Indigenous Student Awards

How to apply for these awards

To be considered for any of the awards listed below, students must be enrolled full-time in a George Brown College Program and self-identify as an Indigenous student.

If you have any questions about individual awards or the application process, please contact us at awards@georgebrown.ca.

If you are interested in helping us expand our awards program, please contact the George Brown College Foundation.

Available Awards

Aditya Jha awards - Entrance Scholarship

Aditya Jha / POA Educational Foundation has donated funds for the establishment of the Aditya Jha Entrance Scholarship. The award is available to students in all programs in their first year of study.

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

  • Student must display financial need

Aditya Jha awards - Awards

Aditya Jha / POA Educational Foundation has donated funds for the establishment of the Aditya Jha Awards.

The award is available to all full-time students.

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

  • Student must display financial need
  • Student must demonstrate a professional attitude and interest in culinary arts

Aditya Jha Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Aditya Jha / POA Educational Foundation has donated funds for the establishment of the Aditya Jha Entrepreneurship Scholarship. The award is available to students in all programs in any year of study.

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

  • Student must display financial need
  • Student must display a passion for their field of study and entrepreneurship

Aditya Jha Scholarship

Aditya Jha / POA Educational Foundation has donated funds for the establishment of the Aditya Jha Scholarship. The award is available to all full-time students who demonstrate their passion for their field of study.

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

  • Student must display financial need

BTY Indigenous Student Award

The BTY Indigenous Student Award is available to full-time domestic students at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies. Students must be enrolled in one of the below programs:

  • Architectural Technician Program (T132)
  • Architectural Technology Program (T109/T169)
  • Interior Design Technology (T170)
  • Honours Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management (T312)
  • Civil Engineering Technology (T164)

To be eligible for this award, applicants must self-identify as Indigenous and demonstrate community involvement through various means such as volunteer experience, involvement with the College, and/or their community. Applicants must also be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need.

CCET Sustainability Scholarship for Indigenous Initiatives

Starting in the 2022-23 academic year and ending in the 2023-24 academic year, two (2) awards of $1,000 each will be presented to two (2) full-time students from the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, School of Architectural Studies, or the Angelo DelZotto School of Construction Management at George Brown College

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered full-time student in the Architectural Technology Program (T109/169) OR the Honors Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) Program (T314/T312).
  • Exhibits passion in their field of study.
  • Preference is given to students who demonstrate an exceptional and applied interest in Indigenous heritage and culture as part of their program of study (including but not limited to), i.e. program coursework, co-op/internship, and/or an applied research or particular project.

Certain Affinity Game Developer Scholarship

The Certain Affinity Game Developer scholarship is available to full-time domestic students in two programs at the Centre for Arts, Design, and Information Technology (CADIT).

  • Game – Art (G119)
  • Game – Programming Program (T163)

To be eligible for the award, applicants must exhibit strong interest and commitment to their field of study through their extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and involvement in the classroom. Applicants must also be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

Based on Certain Affinity’s core value to be kind, considerate, and embrace diversity the student must be from one of the equity deserving groups, including but are not limited to those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, those living with a Disability, Female, Sole-Support Parents, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The Experience Exchange by Huge Scholarship

The Experience Exchange by Hugescholarship is available to full-time domestic students in seven programs at the Centre for Arts, Design, and Information Technology (CADIT) and the Project Management program (B415) at the Centre for Business.

  • Graphic Design (G102)
  • Honours Bachelor of Brand Design (G304)
  • Honours Bachelor of Digital Experience Design (G301)
  • Interaction Design (G113)
  • Interactive Media Management (Postgraduate) (G412)
  • Design Management (G401)
  • Interdisciplinary Design Strategy (G414)
  • Project Management (B415)

To be eligible for the award, applicants must exhibit strong interest and commitment to their field of study through their extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and involvement in the classroom. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need.

Preference will be given to students from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour (BIPOC), persons living with a disability, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+.

Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River

The Gunn’s Hill Limited Partnership (“Gunn’s Hill LP”) is offering bursaries intended to promote the success of Ontario’s Indigenous students involved in post-secondary education and job training relating to the renewable energy industry. The Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm was commissioned in November 2016 and is owned by Prowind Inc., the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, and the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. The Gunn’s Hill LP supports renewable energy development in rural communities in conjunction with community co-operatives and Indigenous communities. This type of renewable energy development creates local jobs, provides a boost to the local economy, establishes positive working relationships, and provides educational opportunities for the public, all while supporting community transitions to renewable energy generation. They are very proud of the accomplishments of the Gunn’s Hill LP as well as the partnerships created through this project and we hope to encourage the next generation of Indigenous renewable energy professionals by contributing to education in this field.

Bursaries were awarded for the first time in 2017 (the first year after commissioning) and will be issued annually for the life of the project (20 years). Details of bursary allocation and eligible persons are included below.

Bursary Details

Bursaries totaling $4,000.00 CAD are available annually, to be distributed exclusively to members of the Six Nations of the Grand River.

One $4,000.00 bursary may be awarded to a single applicant or up to four applicants may receive a bursary of at least $1,000.00 each, depending on the number and quality of applications received. The bursaries will be granted to those who are either entering or currently attending post-secondary education or job training in a field related to the renewable energy industry. “Renewable energy industry” shall be broadly interpreted and includes any aspect of the process including, but not limited to: policy development, project development, technology design, environmental assessment, environmental monitoring, construction, electrical, engineering, operation, and maintenance, etc.

Application Details

Application Criteria:
  1. Member of the Six Nations of the Grand River (submit proof of affiliation)
  2. Registered in post-secondary education or job training that is related to renewable energy or related field (submit program details and proof of registration).
  3. Completed Application Form
  4. Submit a short essay (1-2 pages) explaining how your education or training can be applied to the renewable energy industry and how this bursary will be applied to that education, including a brief summary of the costs to be covered by this bursary.

Application form

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2023. Recipients will be selected and notified by August 31, 2023. Bursary funds will be distributed by September 15, 2023, unless otherwise decided by the Advisory Committee.

Additional Information:

Interested candidates must provide the requested documentation along with a completed Application form to the address noted under the Contact Information section in order to be considered eligible to receive the bursary.

Bursary recipients will be chosen by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives of the partners in the Gunn’s Hill LP. The Advisory Committee reserves the right to withhold bursaries if no suitable candidates are identified in a given year, in which case the extra funds will be donated to an Indigenous educational facility of the Advisory Committee’s choice.

Contact Information

For further details, or to apply for this bursary, please contact Carr Villabroza at Prowind as noted below.

Prowind Inc.
201-F  12 James St. N
Hamilton, ON
L8R 2J9

Phone: 905-528-1747
Fax: 866-203-6516
E-mail: cvillabroza@prowind.com
Website: www.prowind.com

Please ensure that the letter, fax, or e-mail subject identifies that the application is for “Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River”.

Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students

The Gunn’s Hill Limited Partnership (“Gunn’s Hill LP”) is offering bursaries intended to promote the success of Ontario’s Indigenous students involved in post-secondary education and job training relating to the renewable energy industry. The Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm was commissioned in November 2016 and is owned by Prowind Inc., the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, and the Oxford Community Energy Co-operative Inc. The Gunn’s Hill LP supports renewable energy development in rural communities in conjunction with community co-operatives and Indigenous communities. This type of renewable energy development creates local jobs, provides a boost to the local economy, establishes positive working relationships, and provides educational opportunities for the public, all while supporting community transitions to renewable energy generation. We are very proud of the accomplishments of the Gunn’s Hill LP as well as the partnerships created through this project and we hope to encourage the next generation of Indigenous renewable energy professionals by contributing to education in this field.

Bursaries were awarded for the first time in 2017 (the first year after commissioning) and will be issued annually for the life of the project (20 years). Details of bursary allocation and eligible persons are included below.

Bursary Details

Bursaries totaling $4,000.00 CAD are available annually, to be distributed to any Indigenous student(s) living in Ontario.

One $4,000.00 bursary may be awarded to a single applicant or up to four applicants may receive a bursary of at least $1,000.00 each, depending on the number and quality of applications received. The bursaries will be granted to those who are either entering or currently attending post-secondary education or job training in a field related to the renewable energy industry. “Renewable energy industry” shall be broadly interpreted and includes any aspect of the process including, but not limited to: policy development, project development, technology design, environmental assessment, environmental monitoring, construction, electrical, engineering, operation, and maintenance, etc.

Application Details

Application Criteria:
  1. Indigenous person living in Ontario
  2. Registered in post-secondary education or job training that is related to renewable energy or related field (submit program details and proof of registration).
  3. Completed Application Form
  4. Submit a short essay (1-2 pages) explaining how your education or training can be applied to the renewable energy industry and how this bursary will be applied to that education, including a brief summary of the costs to be covered by this bursary.

Download Application

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2023. Recipients will be selected and notified by August 31, 2023. Bursary funds will be distributed by September 15, 2023, unless otherwise decided by the Advisory Committee.

Additional Information:

Interested candidates must provide the requested documentation along with a completed Application form to the address noted under the Contact Information section in order to be considered eligible to receive the bursary.

Bursary recipients will be chosen by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives of the partners in the Gunn’s Hill LP. The Advisory Committee reserves the right to withhold bursaries if no suitable candidates are identified in a given year, in which case the extra funds will be donated to an Indigenous educational facility of the Advisory Committee’s choice.

Contact Information

For further details, or to apply for this bursary, please contact Carr Villabroza at Prowind as noted below.

Prowind Inc.
201-F  12 James St. N
Hamilton, ON
L8R 2J9

Phone: 905-528-1747
Fax: 866-203-6516
E-mail: cvillabroza@prowind.com
Website: www.prowind.com

Please ensure that the letter, fax, or e-mail subject identifies that the application is for “Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students”.

Hami Canada Student Scholarship

The Hami Canada Student Scholarship is available to full-time students at George Brown College who are enrolled in a Work Integrated Learning program.

To be eligible for this award, applicants must exhibit commitment and dedication to their field of study and be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need.

Preference will be given to students who self-identify as Indigenous.

For a list of eligible programs, please contact the Awards Office.

Indigenous Student Bursary

The Indigenous Student Bursary is an award provided to self-identified Indigenous students with financial need who are attending postsecondary programs and/or training programs at either Ontario publicly-assisted colleges and universities or any of the nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario.

This bursary was first established in the 2008-09 academic year as part of the Government of Ontario’s Indigenous Education Strategy.

Jean Jordan Assaulted Women and Children’s Counsellor Advocate Endowment

The Jean Jordan Assaulted Women and Children’s Counsellor Advocate Endowment was established by Ms. Beth Jordan in honor of her late mother.  This endowment will provide annual scholarships to students in the Faculty of Community Services and Health Sciences at George Brown College.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a registered, full-time, or part-time domestic student
  • Priority is given to women of colour and Aboriginal women enrolled in the Assaulted Women and Children’s Counsellor Advocate Program
  • Must have good academic standing in the program 

How to Apply:

  • All applicants must apply online through Stu-view.

Métis Nation of Ontario Student Awards program

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) offers a range of support and services for the educational success of all Métis across Ontario. Recognizing the absence of dedicated post-secondary financial assistance for Métis students, MNO initiated a bursary program in 1998. The investments were made at 32 colleges and universities.

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Métis Student Bursary Program provides bursaries to registered students who are verified Métis citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Applicants will be required to consent to a citizenship verification check to confirm eligibility for these awards. If you have any questions, please direct all inquiries to: PSEsupport@metisnation.org.

Please visit the MNO Metis Student Bursary Program website to apply.

For more information on scholarships and bursaries, please contact the Métis Nation of Ontario

Raven Rising Pastry Arts Scholarship

The Raven Rising Pastry Arts Scholarship for Indigenous students has committed to providing one Indigenous student each year $1,500 to help with educational costs.

Scholarship for Aboriginal Students

The Scholarship for Aboriginal Students is available to full-time students across George Brown College who self-identify as Indigenous.

Eligible students will have shared how they have overcome personal and financial obstacles to attend their studies at GBC.

Preference will be given to students who exhibit a willingness to help others and an openness to learn from others (including but not limited to: in-class participation and assignments, co-op, field placements and other work experiences).

Scotiabank and the Scotiabank Bursaries

Scotiabank and the Scotiabank Bursaries have graciously provided $100,000 (100 bursaries at $1,000 each) for Indigenous, Black, and Racialized students.

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

  • Students must be registered in a full-time program
  • Students must demonstrate a financial need

Sun Life Dean Connor Inclusion Scholarship Program for Black and Indigenous Students

The Inclusion Scholarship & Internship program intends to support Black and Indigenous youth in Canada, providing both financial assistance and practical work experience as they start their careers. This Scholarship and Internship aims to help students get financial support, an exciting internship in a global financial institution, mentorship and professional coaching from the management team, and the possibility of a full-time employment opportunity with Sun Life following graduation.

There is a total of up to twenty (20) possible combined Scholarships and Internships to be made available for eligible participants to apply for, with each student limited to one (1) such Scholarship and Internship, although fewer than twenty (20) may be awarded depending upon the number of successful applicants.

The scholarships are $5,000 CAD per year, available for one (1) academic year per applicant and include a four (4) month paid summer internship with Sun Life from May 2024 to August 2024. In addition, the successful recipient will also receive career and professional mentorship from Sun Life during the internship. This comes with support for the successful recipient to identify any future opportunities within Sun Life which may be of interest and to apply for and potentially transition to a full-time role with Sun Life following the internship.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be a member of the Black and/or Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples) communities.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
  • Be entering the second, third or fourth year of their program in an eligible institution (as defined below);
  • Have a minimum cumulative average of 70% (2.70 GPA or B-average) over the last three terms of available marks in their program at an eligible institution.
  • Be legally entitled to work and complete a full-time summer internship in either of our offices in Toronto, Waterloo, or Montreal. As a hybrid organization, employees may at times be permitted to work remotely outside of a Sun Life office and, depending upon the role, this may be available to a full-time summer internship position as well if deem appropriate by Sun Life.
  • If selected, applicants must also pass all required background checks and other prerequisites which may be necessary to work a full-time summer internship with Sun Life. Failure to meet these requirements, in Sun Life’s sole and absolute discretion, may deem an applicant ineligible and/or result in the withdrawal of the Scholarship and Internship.

Questions: 

  • Register here for our Virtual Information Session on September 26th or November 7th. Meet with the Sun Life Recruitment team and ask any questions that you may have. The deadline to apply for this opportunity is November 17, 2023. Successful applicants will be contacted between November and January of 2024

Students can also email any questions to dcis@sunlife.com

The application process is as follows:

1.    The applicant submits an online application via and including:
(a) A 500-word personal essay, or a 3-5 minute video essay in support of their candidacy about the following topic: Tell us about yourself and what winning this scholarship and the internship position would mean to you.
(b) A current, one page resume, including non-curricular activities that could be relevant or important to the applicant for the purpose of this Scholarship and Internship.
(c) Unofficial transcripts of academic records from the applicant’s current program.

2.    The application, including all supporting documentation, must be submitted to SPC no later than 1:00 PM EST, November 17th, 2023.

3.    Documents will be reviewed by SPC staff to ensure all requirements have been met.

4.    Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by email following processing by SPC.

5.    It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all supporting documents have been received by visiting the website to review their application status. If any supporting documentation is not submitted within the specified timeframe, the application may be subject to disqualification.

6.    Account maintenance will be conducted online.

7.    The application will then be reviewed and assessed, and applicants will be notified if they were successful or not. 

The student will need to add awards@univcan.ca to their safe senders in their junk email options so they can continue to receive important messages from SPC.

Supporting Documentation

The supporting documentation described below is required as part of the application. If any of these documents are not received or are incomplete, the application itself will be considered incomplete. SPC will send a final follow-up email to the applicant on November 13th, 2023, requesting any missing or incomplete documentation. Any applicant submitting supporting documents after this date will not receive a follow-up email. Supporting documents must be received by SPC on or before 1:00 PM EST, November 17th, 2023 for an application to be considered.

Personal Statement

The statement can be submitted in written or video format and must answer the following: Tell us about yourself and what winning this scholarship and the internship position would mean to you. Written statements can be up to 500 words or video submissions can be up to 3 minutes in length.

Curriculum Vitae
Provide a copy of a current curriculum vitae.

Transcript

Provide a transcript(s) of all post secondary institutions marks.

  • Note: Recognizing the impact of COVID-19, SPC will accept unofficial transcripts - bearing the student’s name and date - from student accounts where official transcripts are not available.

Documents must be uploaded by submitting an online application or sent directly to the address below by 1:00 PM EST, November 17th, 2023.

Please Note: If any of the requirements noted above are not met, the application will be considered incomplete and will not be considered. Deadline extensions will not be granted.

Tao Solutions

The Tao Solutions Scholarship is available to full-time domestic students enrolled in the Information Systems Business Analysis program (T405) at George Brown College.

To be eligible for this award, students must self-identify as Black or Indigenous, exhibit a strong commitment to community service through their volunteer work, and demonstrate financial need.

TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

Students from the Indigenous community face unique challenges and systemic barriers that can make getting a post-secondary education difficult. So, TD worked closely with AFOA Canada to build a scholarship program that helps meets the unique needs of students from the Indigenous community. The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples will help recipients with tuition, living expenses, and exploring employment opportunities at TD.

How to apply: Students must apply online through the website here: Indigenous Student Scholarships Grants And Bursaries (td.com)

Application Deadline: November 6, 2023

The Tom Janes Bursaries for Indigenous Learners

Tom was the heart and soul of Janes Family Foods from 1970, from the time he started working there as a teenager until 2012, when the Janes family sold the business. Tom was the family ambassador and played a huge role in defining the culture of the company. He was kind, gracious, and genuinely interested in people and their stories.

Starting in the 2022-2023 academic year and ending in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Tom Janes Bursaries for Indigenous Learners will be offering the following bursaries to Indigenous students in need at George Brown College:

Tom Janes Emergency Funds for Indigenous Learners 

This award will assist in offsetting unforeseen costs faced by Indigenous students such as illness, loss of income, and increases in tuition. The funding will take the form of fifteen (15) emergency bursaries per year, valued at $2,000 each.

How to Apply:

Tom Janes Home Visit Bursary (Support to Visit Home Community)

This award is directed towards supporting Indigenous students’ visits to their home community. Many Indigenous students hail from remote communities and do not have the financial resources to return to these communities while on semester break during the summer and on vacation. As such, the funding will take the form of fifteen (15) bursaries per year, valued at $2,000 each.

How to Apply:

Tom Janes Indigenous Student Entrance Scholarship

This award will assist students who are registered in their first year in any full-time diploma or degree program.  The funding will take the form of Eight (8) entrance scholarships of $5,000 each to full-time students that identify as Indigenous.

How to Apply:

  • Applicants must apply online through Stu-View

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

  • Students must be registered full-tiime
  • Students must demonstrate financial need
  • Students must self-identify by statement: "I declare that I am Indigenous to Turtle Island (First Nation, Metis, Inuit)".

Tony Jelenic Scholarship

Mr. Anton Jelenic has donated funds for the establishment of the Tony Jelenic Scholarship. The award is available to students enrolled in the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, in any year of study.

The eligible student must self-identify as Indigenous and demonstrate financial need.

Scholarships, awards, and bursaries listed are subject to change without prior notice, and are subject to conditions as may be set down by the college and/or the donor of the award.