Town of Ajax Shining Star Bursary
About
An initiative of the Office of the Mayor, on behalf of Ajax Council, the Ajax Shining Star Bursary (ASSB) Program supports the academic futures of underrepresented youth in the Town of Ajax. Bursaries are awarded based on proven financial need and to people who identify as an underrepresented youth - Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour, Person who identifies with an underrepresented group, have a self-identified disability, or are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The $10,000 ASSB program is designed to provide two students from each of the Town’s five high schools with a $1,000 Ajax Shining Star Bursary to pursue higher education at the college or university level or an accredited trades/apprenticeship program. Bursaries are meant to supplement, not replace, provincial government aid programs and a student’s own resources.
The Town of Ajax supports and promotes the value of having a diverse population and understands the varying socio-economic needs of our underrepresented populations. This bursary program endeavors to ensure youth get the opportunity to kick-start their academic journey with financial assistance in order to be given positive access to the education system. The Town of Ajax is proud of the youth in our community who continuously prove to have brilliant thoughts, innovative ideas and perspectives, making the future of our industries one that is optimistic, diverse and inclusive. The Town will also be following up with each recipient on an annual basis for updates on their professional and academic endeavors as shining stars in our community. The town of Ajax is looking forward to awarding ten shining stars annually.
Available
Ten $1,000 bursaries, two awarded per Ajax high school, totaling $10,000 per year.
Eligibility
The applicants must meet all the following criteria to be eligible:
- A resident of the Town of Ajax
- Between the ages of 17 and 21
- A full-time high-school student in good standing in Grade 12 at Ajax High school, Pickering High School, Notre Dame Catholic High School, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate or Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
- Enrolled/accepted in any post-secondary education program at the college or university level or an accredited trades/apprenticeship program with a full-time course load
- Applied to OSAP or if not, please explain within your personal letter
- An underrepresented youth - Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour, Person who identifies with an underrepresented group, a person with a self-identified disability, or part of the LGBTQ2S+ community
Students who are currently employed by the Town of Ajax or who are immediate family members or relatives of Town of Ajax employees or Ajax Council members are not eligible to apply. Being eligible for a bursary does not guarantee funding.
Application Opening and Closing Dates
Launch Date: May 1, 2023
Closing Date: June 16, 2023
How to Apply
Step 1: Write a letter to the Mayor of Ajax outlining the following:
- What are your future academic/professional goals?
- How do your personal circumstances and experiences align with the intent of the ASSB program?
Letters should be double-spaced, no more than 800 words, addressed to the Mayor of Ajax and include the name of the high school you attend as well as contact information. Please note that these are guiding questions, feel free to include further information if you would like.
Step 2: Obtain letter of recommendation from a teacher which outlines your positive character or volunteer involvement or academic achievements.
Step 3: Submit letter and reference letter:
- Electronically through Town of Ajax application portal at ajax.ca/ASSB (Preference)
OR
Mail to: Office of the Mayor, c/o Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Ajax Town Hall, 65 Harwood Ave. S. ON, L1S 2H9
Application Assessment:
All applications are reviewed and assessed fairly by the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator and the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Staff Committee (DISC).
The DISC committee is responsible for recommending finalists to the Office of the Mayor.
All applications are kept confidential and securely disposed of in accordance with our data and collection policy.
All applicants will be notified of final decisions.
Please contact the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at diversity@ajax.ca if you have any questions about the status of your application.
Getting your Bursary
Your enrollment in a post-secondary or trades program must be confirmed before your funding is released.
No funds are released before the start date of your program. Funds will be issued by cheque.
