The application process for 2018 Scholarships is now open.

Empowered Kids Ontario (OACRS) Scholarship Program recognizes  students who are pursuing post-secondary education or career goals and who have been served by one of Ontario’s Children’s Treatment Centres. 

The EKO Scholarship Award(s) is an annual one-time award. The number and amount of scholarships will be determined annually by the EKO Board of Directors.

Eligibility for Scholarship

To be considered, scholarship applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident/landed immigrant, convention refugee or a protected person living in Canada, as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
• Have received services and/or supports from one of Ontario’s Children’s Treatment Centres;
• Be pursuing post-secondary education at the university or community college or pursuing a career goal that involves a tuition fee;
• Not have been awarded an EKO Scholarship in the past. Students may apply annually as often as they wish however they can only be a recipient once.

Application Process

To be considered, all parts of the scholarship application form must be completed in full and all supporting documentation must be included.

All applicants must submit the following online, by specified date and time.

• A complete EKO Scholarship application
• A letter from the local CTC verifying that the student was considered a client of the CTC.

• Two letters of personal recommendation are required. Suggested ideas include but not limited to teacher, guidance counsellor, school official, church official, coach, mentor, health care provider or employer.

Letters of Recommendation should include:

• Length of time and capacity in which the supporter has known applicant Applicant’s strength of character 

• Applicant’s demonstrated commitment to service

• Why the supporter believes the applicant deserves this scholarship
• A 500 word essay/letter from the applicant.
  This is the applicant’s opportunity to tell us about themselves and why they would be a good candidate for the scholarship. The essay should describe in their own words the following:
• Plans/goals for the future, including career aspirations, what they hope to achieve
• Goals they have set and achieved
• Possible barriers/challenges they have overcome
• Community involvement and/or involvement in extra-curricular activities
• How they have demonstrated leadership
• Any other information that they think would be helpful for the Selection Committee to make their decision.

Applications will only be received through the on-line process provided below. Should you require any accommodations in completing the on-line applications, please contact the EKO Office at 416-424-3864 or contact info@empoweredkidsontario.com.

Applications must be received by the EKO office by the application deadline of Friday May 11th 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Applications received after this date cannot be considered. 

Criteria for Selection

Scholarship recipients are to be selected on an objective and non-discriminatory basis.

Applications are evaluated on a number of factors including:

• Educational goals and direction
• Approach to overcoming barriers
• Community involvement
• Extra-curricular activities
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Quality and relevance of the reference letters

The applicant's essay will play an important role in choosing a successful candidate.

Administration of Scholarship Funds

Each Scholarship Award will be payable directly to the educational institution or career program in the name of the recipient.

Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients

• Return the signed Scholarship Acceptance Form
• Send proof of registration from the educational institution you will be attending
• Use the scholarship in the academic year for which it is awarded 

Submission of an application signifies an applicant's agreement to comply with all stated conditions of the award program. This includes permission to include recipient's name and/or image in press releases and promotional material