Last month, 90 students from all corners of Canada convened in Toronto for Loran's National Selections weekend hoping to be named a 2025 Loran Scholar. From those 90 finalists each of whom has demonstrated strength of character, a deep commitment to service, and exceptional leadership potential only 36 were selected.
These outstanding young people were chosen from a pool of more than 6,000 applicants. To find them, we look beyond marks to identify students with a guiding sense of purpose and a commitment to giving back. Starting last October, applicants participated in an in-depth, nationwide selections process, including essays, video submissions, and Zoom interviews, carried out by more than 500 volunteer assessors. National Selections weekend was the final phase. The entire experience is rigorous but rewarding a chance for each participant to grow, reflect, and build connections with other community-engaged youth.
Being selected as a 2025 Loran Scholar marks the start of a new journey of self-discovery, inspiration, challenge, and transformation that lasts a lifetime. Coming from 33 communities across the country including Gwa'yi on the coast of British Columbia, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and many more the qualities and accomplishments of these students are unique. But what unites them as Loran Scholars is their willingness and courage to challenge the status quo, their capacity to collaborate to drive meaningful change, and their dedication to uplifting their communities, whether locally or globally.
Here's a snapshot of what makes the new cohort of students stand out: One scholar is the president of a non-profit that raises money for children in Uganda; another co-created a bowling league for students with disabilities; one started an immigrant cycling initiative in her city; another developed projects to combat financial insecurity in his regional Cégeps; one runs her own calligraphy business; and another is heading to a conference in New Zealand to explore Indigenous initiatives and bring new insights back to the North. The leadership exemplified by the 36 new Loran Scholars gives us hope that Canada will thrive when such values-driven youth are supported as they imagine, explore, and build a brighter future.
The Loran Award gives these exceptional students a launchpad to unlock their potential and empowers them to make positive change in their communities. Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year, leadership-enrichment program, diverse opportunities for experiential learning, financial support throughout undergraduate studies, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors unlike anything else in this country. Offered in partnership with 25 Canadian universities, it is valued at more than $100,000.
For more information, please visit loranscholar.ca.
