Scholarships & Awards
Description
We recognize that excellence is not always defined by grades alone, but by the courage to keep going, adapt and rise in the face of adversity. To recognize the strength, perseverance, and determination of Black youth navigating diverse challenges, the Lifting Stripes Initiative (LSI) is proud to offer the Resilience & Growth Award.This award honours students who have navigated personal, academic or systemic barriers and continue to move forward with purpose and determination. The selected recipient will be someone who embodies resilience through their journey and shows strong potential for continued growth as they transition into post-secondary education. LSI will award $500 to one student who exemplifies the values of the LSI Resilience & Growth Award.
To apply for the LSI Resilience & Growth Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Race/Ethnicity: Identify as Black/Person of African or Caribbean Descent.
- Academic Status: Be either: a graduating Grade 12 student working toward completion of their diploma or a first- or second-year undergraduate student enrolled full-time
- Post-Secondary Plan: Grade 12 applicants must be accepted into or planning to attend a post-secondary institution. Undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in Canada for the September 2025/2026 academic year
- Canadian Status: Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Person.
- Reference Letter: One letter from a teacher, mentor, coach or community leader who can speak to your character and growth
- Photos- Applicants must provide 1 photos (JPG format)
Description
The Creative Visionary Award is designed to recognize and support individuals whose creative work inspires meaningful change. This award empowers recipients to continue bringing their ideas to life, particularly in ways that positively influence their communities through innovative concepts, designs, and initiatives. It celebrates those who think outside the box and are committed to turning their creative vision into reality, while providing both recognition and financial support. LSI will award $500 to one student who exemplifies the values of the LSI Creative Visionary Award.
To apply for the LSI Creative Visionary Award, applicants must meet the following Criteria:
- Race/Ethnicity: Identify as Black/Person of African or Caribbean Descent
- Academic Status: Be either: A graduating Grade 12 student working toward completion of any program; preference given to those pursuing creative fields (e.g, arts, design, entrepreneurship etc). A first- or second-year undergraduate student enrolled full-time in any program; preference given to those pursuing creative fields (e.g., arts, design, entrepreneurship, etc.). Have a Creative Project or Vision: Applicants must have executed or planned a creative initiative or project that has contributed to social change, community engagement, or cultural awareness.
- Canadian Status: Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Person
- Reference Letter: A letter of recommendation from a community member or creative mentor who can attest to the impact and execution of your creative endeavor
- Photos- Applicants must provide 1 photos (JPG format)
Description
The LSI Community and Leadership Award honors a student who leads with purpose and gives back selflessly to their community. It recognizes those who uplift others, create positive change, and embody the true spirit of leadership through service. This award reinforces LSI’s mission to empower youth to become changemakers within their communities .LSI will award $500 to one student who exemplifies the values of the LSI Community and Leadership Award.
To apply for the LSI Academic Award, applicants must meet the following Criteria:
- Race/Ethnicity: Identify as Black/Person of African or Caribbean Descent
- Academic Status: Be either: A graduating Grade 12 student working toward completion of their diploma, or a first- or second-year undergraduate student enrolled full-time. A minimum academic average of 75%.
- Post-Secondary Plan: Grade 12 applicants must be attending a post-secondary institution. Undergraduate applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in Canada for the September 2025/2026 academic year. A minimum academic average of 75%.
- Canadian Status: Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Person.
- Letter of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a member of the school and community showing your improvement over the past academic year.
- School Transcript/Record- Applicants must submit their previous and current school transcripts and last semester report card. Transcripts must be showing all the courses of the program up to the last term 2025/2026.
- Photos- Applicants must provide 1 photos (JPG format)
Description
The LSI STEM Scholarship Award is granted to support and empower students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, innovation, and a strong passion for contributing to the future of STEM. It aims to provide recipients with the resources and encouragement needed to succeed and become leaders in their chosen fields. This scholarship award is in the amount of $1,000.
The LSI STEM Scholarship Award is proudly sponsored by Danmich Realty Homes.
To apply for the LSI STEM Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Race/Ethnicity: Identify as Black/Person of African or Caribbean.
- Academic Status: Be enrolled in a STEM-related program at an accredited college or university in Canada for the September 2025/2026 school year. Applicants must be full-time students in good academic standing. Currently enrolled in Grade 12 or post-secondary student and will be attending or returning to a post-secondary, trade institution in the 2025/2026 academic year
- Canadian Status: Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Person.
- Recommendation Letter: Provide a letter of recommendation from a Community Leader or School Staff who can speak to your potential in STEM, your academic journey, and your leadership qualities.
- Photos- Applicants must provide 1 photos (JPG format)
Description
The Sustainable Impact Youth Award recognizes a young person who is facing or has faced personal challenges yet continues to show up and support others in their community.
It celebrates a young individual who is working toward a better future, not only for themselves but for the people around them. This includes helping others build stability in areas such as finances, food security, and affordable living.
We believe real impact means creating lasting change, not just temporary help therefore, this award highlights someone who is committed to growing, giving back, and helping others do the same.
The $500 award is our way of supporting their journey and investing in a future where more people can thrive.
To apply for the Wale & Aina Williams Foundation Award, applicants must meet the following Criteria:
- Race/Ethnicity: Identify as Black/Person of African or Caribbean Descent
- Youth between the age of 16-30
- Demonstrates active involvement in supporting others or community impact
- Shows commitment to long-term, sustainable change
- Canadian Status: Applicants must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Person.
- One letter of recommendation from mentor, teacher, community leader
- Optional: supporting materials e.g.photos, links, or proof of impact
- Photos- Applicants must provide 1 photos (JPG format)
- Original Work Requirement:
Applicants must submit original work for the written portion of their application. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or any third-party assistance to generate or substantially compose responses is strictly prohibited. Submissions found to be in violation may be disqualified. - Award Acceptance Requirement:
Recipients of each scholarship and award category are required to be physically present at the event to receive their award or scholarship. Failure to attend may result in forfeiture, unless prior arrangements have been approved by the LSI organizing committee.