Scholarships & Bursaries

THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE IN 2024

Aileen Lahti passed away in 2008 at the age of 97. She was employed by Prudential Insurance Co. of America until her retirement after 38 years of service. Her sister Gertrude Lahti passed away in 2011 at the age of 97. She worked for 31 years for the Grain Commission. The sisters lived all of their lives in Thunder Bay.

• The Aileen and Gertrude Lahti Family Scholarship are open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.
• Each school is asked to select and nominate the Seven (7) most qualified student for consideration by our Scholarship and Bursary Committee.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

The Arthur Widnall Bursary is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people from the Thunder Bay Indigenous Community, who as a result of economic limitations may not otherwise be able to attend College or University. The goal is to help individuals further their educational pursuits and realize their highest potential and aspirations. Another goal of this bursary is to motivate young Indigenous students to inspire leadership by becoming mentors and role models for other youth (not only Indigenous youth) in the community and help create a bright future for the community of Thunder Bay.

• The Arthur Widnall Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools or students going into an accredited trades program.
• Awards will be presented annually to students from Thunder Bay who have completed Grade 12 and are entering a Post-Secondary Program at Confederation College or Lakehead University.

Eligibility

• The Arthur Widnall Bursary is open to applicants from Ontario Secondary Schools from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to Confederation College or Lakehead University.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.
• Applicants must be of Indigenous descent – Status First Nations.

Doreen grew up in Peel County, graduated from The Mack School of Nursing in St. Catharines and received her Diploma in Public Health from the University of Western Ontario. She practiced public health nursing with the VON in Windsor and Toronto, and then public health in Dufferin County before joining the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Doreen has been an active member of the community as a Girl Guide leader, board member of the Canadian Red Cross, founding member of the Thunder Bay Quilter’s Guild, member of the provincial Psychiatric Review Board, volunteer at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, St. Paul’s United Church, and the founder of the Caring Community Quilters Group. Doreen values education and the importance of making a positive contribution to your community. Bill grew up in Chatham, Ontario, graduated from the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto and had a successful career in education having taught secondary school in St. Catharines before entering school administration. He was principal at both Lakeview High School and Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay before being appointed Superintendent of Curriculum with the Lakehead Board of Education. Bill was appointed the Returning Officer for the federal electoral district of Thunder Bay Superior North in 2000, a position he held until the spring of 2018. Bill has had extensive community involvement including being a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Thunder Bay (Port Arthur), Magnus Theatre Board of Directors, St. Paul’s United Church Board, and the local federal and provincial Liberal Riding Associations. He served as chair of the city of Thunder Bay’s Committee of Adjustment, is an active member of the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group, is a Patient Family Advocate at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, and currently sits on a number of local boards and committees.

• The Bill and Doreen Everitt Family Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.
• Awards will be presented annually to students from Thunder Bay who have completed Grade 12 and are entering a Post-Secondary Program at a Canadian University.

Eligibility

• On alternate years (even years), the bursary will be awarded to a graduate of a Thunder Bay secondary school who will be entering the 3^rd year of a nursing program at a Canadian University.
• On alternate years (odd years), the bursary will be awarded to a graduate of a Thunder Bay secondary school who will be entering the 3^rd year of a concurrent education program or the first year of a post graduate education program at a Canadian university.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need to continue their chosen program.
• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their community through previous leadership and/or participation in activities leading to community building.

Bonnie Moore and her husband Jay Eingold have been supporters of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation since she joined the Board in 2009. Giving to our community through the Foundation is their joy! They created a Fund to give money now to various charities that support youth and are leaving a Legacy Gift in their Will to ensure their appreciation for the work our great charities do is extended into perpetuity.

Eligibility

• Applicants must have worked for, or have been a participating member of, the Boys & Girls Club of Thunder Bay within the last 2 years.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.

Danny was born in Flagogna, Friuli, Italy, on August 24th, 1944. Like so many, he was born into a time of chaos and conflict, and like so many, he ended up traveling half a world away to build a new life in a new country.

Danny was a firm believer in the Community, supporting numerous local charities and organizations. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Da Vinci Centre, where he was part of the founding building committee and later served as President, as well as his efforts and support towards the construction of St. Dominic’s Church.

• The Danny Clara Legacy Fund Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools going into an accredited trades program.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university or college, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.

Cliff Friesen and Susan Jones Friesen have created the Friesen Jones Family Bursary in memory of Susan’s godmother, Mary Balanchuk, former Lakehead educator and retired Professor at Queens University. Susan created the Bursary to support individuals under the age of 29 who have previously been involved in a child welfare service (or currently involved in a service) and who have graduated or will be graduating from high school and pursuing post-secondary opportunities. As a long time educator and advocate for child welfare, Susan felt a strong desire to continue to protect and enhance the lives of youth by contributing to their educational success. Susan Jones Friesen has joined with her philanthropist husband Cliff to established this bursary as a partnership with the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.

• The Friesen Jones Family Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay.
• Applicants who meet the criteria may apply directly to the Foundation through its online portal.

Eligibility

• Must be a student graduating from high school or a youth (up to the age of 29) that has been in the care of or received services from the Children’s Aid Society of Thunder Bay (this will be direct verified with the Children’s Aid Society of Thunder Bay.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university or college, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.

Miss Helen Lilodah Dewar was born in Calcutta, India. Her family moved to Canada when she was eight years old and in 1920, the family moved to Fort William. Helen was a music supervisor and teacher with the Port Arthur Public School Board for many years. She died in December 1989 and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation became one of the main beneficiaries of her estate. In recognition of her substantial contributions, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation established the Helen L. Dewar Scholarship in 1991.

• The Helen L. Dewar Scholarship is open to students only from North Ward schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Nominees must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

Jim and Shirley Symington established the Shirley & James Symington Donor Directed Endowed Family Fund Bursary in 2018 with the goal of assisting young people in our community pursue an education with reduced financial burdens. Jim grew up in Hurkett and Port Arthur, Ontario and Shirley grew up in London, Ontario. Both Jim and Shirley pursued a post-secondary education with Jim earning his Bachelor of Commerce and Shirley earning her Bachelor of Nursing – both receiving support in the way of bursaries. In 1976 Shirley and Jim moved to Thunder Bay and have been a integral part of the community ever since. As a result of their own experiences, Jim and Shirley wish to provide support to students who would otherwise have challenges pursuing a post-secondary education.

• The James and Shirley Symington Family Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.
• 2 awards will be awarded to students in Thunder Bay schools.
• 2 awards will be awarded to students from district rural schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.
• Subsequent Eligibility: This bursary is available to past recipients going into each subsequent year of their post-secondary program. Recipients are eligible to receive up to 3 more awards in subsequent years (totaling 4 years), provided they are in full time enrollment and maintain a minimum of a C average and continue to show financial need. They must apply for subsequent payments to the Thunder Bay Community Foundation by February 15 and satisfy the other requirements by Sept 30 each year.

Created by Mr. McLean’s wife Jean Elizabeth, this scholarship will be awarded to a High School Student enrolling in their first year of Bachelor Education or Concurrent Education at Lakehead University.

• The John A. McLean Scholarship is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to first year Bachelor Education or Concurrent Education at Lakehead University.

Justice Lester was very committed to serving his community especially supporting youth organizations. For many years Justice Lester was the President of Harbour Youth Services. After his passing in 2000, the Harbour Youth Services Board renamed their post-secondary bursary after him. In 2005, the Lester family overtook the administration of this bursary and started the Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Youth Foundation. This Foundation is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for local graduating high school student who as a result of economic limitations may not otherwise be able to attend college or university. This bursary is awarded to local graduating high school students who have demonstrated financial need and outstanding community service. The Justice Ronald B. Lester Bursary is one of the largest (financially) private family bursaries in the Thunder Bay region to be awarded.

• The Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• The Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Bursary is open to applicants from Ontario Secondary Schools from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.

Mrs. Edith Dyke was a graduate of Victoria College, University of Toronto and was one of the first women to practice law in the District of Thunder Bay. Her legal practice was eventually purchased by the firm Weiler, Maloney, Nelson. On November 20th, 1980 Mrs. Edith Dyke passed away at the age of 84. Through her estate she established a scholarship in honour of her father, the late Rev. Joshua Dyke. In 1890 Rev. Dyke founded the Wesley Methodist Church (now Wesley United Church), and in 1902 he also served as the Mayor of the City of Fort William.

• The Joshua Dyke Family Scholarship is open to students from South Ward schools and Matawa Education and Care Centre.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school at St. Patrick High School, Dennis Franklin Cromarty and Westgate CVI.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

June Morgan MacDonald was born in Fort William in 1926. Before retiring, June was head of the Art Department at Lakeview High School, where she spent much of her life helping generations of students to discover and embrace the arts. She had an irrepressible gift for teaching, and her life was filled with a passion for all the arts: painting sculpture, tapestry, music, ballet, theatre, and literature. June established the bursary to support students who are in financial need pursuing education at the University level in the Arts.

• The June Morgan MacDonald Bursary for the Arts & Design is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada or trade certification through the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Applicable areas of study include: Design (interior, architectural, stage, clothing, costume, landscape, urban, graphic or industrial; Music (composition or performance of music classified as “fine art music”); Dance (choreography or performance of traditional or contemporary ballet/dance); or Writing (biography, novel, history, poetry, or scripts for theatre, film, television, etc.). This endowment is to assist students studying for a career in APPLIED ARTS not visual arts.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.

The Tulloch Family bursary was created in 2022 with the passing of Laurence (Laurie) Tulloch. Joanne, along with children Laurence and Nancy, wanted to ensure Laurie’s legacy of civic engagement continued through the support of youth in the community of Thunder Bay wanting to pursue a career in education. Laurie and Joanne were educators in the elementary and secondary systems in Thunder Bay with the Lakehead Public School Board. Born, raised, and educated in Port Arthur, Laurie and Joanne were strong advocates for educators being role-models and active volunteers and mentors in community. Together they believed that engaged youth develop into community-oriented adults. Joanne and Laurie encouraged involvement in sport, recreation, and music by supporting youth in these activities and volunteering themselves. Together they spent many hours coaching, serving on not-for-profit boards, fundraising and being advocates for numerous sport, health, and community-based organization.

• The Laurie & Joanne Tulloch Family Fund Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to first year Bachelor Education or Concurrent Education at Lakehead University.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation is honoured to welcome our newest scholarship award. MNP has created an accounting scholarship in recognition of their partner, colleague, friend, and philanthropist, Paul Fitzpatrick, FCPA, FCA.

MNP is one of the largest full-service chartered accountancy and business advisory firms in Canada. They want to acknowledge a successful career in public accounting that integrates professional success and community support. We feel this is the embodiment of successful leadership which Paul demonstrates on a daily basis in career and personal life. This award will be given to a student going into their 3rd/4th year accounting program at Lakehead University.

Eligibility:

• 3rd or 4th year accounting student at Lakehead University

Requirements:

•  To apply, please download the PDF application: 2024 Paul Fitzpatrick MNP Accounting Award Application

A former Hammarskjold High School teacher Mr. Wilson has created 2 scholarships for students from Hammarskjold High School who show particular interest in the Sciences and who are proceeding on to a Canadian University.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school at Hammarskjöld High School.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a science program Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

In 2006, Mr. Roy S. Rogers established a scholarship fund at the Thunder Bay Community Foundation to honour his late cousin, Ms. Geraldine Ruth Rogers. Geraldine was born and raised in Espanola, Ontario and moved to Fort William in 1951. She attended Toronto Teacher’s College and later received her Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University. She taught at Ogden Street School and Edgewater Park School where she retired in 1989.

• The Roy Seymour Rogers and Geraldine Ruth Rogers Scholarships are open to students from the District of Thunder Bay high schools only (not available to the City of Thunder Bay).

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

The Shirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Scholarship is for a student graduating from a secondary school in Northwestern Ontario who is heading into nursing or engineering in a degree program at a Canadian university this fall. Priority will be given to student(s) with outstanding marks and showing a financial need.

• The Shirley H. & Meredith O. Nelson Scholarship is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• Be a student graduating from high school who is heading into nursing or engineering in a degree program.
• Submit an 800 word statement and answer why you wish to enter nursing or engineering. Please also explain why you need financial support to attend university.
• Have an 80% average at the time of submittal of the application.
• Be attending a Canadian university this fall.
• Have financial need.
• If there are two students who apply in one year and meet the above requirements, then potentially more than one award will be given at an amount determined by Deborah Kraft or her designees.

Leslie Vance worked as a Primary Care Paramedic for Superior North EMS since 1992; she passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at age 38. She was an avid reader, loved to travel, stay active and spend time with family and pets. Leslie had a unique sense of humour and volunteered at the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.

• The Superior North EMS Leslie Vance Award is open to high school students or adult learners with a high school diploma in Thunder Bay and the District Areas
• A total of two (2) Awards will be presented annually and will be awarded to students who have completed Grade 12 or with a high school diploma and are entering a Post-Secondary Program with a career focus as a Paramedic or other Health Care Provider. Applicants require a minimum grade B average academic ranking, strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated leadership skills and must be involved in extra-curricular activities and/or community volunteerism.

Eligibility:

• The Superior North EMS Leslie Vance Award is open to high school students or adult learners with a high school diploma in Thunder Bay and the District Areas
• Applicants must have a minimum overall grade B average of in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian Post-Secondary Program with a career focus as a Paramedic or other Health Care Provide

When the Thunder Bay Community Foundation (TBCF) was formed in 1971, Sue Cochran Simonsen became a founding member. Sue was invited to attend the graduation ceremony at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School and gained an insight into the amazing Indigenous culture through the stirring drumming and singing of the ceremony as well as through the pride of the parents and community as they celebrated the achievements of their young graduates. It was then that Sue recognized the gap between the Indigenous and the mainstream Canadian culture and realized for the future of Canadian Society to advance, this separation had to be understood. As a retired educator, Sue had witnessed the many doors that had opened up to young people as they became transformed by education. Sue knew that the misunderstandings between the cultures could only be breached by education on both sides. She was determined to contribute in some way so that young Indigenous graduates would have the same opportunities as their peers. As such, Sue established the Susan Cochran Simonsen Bursary for Indigenous Students.

• The Susan Cochran Simonsen Bursary for Indigenous Students is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• The Susan Cochran Simonsen Bursary for Indigenous Students is open to applicants from Ontario Secondary Schools from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, accredited by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic performance.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate financial need.
• Applicants must be of Indigenous ancestry.

The Uncommon Woman is an empowerment platform lifting the voices and visions of women as they rise into their personal power, embrace their gifts and make a difference in the world. In this time of great growth and an ever changing socioeconomic climate for women, it has never been more vital that women leaders of the future find easeful and supported entrance into what has historically been the male dominated industries of STEM.

‘The Uncommon Woman Leadership in STEM Scholarship’ is our way of supporting our future women leaders so they can focus more on fulfilling their dreams and less on trying to find their way.

Mr. Pritam Lamba created this scholarship in memory of his wife Veena. Veena died on July 1, 1991 at the age of 47. As a rememberance of her love of art, her love of life and her joy in her family, Pritam Lamba has created a scholarship in her memory. In perpetuity Veena’s name and legacy will live on in this scholarship in Thunder Bay. The award will assist a student to find their passion in art as Veena did.

• The Veena Lamba Scholarship for the Arts is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to an arts program with a preference for painting at Lakehead University.

Victor Stevenson was born in Ontario, studied engineering in the United States and worked his entire career at Can Car (now Bombardier). This bursary was created in his honour and his love for this community and region. He was very concerned about its economic future and how he could make an impact. He was very impressed by the Thunder Bay Community Foundation and wished that this scholarship be administered by the Foundation.

• The Victor Stevenson Aviation Scholarship is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 80% in all Grade 12 credits.
• Applicants must be seeking full-time admission to Confederation College’s Aviation School of Excellence or Flight Management Program, Aircraft Maintenance or Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technician.

Victor Stevenson was born in Ontario, studied engineering in the United States and worked his entire career at Can Car (now Bombardier). This scholarship was created in his honour and his love for this community and region. He was very concerned about its economic future and how he could make an impact. He was very impressed by the Thunder Bay Community Foundation and wished that this scholarship be administered by the Foundation.

• The Hannah and Victor Stevenson Bursary is open to students from Thunder Bay and the District of Thunder Bay high schools.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be in their graduating year of secondary school.
• Applicants must be continuing on to post-secondary education.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.