Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary

Diversity Leadershiph Bursary Banner

Clarington is helping to support the educational and career aspirations of youth who champion diversity and inclusion in the community. The goal of the bursary is to encourage and celebrate young community leaders by alleviating some of the financial barriers associated with post-secondary education.

The Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary provides $1,250 in financial assistance to two students graduating from a Clarington high school and pursuing post-secondary education.

The Bursary aims to recognize youth involved in activities and initiatives that create positive change related to diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility.

In Clarington, our growing diversity is a source of strength and young leaders are at the forefront of shaping a more welcoming and inclusive community.

Applications are open from May 1 to 31, 2025

Apply now!

Eligibility

Clarington residents between the ages of 17 and 21
Full-time high school students in good standing in Grade 12 attending school in Clarington
Be able to explain their financial needs in a personal essay
Enrolled/accepted in any Canadian post-secondary education program at the college or university level or an accredited trades/apprenticeship program with a full-time course load.

Please note: Students currently employed by the Municipality of Clarington or who are immediate family members or relatives of Municipality of Clarington employees, Clarington Council members or Diversity Advisory Committee members are not eligible to apply. Being eligible for a bursary does not guarantee funding.

Assessment

All applications are reviewed and assessed fairly by the Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee, who will select the recipients for the Bursary based on the documents submitted, a short informal interview and reference checks.
All applications are kept confidential and securely disposed of in accordance with our data and collection policy.
Interviews will be held Monday, June 9 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 11 from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
All applicants will be notified of final decisions by June 13, 2025.

Getting your Bursary

Confirmation of enrollment in a post-secondary or trades program must be provided before funding is released.
No funds are released before the start date of your program. Funds will be issued by cheque to the school or the student.
The recipients of the Bursary will be presented with a congratulatory certificate at the June 22, 2025, Clarington Council meeting.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Officer at diversity@clarington.net.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of post-secondary programs qualify for this bursary?

The post-secondary institution and program must be accredited and recognized by the provincial ministry. For example, in Ontario, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities is responsible for accrediting post-secondary institutions and ensuring the programs offered meet specific standards.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) maintains a directory of recognized post-secondary institutions and programs, providing a reliable resource for verifying accreditation.

Can I apply if I’m going to attend school outside of Canada?

The Bursary is intended for students who will be attending a Canadian post-secondary institution.

I attend high school outside of Clarington, but one of my parents lives in Clarington. Am I eligible?

Students must be Clarington residents and enrolled in a high school in Clarington.

I’ve already started my post-secondary education; can I still apply?

No, the Bursary is intended for grade 12 high school students.

Can I apply if I’m an older student or going back to school after a break?

The Bursary is intended for students aged 17 to 21 years AND currently enrolled full-time in grade 12.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You will need to submit:

A 1,000 word (max) essay answering specific questions in the application.
One to three professional, personal or academic references.
Official high school transcript (or unofficial if you have not received the official copy yet).
Acceptance letter for your post-secondary education program.

Do you accept applications in an alternative format because of disability?

If you have a disability and would like to discuss submitting your application in an alternative format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 x 2131 or email accessibility@clarington.net.

Can I apply again if I already received this bursary before?

Students who have already received the bursary are not eligible to reapply.

When and how will you contact my references?

References will be contacted after the interview with the final recipients using the preferred method provided by the reference. Please ensure the references are aware that you have provided their name and contact information.

Will I be able to save my application and return to it at a later time to finish it?

Yes, use the save button at the bottom of the application form to save your progress. You will be emailed a link that you can use to access the application again.

I’ve already submitted my application, but I want to make a revision. How do I do this?

Students can email diversity@clarington.net. The previous application can be withdrawn, and a new application can be uploaded.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

We do not accept late applications.

Who can I speak to if I still have more questions?

If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, please email diversity@clarington.net or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2131