Paying for Post-Secondary School

1. You are a current or former youth in care in Manitoba (no age or care status restrictions).
2. You have a letter proving that you have CFS care experience in Manitoba. If you need help getting this letter, contact Futures Forward’s Post-Secondary Advisor.

Note: there are no age restrictions on tuition waivers at all participating post-secondary schools. 

Rules and Responsibilities

1. Achieve a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
2. Maintain full-time studies (18 credit hours or 60% course load). Exceptions can be made for folks with disabilities.
3. Must meet with the academic supports at your school, the Futures Forward Student Support Case Manager, and Career Development Counsellor.

1. Check out the program you want to apply to and make sure you meet the program admission requirements.
2. Apply directly to the participating college or university before March 1 so you are accepted into your program at the same time as your waiver. 
3. Apply for full-time studies (at least 18 credit hours per year or 60% course load) or part-time studies for individuals with a verified permanent disability.
4. Fill out the tuition waiver application between Jan. 1 and March 31 every year. Each institution’s tuition waiver application is linked below in “Tuition Waiver Schools”. 

Financial support is provided by a provincial government program called Workforce, Training, and Employment (WTE). You will be connected with a worker called a Career Development Counsellor (CDC), who will help you receive the financial support available to you while you are on a tuition waiver. 

Financial support includes:

• Books
• Supplies
• Living support
• Computer
• Mandatory health and dental fees not covered by your school
• Childcare
• Transportation
• Tutoring

ACC Application (opens in a new window)

ACC offers an unlimited number of tuition waivers and has no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver. 

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete a minimum of 18 credits over the fall, winter, and summer semesters
• Mandatory meeting with an academic advisor
• Student ID card fee

Does not include:

• Application fee
• Parking fee
• Student Services fee
• Health and Dental fee 
• U-Pass
• Technology fee
• $400 deposit

Booth Application (opens in a new window)

Booth offers one tuition waiver total, and you must complete your program within six years.

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete a minimum of 18 credits over the fall, winter, and summer semesters
• Optional meeting with an academic advisor
• No deposit
• Application is free
• Student ID
• Student Services fee
• No deposit

Does not include:

• U-Pass

BU Application (opens in a new window)

BU offers 20 tuition waivers each year and you must renew your waiver each year. The waiver is available for six years total or a maximum of 120 credits.

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete minimum of 18 credits over the fall and winter semesters
• Mandatory meeting with an academic advisor
• Student ID card fee
• Application fee
• Technology fee
• Student Services fee
• Copyright fee
• No place holder deposit

Does not include:

• Parking fee
• Health and Dental fee
• U-Pass
• Courses taken at other institutions for joint programs 

CMU Application (opens in a new window)

CMU offers one tuition waiver total and you must renew your waiver each year. The waiver is available for five years total or a maximum of 120 credits.

What’s covered?

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete a minimum of 18 credits over the fall and winter semesters
• Mandatory meeting with an academic advisor
• Mandatory meeting with Student Services
• Student ID card
• Application fee is $80 and will be refunded
• Student Services fee
• Copyright fee does not exist
• No place holder deposit

Does not include:

• Parking fee
• Health and Dental fee
• U-Pass

MITT Application (opens in a new window)

MITT offers a total of four tuition waivers each year. There is no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver.

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete minimum 18 credits over the fall and winter semesters
• Mandatory meeting with an academic advisor

Does not include:

• Application fee
• Locker fee
• Parking fee
• Student fitness fee
• Student ID card fee
• Student Services fee
• No place holder deposit
• Health and Dental fee
• U-Pass

RRC Application (opens in a new window)

RRC offers ten tuition waivers each year. There is no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver, but you must renew your waiver each year.

• Can complete minimum 18 credits over the fall, winter and summer semesters
• Mandatory meeting with an academic advisor
• Student ID card fee
• Health and Dental fee
• $400 place holder deposit – if this is a barrier contact Futures Forward staff

Does not include:

• Application fee
• Technology fee
• Copyright fee
• Locker fee
• Parking fee
• U-Pass
• Student fitness fee
• Student Services fee

UCN Application (opens in a new window)

UCN offers five tuition waivers each year and has no time limit on how long you can remain on your waiver, but you must renew your waiver each year. The waiver is available for six years total or maximum 120 credits.

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete minimum 18 credits over the fall and winter semesters
• Optional meeting with an academic advisor
• Student ID card fee
• Application fee
• Technology fee
• Student Services fee
• Copyright fee
• No place holder deposit

Does not include:

• Parking fee
• Health and Dental fee
• U-Pass

USB Application (opens in a new window)

USB offers five tuition waivers each year. The length of the waiver depends on the length of your program and maxes out at 120 credits. You must renew your waiver each year.

A 2-year program will need to be completed in 3 years;

A 3-year program will need to be completed in 5 years;

A 4-year program will need to be completed in 6 years.

• Full tuition per calendar year
• Can complete minimum of 18 credits over the fall, winter, and summer semesters
• Optional meeting with an academic advisor
• Technology Fee
• Student Services fee
• Health and Dental fee

Does not include:

• Application fee
• Copyright fee
• Parking fee
• Student ID card fee
• U-Pass

UM Application (opens in a new window)

UM offers ten tuition waivers per year. The tuition-waiver must be renewed each year and is available for four years total.

• $5,000 for tuition per calendar year
• Can complete minimum 18 credits over the fall and winter semesters
• Student fitness fee
• Student ID card fee
• Student Services fee
• No deposit
• Health and Dental fee
• U-Pass

Does not include:

• Application fee
• Locker fee
• Parking fee

UW Application (opens in a new window)

UW offers 30 tuition waivers in total, which means the yearly availability will change based on how many students graduate or drop from the program the year prior. On average, 3-7 spots open each year. You must renew your waiver each year and must complete your program within six years.

• 54 academic credits per year
• Can complete minimum 18 credits over the fall, winter and summer semesters
• Student fitness fee
• Student Services fee
• Mandatory meeting with an academic advisor
• No place holder deposit

Does not include:

• Application fee
• Student ID card fee
• Copyright fee
• Locker fee
• Parking fee
• Health and Dental fee
• U-Pass

Here is a to-do list that needs to be done before classes start:

1. Wait for a letter from your college or university informing you that you received a tuition waiver. This will come by email or mail. Check your junk folder often.
2. Contact the Student Support Case Manager (SSCM) and sign up to get money for rent, books, supplies, transportation, and other benefits.  Tell them you have received a letter from the school saying you received a tuition waiver.
3. Collect important documents for your appointment with the SSCM. If you can’t find all of these you will get help in your appointment to find them.
   • • Budget (income and expenses)
     • Letter of acceptance to the post-secondary school program you applied for
     • Course registration/ class schedule
     • Tuition, books and supplies information
     • Direct Deposit information
     • Tuition-waiver acceptance letter
4. Attend an appointment with the SSCM. At this appointment, you will discuss Workforce Training and Employment (WTE), provide your documents and provided forms to sign. WTE is a government program that provides you with financial support while on your tuition waiver. Once your application is complete you will receive an email from a CDC for your first appointment.
5. Make an appointment and meet with Student Services if you are going to the following schools:
   • • Assiniboine Community College
     • Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology
     • University of Winnipeg
     • Red River College Polytechnic
     • Canadian Mennonite University
     • Booth University College
     • Brandon University
6. Make an appointment and meet with an Academic Advisor if you are going to the following schools:
   • • Assiniboine Community College
     • Booth University College
     • Brandon University
     • Canadian Mennonite University
     • Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology
     • Red River College Polytechnic
     • University of Winnipeg
7. Meet with the Career Development Counsellor (CDC). Soon after you complete your application for WTE, you will receive an email with the name, contact information and appointment time with your CDC.

• • In this meeting, you will be asked to complete a participant agreement. This will have to be signed in order to receive payments. Don’t have a printer? Ask for it to be mailed to you. In this agreement, you will discuss your needs like books, supplies, transportation, and childcare. 
• You can complete steps 4, 5 and 6 at the same time or at your own pace.

Missing any of these steps could result in your waiver being cancelled. 

Some of the supports you are entitled to when you are receiving a tuition waiver and WTE funding including: 

• • • Living costs such as rent, groceries, and bills.
    • Textbooks and Supplies. You will be asked to provide a books and supplies list. 
    • Bus pass or mileage. If you can bus to school, the program will cover that cost. They will also provide a very small mileage allowance for folks who can only drive to school
    • Mandatory Health Plans. You will be asked to pay this first and get reimbursed.
    • Internet is available to those who require online classes
    • Childcare is available for students with children needing after-school or daycare so they can attend classes.
    • Tutoring could be reimbursed if approved by your CDC

Other things to know about the WTE program for tuition waiver students:

• • • This money is taxable income unless you are receiving an AYA (opens in new window).
    • You will have to find a second source of income, as the WTE payments will not cover all your expenses. For a single person, you will receive approximately $835 per month, after taxes. 
    • When school ends, you are entitled to four weeks to look for employment. This includes summer break.
    • If you take a minimum of 1 course over the summer related to your program you can continue receiving this support.
    • If you are not in school the expectation is that you will look for work unless your school break is  4 weeks or less. 
    • If you are on EI or EIA you will be asked to provide your worker’s information. If you are eligible for EI, you will be provided the option to activate your EI (which is often more money). However, should you quit school you will not be eligible to reapply for EI. 
    • You can receive this money and Band funding and not have money deducted from WTE. 

School has started, now what?

1. If anything changes, you need to let the SSCM know. This includes circumstances like dropping classes, catching a long illness, failing tests or papers, or a change in your family structure (eg. having a child). All these things can impact your waiver, including additional support. 
2. Check in with your CDC after your midterms and at the end of each semester. 
3. Check in with your academic advisor if you are struggling. The resources that schools offer might surprise you. 

This scholarship is provided by StudentScholarships.org (opens in new window).

Eligibility

Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall.

How to Apply

In order to apply for the scholarship follow these instructions:

Go to www.facebook.com/myscholarships (opens in new window) and place a comment on any post you see answering the question: In 10 words or less, tell them why you deserve the $1,000 scholarship. 

Before or after writing your answer you will also need to “Like” their Facebook page. Note they will only read the answers provided by people that have “Liked” their page. 

How much you could receive 

• $1,000 

This bursary is not guaranteed. Futures Forward helps collect applications for the Manitoba government which funds and chooses applicants. The government typically makes announcements about this bursary between March-May each year, but this can vary from year to year.

Eligibility  

• • Currently or previously in the care of a Manitoba Child and Family Services agency, and 
  • Currently a student at a recognized post-secondary institution in Manitoba, unless your program is not offered in the province
  • Full-time and part-time students are eligible 

How much you could receive 

• • Up to $10,000 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses 
  • School costs  
  • Tuition 
  • Books 
  • Other expenses 

Application availability and deadline 

Not currently open.

How to apply 

1. Gather important documents:
   • • Unofficial transcript from your last or current semester
     • Proof of care (for first-time applicants only) 
2. Prepare a budget that includes income and expenses 
3. Prepare your short-answer statements for the following required questions:
   • • Why have you chosen your post-secondary program or field of study?
     • What are your career goals and why?
     • Who are some of the individuals supporting your educational goals?
     • Are there programs or services that have helped you? (optional)

Eligibility 

• • Demonstrate financial need 
  • Be a current or former BCG member for a minimum of one year 
  • Be registered at a post-secondary program for the school year.  

How much you could receive 

• • BCG Winnipeg bursary: $3,000 
  • Pay-it-forward bursary: $2,000 
  • Eric and Carol Johnson bursary: $32,000 

• • Friends of Winnipeg Youth awards: $1,000 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.) 
  • School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 

How to apply 

• Visit the BGC Website for more information.

Eligibility:  

To be eligible you must: 

• • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person in Canada 
  • Have completed high school education, or equivalent
  • Be accepted to a post-secondary program at an eligible institution in Canada
  • Demonstrate financial need 
  • Be the first generation in your family to attend post-secondary education 

How much you could receive 

• • $6,000 

Deadline

• • April 14

What does it cover 

• • School costs (tuition, books, etc.) 
  • Living expenses 

How to apply 

• • Find the application on their website (opens in new window)

Eligibility: 

• • • A permanent ward for at least 12 months 
    • Aged out of care at the age of majority 
    • are/were eligible for an Agreement with Young Adults (AYA)/ Extension of care 
    • Under 26 years of age at the start of their program, or under 30 years of age if they have received scholarship or bursary funding from the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada for the same program in previous years 
    • Registered at or planning to attend school either full or part-time year at an accredited post-secondary school 

How much you could receive: 

• Up to $2,000 for full-time students 
• Up to $200 for part-time students 

What does it cover? 

• Living expenses 
• School costs 

Application dates 

Opens in August  

How to apply? 

1. 1. Get important documents:
      • • Letter confirming you were in care, the dates you were care and your care status from your CFS office.
        • Your most recent transcript. An unofficial transcript is accepted for current students.  
   2. Apply (opens in a new window) and upload the required documents.  

Eligibility 

• • A permanent ward for at least 12 months
  • You aged out of care
  • Are/were eligible for an Agreement with Young Adults (AYA)/ Extension of care
  • Between 18-30 years old at the start of your program 
  • Full-time student, unless on a reduced schedule due to accommodation 

How much you could receive 

• $2,500-$5,000 

What does it cover? 

• School costs 

Application Deadline 

Monday March 13, 2023 

How to apply 

1. Get important documents 
   • • Letter confirming you were in care, the dates you were care and your care status from your CFS office.
     • Transcript. An unofficial transcript is accepted for current students.  
2. Apply for a scholarship through the online application (opens in new window) system.
3. Apply and upload the required documents.

Eligibility

• • Enrolled full-time
  • First or second year of a multi-year program at a CICan member institution (opens in new window)  
  • The student must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, permanent resident, or protected person. 
  • Students must contact the registrar’s office of the college or institute where they are enrolled by September in order to express their interest and justify their need for financial support. 

How much you could receive 

• • Up to $5,000 

Application Deadline

• • October

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.) 
  • School costs (Books, tuition, etc.) 

How to apply

• • Complete the application (opens in a new window) before submitting. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the Arctic Chiropractic “Got a Spine Scholarship” a student must: 

• • Be attending college or university no later than October. 
  • Be attending college or university on a full-time basis by October. 
  • Have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year. 
  • Be a U.S. or Canadian resident.
  • Be attending a school in the U.S. or Canada by October. 
  • Submit answers to the essay questions no later than 11:59 PM EST on the day of the deadline.

*Note that you can be enrolled in any field of study 

How much you could receive 

• • $500 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses (bills, transportation, etc.) 
  • School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 

How to apply 

1. Register online (opens in a new window)
2. Complete the application and submit it.

Eligibility 

• • Have completed high school (or earned high school equivalency credential) by Spring
  • Be enrolled in a 3-year or less career or technical degree/certificate program in Fall that will lead to employment
  • Demonstrate critical financial need 
  • Demonstrate perseverance in overcoming adversity 
  • Be under the age of 30 
  • Be a Canadian citizen 

How much you could receive 

• • $3,000 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses 
  • School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 

How to apply 

• 1. Complete the application (opens in a new window) before submitting.

Eligibility

• • Grades are 85-100% 
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident 

How much you could receive 

• • $2,000 

What does it cover? 

• • School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 

How to apply 

1. Get a copy of your most recent transcript.
2. Write a short essay on your relationship with money.
3. Complete the application (opens in a new window). 

Eligibility 

• • High school students (opens in new window), for entrance to post-secondary. 
  • Undergraduate students (opens in new window), varying areas of interest and study. 
  • Graduate students (opens in new window), varying areas of interest and study. 
  • Athletic awards (opens in new window) – including dance, sailing, and hockey. 
  • Unique Awards (opens in new window) – for writers, youth from care, and immigrant women 

How much you could receive 

• • $2,500 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses 
  • school costs (books, tuition) 

How to apply

1. 1. Register an online account (opens in a new window) with the Calgary Foundation.
   2. Gather transctipts
   3. Fill out the application on the student portal

 Eligibility

• • Currently or previously in the care of a Manitoba Child and Family Services agency for at least one year
  • Applied to or currently enrolled in your first certificate, diploma, or degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution 
  • Be able to meet the institution’s entry or renewal requirements
  • Be in financial need

How much you could receive

• • $1,000 

What does it cover?

• • The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees

Application Availability and Deadline

• • 2024 Application is available now and due July 15, 2024

How to apply

1. Get a copy of your unofficial transcript. What is important is that the unofficial transcript has your latest or last courses and should include the last or current semester of school and your grade point average (GPA). If you are currently in high school, you will also need to provide an acceptance letter to your post-secondary school. 

2. Get a letter of reference. This is a character reference, not a professional reference, so it doesn’t need to be from an employer. It could be from a teacher, friend, support worker, extracurricular leader, or someone else who knows can talk about your character. 

3. Prepare to fill out the application with the following information:

• • • • Personally Identifiable Information (name, birthdate, address etc)
      • History of CFS services (agency, length of care)
      • Education history (high school graduation)
      • Education plans (name of your school, Social Insurance Number, program length and start date)
      • Financial information (have you or do you plan to get other funding)
      • Expenses
      • Employment history and goals
      • Personal information (written information about your goals, successes, steps for achieving your goals, and the important people in your life)

Eligibility 

• • A former student or client of Knowles Centre’s Group Care, Treatment Foster Care, Day Treatment, Sexual Abuse Treatment, or SAIL Programs. 
  • Received services for a minimum of six months, beginning when they were age 20 or younger. 
  • No age restrictions. 

How much you could receive 

• • • unknown 

Application Deadline

• • You can apply anytime

What does it cover? 

• • tuition
  • books
  • student fees 
  • special equipment or clothing 
  • transportation  
  • day care costs  
  • other costs incurred as a requirement of the training course or program may be considered

How to apply

1. Gather the costs related to school including:

• • • • • Tuition 
        • School fees 
        • Tools and supplies 
        • Books 
        • Student fees 
        • Transportation  
        • Daycare

2. Find two references

3. Fill out the application 

4. E-mail your application to twaite@knowlescentre.org or mail your application to

Knowles Centre Inc.
ATTN: Arthur E. Prior Scholarship Committee
2065 Henderson Highway
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2G 1P7
Fax: 204-334-4173

Eligibility 

You are eligible to apply if you are a woman who: 

• • Provides the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents. 
  • Has financial need. 
  • Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. 
  • Is motivated to achieve your education and career goals. 
  • Resides in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela). 
  • Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award. 
  • Does not have a graduate degree. 
  • Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either. 

How much you could receive

• • up to $16,000 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses 
  • School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 
  • Finding reliable child care. 

How to apply 

• • apply online (opens in a new window) between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15 

Eligibility

• Living in subsidized rental housing or receiving a rental subsidy funded by Manitoba Housing, including those living in: 
  • direct-managed housing 
  • sponsor-managed housing 
  • non-profit housing 
  • co-op housing 
  • urban native housing
• Good or excellent academic achievement  
• Participated in community work (volunteer or paid)
• Enrolled in a program that runs for one year or longer 
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program

How much you could receive 

• $1,000 

What does it cover? 

• School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 

How to apply 

1. Get a letter from your landlord confirming you live in subsidized housing or you receive a rental subsidy funded by Manitoba Housing.  
2. Get important documents 
   1. • Letter from your landlord if you are not receiving a rental subsidy from Manitoba Housing.
      • Proof of enrolment in your post-secondary school. Unofficial transcripts and photocopies of course registration is accepted.
3. Complete the application (opens in a new window)
4. Email the completed application and documents. 

Eligibility

• • Lived in a home, attended a school or received service through Marymound for at least six months. 
  • Registered or planning to enroll in a full- or part-time post-secondary education or training program. 

How much you could receive

• • $500-$2,000 

What does it cover? 

• • School costs (books, tuition, etc.) 

Application dates 

• • July 15 and Nov. 15 

How to apply 

1. Gather important documents: 
   • • Transcripts or acceptance letter 
     • Reference letters 
     • One personal reference that isn’t a family member who can speak about your goals and successes. 
     • One professional reference who can speak to your skills and abilities. 
     • In 350 words you need to write about or why you have chosen the education/training goal you are pursuing  
     • What you have done in preparation to reach your goal (e.g. upgrading academic skills, working to earn money to pay for the program, volunteering in the field you would like to enter etc.)  
     • How would a bursary award help you achieve your education/training goal? Why is it important for you to receive an award?  
     • Anything else you think is important for the selection committee to know. 
     • Gather your income and expenses information 
2. Fill out the application (opens in a new window)
3. Mail or drop off your application to:

Bursary Selection Committee

Marymound

442 Scotia Street

Winnipeg, MB R2V 1X4

Eligibility 

You must be: 

• • For Canadian youth between 15-29 years old 
  • Enrolled part-time in school or not in school at all 
  • A Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 
  • Grades and transcripts are not required 
  • Not working at RBC or a dependent of someone working at RBC 

How much you could receive 

• • $1,500 
  • Hundreds of scholarships available throughout the year 

What does it cover? 

• • School costs (books, courses, certificates, etc.) 

How to apply

1. Register (opens in a new window)to apply.
2. When you have registered, fill out the application and submit it online.

Eligibility  

• • Proof of system care experience in Canada or America 
  • Under 24 years old
  • If you win, you agree to have your name and photo on their website 

How much you could receive 

• • $2,000  

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses 
  • School costs  

Application Availability and Deadline 

• •  Open all year, and selections take place at the end of December.

How to apply

1. Get important documents 
   • • Proof of care letter  
     • Proof of citizenship (photo ID, birth certificate) 
     • Proof of enrollment or acceptance into a post-secondary school  
2. Prepare for the application by writing a description of your intended area of study and goals for the future. 
3. Complete the application form (opens in a new window) 
4. Upload your care letter. 
5. Submit your application.  

Eligibility

• • Have demonstrated community leadership 
  • Are in the final year of high school (outside Quebec) or CEGEP (in Quebec) 
  • Have a minimum overall grade average of 75% (outside Quebec), or a minimum R score of 26 (in Quebec), in their most recently completed school year 

How much you could receive 

• • Up to $10,000 for tuition each year (for a maximum of 4 years) 
  • Up to $7,500 for living expenses each year (for a maximum of 4 years) 

What does it cover? 

• • Living expenses 
  • School costs 

How to apply 

• Applications (opens in a new window)  Applications for 2024 are closed. 1-800-308-8306. 

Eligibility

• • Have spent time in government care in Canada. 
  • Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
  • Are applying for your first post-secondary program. 
  • Must be 24 years and under 
  • Have spent at least 12 months in provincial government care 
  • Demonstrate financial need 

How much you could receive

• • $2,500 per year for up to 4 years 

What does it cover? 

• • Tuition and money is sent directly to the school. 

How to apply

Contact  bkellyadams@cafdn.org to get the nomination form and confirmation of care letter form. 

1. Gather and fill out the important documents: 
   • • Nomination Form  
     • Confirmation of Care letter 
     • Screenshot of your acceptance, enrolment or letter from your school confirming they have received your application
2. Get ready to write. This scholarship requires detailed essays, so be prepared to write about: 
   • • Volunteer experience 
     • Paid work for a community organization 
     • Community activism/ advocacy 
     • Hobbies and interests 
3. Demonstrate financial need which includes expenses that are not fully covered while you are in school like: 
   • • Tuition 
     • Books 
     • Supplies 
     • Rent 
     • Furniture 
     • Transportation 
     • Food 
     • Health care 
     • Daycare
4. Go to the application (opens in new window) and fill it out and upload your essays.

VOICES offers four awards specifically for youth in and from CFS care. One application for all bursaries and scholarships  

Voices Bursary 

This bursary is to recognize and celebrate how far you’ve come, and where you’re headed. 

Eligibility  

• • Youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba 

How much you could receive 

• • $1,000  

What does it cover? 

• • The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.  

Application Deadline 

• • Aug. 15, every year.

The Marie Christian Bursary 

This award is given to youth in or from care who embody leadership qualities including integrity, compassion, kindness, and bold audacity. Additional consideration will be given to youth who exhibit a positive attitude and determination to take sour circumstances and create delicious opportunities. 

Eligibility  

• • Youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba 

How much you could receive 

• • $1,000  

What does it cover? 

• • The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.  

Application Deadline 

• • Aug. 15, every year.

The Reaching for Stars Bursary 

Eligibility  

• • Female youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba 

How much you could receive 

• • $500  

What does it cover? 

• • The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.  

Application Availability and Deadline 

• • Aug. 15, every year.

The Honoring our Youth bursary 

Eligibility  

• • Female youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba 

How much you could receive 

• • $1,000  

What does it cover? 

• • The money goes directly to your post-secondary institution and can be used towards tuition, books, student fees.  

Application Availability and Deadline 

• • Aug. 15, every year.

Additional Tips 

• Endorsement letter: the endorsement letter presents a great opportunity to highlight the student. 
• Application questions: supply data-driven responses when possible, and always keep the focus on the application to help the reviewer understand the key element(s) being highlighted. 
• Testimonials: use these three opportunities to provide multiple points of view by requesting a testimonial from both campus and community leaders, and from different levels and/or departments within the campus. 
• Student essay: This essay holds weight with reviewers so be specific, be clear, and be bold!
• Remember to focus on the following: 
  • financial need; 
  • challenges and barriers to attending a college or institute;
  • community involvement.

The Workforce, Training and Development program (opens in a new window) assists people who need training to find employment by providing financial help while attending training (opens in a new window) 12 to 52 weeks/2 years in high-demand occupations (opens in a new window). This program will not pay for tuition.

Eligibility

• • Have a current or previous Employment Insurance (EI) claim or
  • Employed individuals who need more skills for better employment or
  • Receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) benefits in Manitoba or
  • You are unemployed or about to lose your job.

Apply

Contact your local Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centre (opens in a new window) (MSJD) to make an appointment.
In Winnipeg: 204-945-0575

Toll-Free (outside Winnipeg): 1-866-332-5077

Email: mjsd@gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Student Aid (MSA) provides money for post-secondary studies through loans, bursaries, and grants. In order to receive the bursaries and grants you have to apply for a loan. 

Apply

1) Create an account (opens in new window). You will need your social insurance number to create an account. 

2) Submit the application in the online portal. This process can take up to two weeks to be approved. You can still log in and check your application status. 

3)  Review your assessment. Keep checking your email until you receive one from MSA to check your account. When you enter your account after this email, check the following tabs: My Award information, my required information, and my assessment details. 

4) Submit all the required documents:

• • Program name
  • Program start and end date
  • Program course load (contact your school if you don’t know what it is)
  • Educational institution or campus name
  • Registrar’s email address and costs of your program (in Canadian funds) if attending and out-of-province school
  • All post-secondary studies you have taken
  • Total income you made last year as found on line 15000 of last year’s income tax return
  • Any scholarships, bursaries, and other funding you will receive. This includes a tuition-waiver
  • Your direct deposit information for your bank account