Mayor Shaun Collier and Ajax Council continue to support the academic futures of youth with year five of the Ajax Shining Star Bursary (ASSB) program.
The purpose of the bursary program is to provide underrepresented youth with an opportunity to access post-secondary education and achieve success in higher education.
The $10,000 program will provide ten graduating students across the Town of Ajax with a $1,000 bursary to pursue higher education at the college or university level or an accredited trades/apprenticeship.
Eligible youth must be:
- An ajax resident, aged 17 - 21.
- Full-time Grade 12 student in good standing or graduated in the last year from a recognized Ajax high school (or equivalent).
- Demonstrate financial need by: Applying to OSAP (if eligible), OR
- Explaining financial need in a personal letter (e.g., low-income household, extenuating circumstances).
- Enrolled or accepted into a full-time post-secondary program (college, university, or accredited trades/apprenticeship) starting the upcoming academic year.
- Identifies as Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour, part of an underrepresented group, has a self-identified disability or is part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Ineligible: Immediate family of Town of Ajax employees or Council members.
Interested youth are encouraged to visit ajax.ca/ASSB for more information on the program, including eligibility and application requirements. The deadline to apply is April 28, 2025.
Quote
"As we enter the fifth year of this incredible program, I am proud to see the lasting impact it has had on Ajax youth. Year after year, we witness the growing need for support and the immense appreciation from students who benefit from this opportunity. Our youth continue to excel in their studies, bring forward innovative ideas and shape a future that is inclusive and diverse. I am excited to once again help kick-start the academic journeys of another ten bright and deserving students this year."
- Shaun Collier, Mayor and CEO, Town of Ajax
Quick Facts
- This is the fifth year of the Ajax Shining Star Bursary program.
- The program was developed in consultation with the public and Catholic school board trustees, Principals and staff, the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force and the Town's internal Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
- Bursaries are meant to supplement, not replace, provincial government aid programs and a student's own resources.
- Council is pleased to expand the criteria to include students who have pursued alternative forms of education, including homeschooling.
- Eligibility has also been extended to students who have taken a gap year after post-secondary graduation, as well as Town of Ajax summer staff. All applications will be reviewed and assessed by the Town's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and internal Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
- For questions regarding the program/and or application process, contact the Town's Diversity and Inclusion Officer at diversity@ajax.ca.
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