Change Project, together with Umoja would like to award scholarship to Umoja newcomer youth for their post-secondary education. The mission is to provide a post-secondary education to newcomer youth that would not be able to otherwise afford an education.

The Youth Scholarship Award will cover the following costs for an undergraduate four-year degree or program:

1. Post-secondary education registration fees to an accredited university, college or technical institution in the Lower Mainland.
2. Post-secondary education tuition fees to an accredited university, college or technical institution in the Lower Mainland.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. To qualify for this scholarship program you have to either be a dependent child of a current or former Umoja client, or have participated in the Umoja School’s Out or Youth program or have volunteered in any Umoja programs for at least 6 weeks.
2. Applicants who are currently volunteers with the Umoja School’s Out Program and/or Summer Children Day Camps will be given higher consideration for the award.
3. Applicants must be currently enrolled in grade 12 or have graduated the previous year from Secondary School.
4. Applicants must be applying to an accredited university, college or technical institution in the Lower Mainland.
5. Applicants must demonstrate that they have applied for applicable provincial and federal education grants and be able to provide supporting documentation.

HOW DO I APPLY?

1. Email Umoja’s Program Director at [email protected] to ensure eligibility.
2. Submit a transcript of Grade 10, 11 and 1st term of Grade 12.
3. Provide copies of any post-secondary accredited university, college or technical institution in Lower Mainland acceptance letters.
4. Applicants will be required to submit a minimum 500 word essay outlining the following:
   • • Why does the applicant believe they should be selected for this award?
     • A brief history of their arrival to Canada and family connections
     • How has the applicant been involved with Umoja?
     • How has the applicant given back to their local community?
     • How does the applicant intend to give back to Umoja and their local community if they are awarded the scholarship?
     • What does an education mean to the applicant?
     • What are the applicant’s post-secondary goals and dreams?
     • The Umoja Youth Scholarship exists to provide a post-secondary education to newcomer youth that would not be able to otherwise afford an education. Please explain the need for financial assistance.
5. Submit application and required documentation by March 31, 2002 
6. The panel will review all applications
7. Applicants who meet all of the required criteria will be interviewed by the panel.
8. Successful candidates will be notified by the panel.

OBLIGATIONS TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS

1. Successful applicants will be required to volunteer a predetermined number of hours at Umoja in the Homework Club and/or Children Summer Camps throughout the duration of the funded post-secondary education.
2. Successful applicants will be required to provide transcripts to the panel at the end of each term or semester during the required post-term meeting with the panel.
3. Successful applicants will be required to maintain a predetermined GPA in order to be eligible for the funded post-secondary education.