides herself in being passionate about safety and sharing her passion with others, including being a regular guest on Season 2 of the nationally televised Steven and Chris show on CBC highlighting simple safety tips at home. She was featured in the Institute for Work and Health’s 2016 annual report and volunteers with Workplace Safety Prevention Services on their Commercial Industrial Services Advisory Committee, with My Safe Work and Threads of Life, which are charities dedicated to health and safety awareness and empowerment. In addition to this, she currently teaches health and safety at Seneca College, previously taught at Humber and Keyano Colleges, and is a director at large for the Women in Occupational Health and Safety Society (WOHSS). In 2019, Dexterra was awarded Canada’s Safest Employer gold award for young worker safety and Lee-Anne was awarded the Women in EHS award from eCompliance. Connect with her on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/lee-anne-lyon-bartley-a9104247

Eva Smith Bursary

This bursary is named in honor of the late Eva Smith, a tireless community worker who dedicated her life to youth concerns, women’s rights, immigration issues, education and community empowerment.

Sponsored by the Eva Smith Achievement Association, this bursary is awarded to African-Canadian students with priority given to single parents and those in the justice system, in addition to standard eligibility criteria.

Judith Spencer Memorial Scholarship

Judith Ann Spencer was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1973. Judith was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College in Kingston, and continued her academic work by completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees at York University. Judith gained employment at St. Roch Catholic School in Toronto. She was the consummate teacher who strived to get the best out of her students. Judith was a student advocate; there was never a student problem that was too small or large that she would not try to solve. She was a community-oriented human being. She volunteered with many community organizations. She devoted a lot of time to the JCA Education Committee, taught in the Saturday Morning Tutorial Program, and served as Secretary of the Scholarship Program Committee for many years.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria, this scholarships is geared towards students pursuing a career in education.

Sunbelle Realty Ltd. Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students)

Sunbelle Realty is a boutique real estate brokerage in Brampton owned by David and Prudence Betty who came to Canada in 2000 and are actively involved in the JCA.

Sunbelle Realty provides real estate services to individuals and companies looking to buy, sell or lease residential and commercial properties. We are staffed with experienced realtors who deliver superb service, second to none! When you choose Sunbelle you choose professionals who go the extra mile to empower you to make the right decision every time. Sunbelle’s principal owner and Broker of Record, David Betty, is a trained Economist, Accountant and Anti-money Laundering specialist with a wealth of exposure in Banking and Real Estate Foreclosures. David goes the distance in assisting his agents and clients to understand and arrive at tailored solutions. Sunbelle works with Appraisers, Home Inspectors, Bankers, Mortgage Brokers and Lawyers to achieve satisfactory results and hassle free closings. At Sunbelle our relationship goes beyond closing.

Our Mission is to foster a culture of life-long partnerships, by providing services tailored to our customers’ needs. We inspire trust through dedication to honest, integrity and transparency.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, priority will be given to applicants pursuing studies in Economics.

Raphaelita Walker Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by longstanding JCA member Gifford Walker, in memory of the late Raphaelita Walker, who died in 2016. Raphaelita, affectionately known as “Aunt Raph” at the JCA, was also a longstanding member who worked as an RNA and practiced her expertise in caring full time for the elderly, while at the same time carrying out volunteer work as a Social Worker to those in need. Her humanitarian commitment and public relations endeavours were excellent, starting in Jamaica, England and then in Canada, mostly at the JCA, where she served on almost all volunteer committees.

Gifford is a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Program of Kingston Technical High School. He also attended the City and Guilds of London Institute, where he obtained a first class in Metalwork. Gifford worked as a pipe fitter and welder with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices for several years prior to his retirement in 1998. Both Raphaelita and Gifford have played active roles in various events at the JCA, including being Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the Annual Children’s Christmas Party.

Nadine Williams Scholarship

Nadine Williams, a native of St. Mary Parish, Jamaica, is an Award Winning Poet, Author and entrepreneur. She credits her success to the humble beginnings of reading under the kerosene lamplight to her family as a child, coupled with being reared by witty grandparents who spoke in parables all the time.

In 2008, she successfully self-published her first book of poetry, The Culmination of Marriage Between Me and My Pen. Throughout the years, she has been actively engaged in many noteworthy events throughout North America and Jamaica. The overwhelming success and demand for the book resulted in the launch of three new books, With This Pen I Do Tell, Pen on Fyah, a children’s book, Love Rocks and ten Black History Month poster poems.

Her accomplishments include being the February 2014 recipient of the Deeds Speak Award from York Regional Police, opening for Mrs. Michelle Obama at a 2017 luncheon in Toronto, and in February 2018, opening for Prime Minister Trudeau at his Black History Month (BHM) event in Gatineau. She has read at Queen’s Park ten times in the last ten years for BHM as well as other black cultural events. She was invited by the UN to their BHM 2018 event at the UN Headquarters for the work she did on her 2017 Black History Month poster, The Fabric of Our Being, in honour of The UN’s proclamation of The International Decade for People of African Descent. Her advocacy work through that poem assisted in Canada recognizing the Decade. In February 2018, The Canadian Bankers Association endorsed her 2018 Black History Month poem, Viola’s 10, which posthumously honours Viola Desmond, and has been using it across Canada to enhance financial literacy in schools.

Her current project is poetry on canvas, which has been used as a tool to support racialized students in Ontario. Permanent installations of her art can be found throughout various school boards, corporations as well as Mount Sinai Hospital. Recently, a sizable corporate purchase was made of Us Women and was donated to a Women’s Shelter. She continues to work on ways of getting out her messages of empowerment, cultural identity, inspiration and violence prevention.

In addition to standard eligibility requirements, first priority is given to applicants who are pursuing studies in the performing arts.

York Regional Police Scholarship

This scholarship is donated by York Regional Police, in keeping with their motto, Deeds Speak. In addition to standard eligibility requirements, preference is given to applicants pursuing studies in policing, the justice sector, or a related field.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates will receive only one scholarship of those available and MUST be able to participate in the Scholarship Awards Recognition Event held each September (see below).

All applicants for scholarships/bursaries:

Must provide proof of status in Canada.

1. Domestic students of African/Caribbean background must provide proof of either Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
2. International students of Caribbean/African background must provide proof of student status in Canada.
Must participate in the JCA’s Scholarships Awards Recognition Event to receive your award, if selected as a recipient. This event will take place in a digital/online format in September.
Be enrolled as a full-time student at an Ontario university, college or other post-secondary institution. Proof of enrollment is required.
Must include a two-page double-spaced essay describing your academic and career goals, life experiences that you feel are relevant to your application, and information about your volunteer or leadership activities. This should include how community/campus involvement will enhance your goals.
Must provide two reference letters that speak to your character, performance, potential as a student, leader, and employee or volunteer. Letters of recommendation may be sent by applicants as part of their application package, or may be sent directly to the JCA Scholarship Program by the reference writer. See below for instructions.
Must demonstrate involvement and leadership in school and/or community activities. You can provide details about this in your essay if you choose.
Should demonstrate strong academic performance or academic progress in high school, except where otherwise noted. You can provide details about this in your essay if you choose.
If you are a high school student, you must provide a copy of your final secondary school report or report card for the last semester of high school. If you are already enrolled in university or college a copy of your most recent university or college transcript is required. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted but the Committee reserves the right to ask for official verification later.
Must demonstrate financial need by providing a statement of your income and expenses for the upcoming school year. In addition, applicants can also provide details of their lived experiences in their essay if they choose.
1. In the income statement, examples of income could include employment income, bursaries, grants, scholarships, gifts/loans from family, student loans, etc. Applicants should include any income source they may have.
2. In the income statement, examples of expenses could include tuition, books, housing costs if not living at home, transit/transportation costs, etc. Applicants should include any school-related expenses they may have.
Must provide a digital photograph (JPEG or PNG format). These photographs become the property of the JCA and may be used for purposes related to the Scholarship Program.

SUBMITTING MANDATORY DOCUMENTS AND REFERENCES

After submitting their online application, all applicants must send their mandatory documents as attachments in one email (or as few emails as possible depending on the size of attachments) to scholarships@jcaontario.org. Please use the subject line “Applicant Name: Documents”.

Mandatory documents that must be included in your application package are:

Proof of status in Canada (JPEG or PDF format)
Proof of enrolment in an Ontario post-secondary institution (e.g., acceptance letter, copy of current enrolment document)
A two-page essay
Students entering first year (high school students): a copy of the most recent high school report card or transcript (JPEG or PDF format).
Students already in university or college: a copy of your most recent transcript. Unofficial transcripts are accepted – your name and the name/logo of your school must be visible.
Income and expenses statement
Applicant photograph (JPEG or PNG format)

Applicants may also include attachments of additional documents that they feel will enhance their application (e.g., news clippings/stories) but this is not mandatory.

Reference Letters:

Two reference letters are required. Reference letters must contain contact information for your reference. The person providing you with a reference can send their letter as attachments directly to scholarships@jcaontario.org or you can submit their reference letters with the rest of your application materials.

For references that will be sent directly to the JCA by the writer please use the subject line:
“Applicant Name: Reference Letter”.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Based on the following criteria, recipients will be selected for each scholarship by the JCA Scholarship Selection Committee.

The decision of the Selection Committee is final.

Demonstrated scholastic ability
The applicant essay
Involvement and leadership in community/campus activities
Significant personal achievements beyond academic ability which may include personal accomplishments in spite of adversity
Financial need
References demonstrating the applicant’s accomplishments
Commitment to career goals and to giving back

Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 3, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.

Completed applications must be submitted via the online application page. Mandatory and supporting documents must be submitted to scholarships@jcaontario.org as instructed.