The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) is Giving Away $150,000 in Bursaries Through myBlueprint
The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) is passionate about supporting post-secondary education (PSE) for all Canadians and believes that finances should not be a barrier to accessing higher education.
That’s why they’ve invested $150,000 to support students in realizing their dreams of attending post-secondary school.
Exciting, right?
We know that post-secondary education is expensive and that equitable access to PSE is an ongoing challenge in our country.
Thanks to CSTF, twenty-five students will be receiving support to help make their post-secondary journey a reality!
Here’s what you need to know.
The $150,000 is being split into 25 bursaries, each valued at $6,000.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible to apply, students must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have completed high school level education (or equivalent)
- Be accepted to a PSE program at an eligible institution in Canada
To access the application form, go directly to Education.myblueprint.ca/CSTF and click Apply Now
Students have until May 7, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET to complete the application form.
From that group of applicants, the myBlueprint Review Committee will review and evaluate eligible applications based on financial need and character.
What do we mean by “character”? We are specifically looking for students that demonstrate resiliency, a commitment to excellence, and community-mindedness.
From there, CSTF will review and evaluate the short-listed applications and determine 25 winners.
CSTF will notify the winners by June 30, 2021.
Once the student is enrolled in a post-secondary program, they will notify myBlueprint and myBlueprint will send payment to their post-secondary institution.
Before Beginning the Application Process
Prior to completing the application form, students should ensure that they meet the above eligibility criteria.
Students will have to complete their application in one sitting, so we strongly recommend that students gather the information they need and prepare their answers in advance. In addition to basic information about the student and their program of study, the application form also asks for:
- An essay on financial need: In 500 words or less, please explain your financial situation and how you plan on paying for your studies. In your response, please provide relevant details regarding your family and personal circumstances, including any current financial challenges.
- An essay about accomplishments: In 300 words or less, please tell us about the accomplishment you are most proud of. In doing so, think about the life experiences that have shaped who you are today and the challenges you have overcome in achieving your education (i.e. financial, personal, medical, etc.)
- A statement about future aspirations: In 75 words or less, please tell us about your future aspirations.
- One reference letter: Please attach one letter of reference to support your application, which must come from an individual who is not related to you (i.e. not a family member) but who knows you and can speak to your character and abilities. The reference letter must:
- Be addressed to the Canadian Trust Scholarship Foundation.
- Explain how the referee knows you, and for how long the referee has known you.
- Explain why the referee believes you are a strong candidate for the CSTF Bursary (referencing your character traits, values, circumstances and/or personal qualities). Note that we are particularly interested in supporting students who show resiliency, community-mindedness and commitment to excellence.
- Provide contact information for the referee.
5. High school transcript (unofficial is fine).
We’re so excited to offer these bursaries. Good luck to all who apply!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I access the application form?
Students can find a link to the application form within the Scholarships tab of their myBlueprint account.
If your school doesn’t have a myBlueprint account, you can still access the application form by visiting http://education.myblueprint.ca/cstf
How much is each bursary worth over what period of time?
Each bursary is worth $6,000 CAD, for one year, and is non-renewable.
Does the student need to demonstrate financial need to be eligible?
Yes. Students must demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible to receive a CSTF bursary.
How will the twenty-five bursary recipients be determined?
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the myBlueprint Review Committee based on financial need and character. CSTF will then review the short-listed applicants to determine the 25 winners.
How is financial need determined?
We understand that everyone’s financial situation is different so financial need will be assessed based on individual circumstances. These bursaries are intended for students for whom without this financial support, would be unable to attend post-secondary.
How is character determined?
We are specifically looking for students that demonstrate resiliency, a commitment to excellence, and community-mindedness. Character will be evaluated based on the student’s reference letter and answers to the essay and short answer questions.
Are these bursaries available to students who will be entering the trades sector?
Yes! Eligible PSE institutions include apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma; college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma; university certificate or diploma below bachelor level; or a university degree.
How will students receive the money?
Students will send myBlueprint proof of enrollment once enrolled in a post-secondary institution. myBlueprint will then transfer the funds directly to the institution as payment on behalf of the students.
When is the deadline to apply for these bursaries?
Students will have until May 7, 2021 at 11:59 PM Eastern to complete the Application Form.
Will the CSTF bursaries be available again next school year?
We certainly hope so. This is a pilot collaboration with CSTF. If there is enough interest and excitement from students, educators, and parents, we hope to continue this for years to come.
How will the winning students be notified?
CSTF will email the bursary recipients by June 30, 2021, using the email address and phone number they provided in their application form.
Do students need a myBlueprint account to apply to these bursaries?
No. These bursaries are designed to help support students across the country in accessing post-secondary education, regardless of if they are a myBlueprint user, or not. If your school isn’t registered with myBlueprint, you can still apply by visiting this page and clicking the Apply Now button.
How will students be made aware of the CSTF bursaries?
myBlueprint will be communicating this information with educators to pass along to their students. Grade 12 students will also see the bursary directly within the Scholarship section of their account, and within a banner on the myBlueprint.ca website.
My student graduated last year but is currently taking a GAP year. Are they still eligible for a bursary?
Yes. All students who have completed a high school level education (or equivalent) and who will be attending post-secondary education for the first time at an eligible institution in Canada are eligible to apply.
