SCHOLARSHIPS
BFCN Scholarship Program
BFCN believes that access to education of all forms is important for the continued success and development of youth in our community. Our Scholarship Program is designed to address a few of the gaps and barriers in order to increase access to post-secondary education and support Black students and their families.
The BFCN Scholarship Program consists of three initiatives:
BFCN Scholarship Directory
The BFCN Scholarship Directory is a free, detailed, and up-to-date compilation of 50+ available scholarships, awards, and bursaries for youth pursuing post-secondary education primarily at the undergraduate level. This directory was created to support Black students and their families, educators, guidance counselors, and coaches search, find, and apply for funding opportunities.
Fill in this Google form to share the ones we’ve missed or send us the link at info@bfcn.ca.
If you know of a scholarship, bursary, or award please share it with us. The BFCN Scholarship Directory is a working document and we will continue to update the resource throughout the year as organizations finalize details and new funding opportunities become available. For further information, feedback, or to support the BFCN Scholarship Program, contact Cheryl Yarde at info@bfcn.ca or (416) 566-2731.
BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop
BFCN is currently available to facilitate this workshop virtually with your school or organization. The slides are available below and we encourage you to widely share this important resource with Black students and their families, educators, and schools. We believe that youth have a right to post-secondary education, and reducing the barriers to access is an important part of our work. For more information or to book a BFCN Scholarship Application workshop, please contact Cheryl Yarde at (416) 566 2731 or info@bfcn.ca.
Scholarship Application Tips & Tricks
- Confirm that you are eligible for the award and meet most of the criteria. If you’re not sure, ask, and be prepared to make the case for why you should still be considered!
- Contact the organization if you ever have questions about the application process.
- Prepare in advance and give yourself enough time to complete the application.
- Read the instructions very carefully. One small error can eliminate your application!
- Take note of the due date and time. Does the application need to be received by the date or only postmarked (i.e. in the post office by the date)? Be mindful of any stated submission time (e.g. before 11:59 PM).
- If it’s a paper application, use a black pen, unless otherwise specified. If you’re submitting online and get to select a font, be sure to choose one that is more neutral and easy to read (e.g. Arial vs Pinyon Script).
- Do a practice/rough copy before completing the real application. Proofread 3 times and then send it to a friend to proofread again!
- Write a generic 500 word letter of intent outlining your goals, achievements, academic and career plans. Most scholarships require a letter or essay of some form. If you have a generic one completed, all you have to do is modify it to satisfy the criteria of the scholarship you are applying for!
- The tip above ^ also applies for Cover Letters and Resumes!
- Update your letter of intent, cover letter and resume as you gain new experiences so it’s always ready to go.
- When writing, be yourself and be honest! Try to set yourself apart from others. Don’t just list your accomplishments or activities. Explain them and demonstrate why they make you more qualified and deserving. You got this!
- Ask a trusted professional (e.g. teacher, coach, or employer) to provide a good reference. If relevant, consider asking them to be your reference for the year instead of just one application.
- Give your references enough time to prepare the reference letters. If possible, ask for the letters to be submitted on official letterhead.
- Order a sufficient amount of transcripts, especially before the school year ends. Confirm if official copies are needed for the application.
- Triple-check your application package to ensure all documents are included and in the right order.
- Have a high resolution digital headshot photo ready to go as it is usually a requirement for applications.
- Contact the organization a week after mailing to ensure receipt of your application. If sent online, check in after a couple of days if you don’t receive a confirmation of receipt.
- Have a question? Call BFCN at 416-566-2731 or contact us via email at info@bfcn.ca.
- Know that you are important and worthy regardless of the outcome of your scholarship application!
BFCN Scholarships & Awards
The BFCN Scholarships & Awards were created to recognize outstanding Black students with bright futures as upcoming leaders and dreamers in their communities.
BFCN has a paperless application process for our Scholarships & Awards. We invite eligible students to submit online applications via Google Forms. Please read the directions carefully to ensure that your application is complete upon submission. The deadline for all applications is July 31st of each year. For any questions, please email info@bfcn.ca.
BFCN Congratulates All Of Our
Scholarship & Award Recipients!
Scholarship & Award Recipients
Congratulations to our Scholarship & Award recipients for 2023/2024!
Click here to learn more about the winners!
12th Annual BFCN Scholarships (Undergraduate Level)
Khalil-Najir Miles
Lauryn Yohndo
12th Annual BFCN Scholarships (Graduate Level)
Khandideh Williams
Nashane Ralph
9th Annual BFCN Aim 2 Achieve Awards
Cherish Walton
Re-Anna Ashton
BFCN Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS) Awards –
York Region District School Board
Chad Dume – Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School
Keira Salawu – Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School