*****All post-secondary institutions have their own method for applying for scholarships. Please be sure to check the website of the school you are planning on attending, in order to get up-to-date and current information. We share scholarship information from schools that send it to us, but not all schools actively promote their scholarship information to high school Guidance Teachers.***

Be mindful of due dates, Guidance Teachers do not check school emails on weekends or holidays. If you need to add a Guidance teacher to confirm your SWC status, please add Ms. Davis-Thompson's name and email address: sherrie.davis-thompson@dsbn.org

Researching Scholarships and Bursaries

Research Websites

1) Student Awards: www.studentawards.com

2) Scholarships Canada: www.scholarshipscanada.com

3) District School Board of Niagara: http://dsbn.org/Awards/

4) Yconic (Iconic plus Youth!): https://yconic.com

Finally, check the website of the college / university you will be attending for their scholarships / bursaries.

5) Scholar Tree: https://scholartree.ca

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Bursary and Scholarships

Due Dates: Friday, April 24, by 4:00 pm.

$$$

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara has some incredible bursary and scholarship opportunities for those going to post-secondary studies in the fall. For more information, click on the link below:

Information and Application link

White Family Foundation "Open the Door Program" Scholarship

Due Date: May 1, 2026

$40,000 over 4 years

Each academic year, two student-athletes will be chosen as the recipients of the scholarship award. Previous SWC winners include Charlotte Fowler (2023) and Eva Westfall (2025).

Eligibility:

1. Applicant must be a resident of Thorold, Ontario, Canada for a minimum of two calendar years.

2. Applicant must submit an acceptance letter from an accredited post-secondary institution within Canada for a full-time degree/diploma-seeking program.

3. Applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or athletic coach demonstrating their sportsmanship effort, diligent competition, and academic dedication (does not need to be high school sports: can include community programs like dance, gymnastics, etc.)

4. Applicant must submit their high school transcript.

5. Applicant may be required to participate in an interview with the selection committee.

6. Recent student photo.

Link to more information and the application

Treblaires Show Choir Scholarship for the Performing Arts

Due date: May 30, 2026

$1000

Treblaires Application Link

Niagara Heritage Quilters' Guild Visual and Creative Arts Scholarship

Due Date: May 15, 2026

$1000

The Niagara Heritage Quilters’ Guild is dedicated to the promotion of, and interest in, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Media Arts, Design, and/or Fashion and Clothing Design. They offer a $1000 award to one graduating student who is pursuing a post-secondary program in one of the above mentioned areas.

Other criteria include:

from the Niagara Region
be a Canadian citizen
demonstrate a strong academic achievement in one or more of the following courses: Visual Arts, Graphic Arts, Design, and/or Fashion and Clothing Design.
be involved in school and community activities

For more information and access to the application, please click on the link below.

Brock University Niagara Principal's Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2026

$2500

The Niagara Principal’s Scholarship is intended to recognize two students from each of Niagara’s secondary schools who best demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and an exceptional commitment to school and community. Recipients will be selected by their school principal. Each principal may nominate up to five candidates for the Niagara Principal’s Scholarship, of which two students will be selected. The value of each award is $2,500. We look forward to recognizing highly engaged students from each of Niagara’s secondary schools to continue the tradition of scholarly achievement and contribution to the school and community.

Criteria:

academic achievement (80%+ average)
extracurricular activities beyond the students’ school requirements and/or significant citizenship contributions to their community
financial need may also be considered

Information and Application Link

Branscombe Family Foundation Scholarship

Due Date: May 1, 2026 (SWC has an earlier deadline of April 10, 2026*)

Up to: $28,000

The Branscombe Family Foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in September 2026. Candidates must meet the following criteria:

A graduating student from a publicly-funded secondary school in the Regional Municipality of Niagara
Student accepted to an Ontario-accredited & publicly-funded university or community college and starting their higher learning in the subsequent academic year
The student has an 80% average or higher.
The student must have, or obtain, a SIN#
Student demonstrates financial need
A student who has demonstrated leadership and passion for learning. · Community involvement, such as extracurricular contributions, volunteering, and/or athletic activities are notable attribute

If you would like an application, please see Ms. Davis-Thompson in Guidance

*The school may impose an “earlier” deadline for the return of completed applications to the Guidance Office to deter late submissions.

Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades

Due Date: May 1, 2026.

$20-40,000

Scholarships for Skilled Trades are scholarships for students enrolling in an eligible, full-time skilled trades program at a participating college in Ontario. Ten colleges will award a total of 120 scholarships annually. Each college will award:

Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.

These scholarships will support the costs of tuition, tools, and living expenses.

Every high school in Ontario may put forth up to five student nominations.

Eligibility

Schulich Builders are responsible, hardworking, dedicated people who:

Are Canadian citizens
Meet college admission requirements
Are you enrolling in a full-time, eligible* skilled trade one-year certificate or two-year diploma program at a participating college starting in Fall 2025
Participating Colleges: Algonquin, Cambrian, Centennial, Conestoga, Durham, Fanshawe, George Brown, Georgian, Humber Polytechnic, Loyalist, Mohawk, and Sheridan.

For more information, please see Mr. Bruschke in the COOP office in the library or Ms. Davis-Thompson in Guidance by April 15, 2026.

Graduation Profile

Deadline: Ongoing, you may update at any time up to June 1, 2026.

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards may be selected all year. Potential Graduates are encouraged to complete the Graduation Profile in September and update it as needed. The information in the profile will be shared with SWC staff, and the information will be used when staff members nominate and vote for scholarships, bursaries, and awards. This form is NOT an application for a specific scholarship, bursary, or award: it is only a profile for staff to know all the amazing things you have done.

Graduation Profile Google Form Link