Scholarship Value $3,000

Number of Scholarships 50

Description

Purpose:

The CU Succeed Youth Bursary provides targeted financial support to Ontario post-secondary students facing financial barriers to education, training, or technology access. Scope:

It supports students enrolled in accredited post-secondary programs—academic, vocational, or technical—whether in Canada or abroad. Intended outcome:

The bursary helps recipients stay in school and complete their first credential by reducing immediate financial pressure. This section outlines who the program serves and what it aims to achieve.

Key takeaways:

• Supports Ontario post-secondary students in financial need.
• Covers academic, vocational, and technical programs at accredited institutions.
• Intended to help students complete their first diploma, degree, or red seal.

Eligibility

Age and prior recipients:

Youth is defined as age 25 or less by June of the application year; previous CU Succeed recipients who are continuing studies remain eligible beyond age 25. Residency and status:

Applicants must be Ontario residents and either Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Credit union membership:

Applicants must belong to a credit union that is a member of the Ontario Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) and must maintain a personal credit union account to receive funds. Academic level and standing:

The bursary is for first college diplomas, undergraduate degrees, or red seal certifications; master’s and other post-graduate programs are not eligible. Acceptable grades of 65% or higher are required.

Key takeaways:

• Youth ≤ 25 by June (exceptions for past recipients).
• Ontario resident and Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be a member of an OCUF-member credit union with an account.
• Eligible for first diploma/undergrad/red seal only; minimum 65% grade.

Selection

Criteria

Primary criteria:

Awards are granted primarily on demonstrated financial need and evidence of community involvement. Supporting factors:

Reviewers also consider academic performance, personal statements describing special circumstances, and supplementary materials such as videos or essays. Decision authority:

The Awards Committee assesses applications holistically; their decisions are final.

Key takeaways:

• Primary factors: financial need and community involvement.
• Secondary factors: grades, personal statement, and application materials.
• All decisions are made by the Awards Committee and are final.

Award

Value

Range and typical award:

Individual bursaries range from $1,000 to $3,000. Program funding:

The Foundation allocates an annual pool of funds—$100,000 will be distributed in 2026—to support multiple recipients across Ontario. Use of funds:

Awards are intended to offset educational, technological, or vocational training costs.

Key takeaways:

• Awards range: $1,000–$3,000 per recipient.
• Total program distribution: $100,000 in 2026.
• Funds are for educational, technological, or vocational expenses.

Application

Timeline and

Requirements

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted online by published deadlines; no extensions are permitted. Core materials:

Applicants must complete the application form and include either a video or a 500-word essay explaining why they should receive the bursary. References:

Two letters of reference from independent third parties (e.g., teacher, employer, coach) are required and must be received before the application deadline.

Key takeaways:

• Apply online by the posted deadline—no late submissions.
• Include a video or a 500-word personal statement.
• Provide two independent letters of reference received prior to the deadline.

Selection, Notification, and

Disbursement

Review and notification:

The Awards Committee reviews submissions and notifies applicants of decisions by email; all outcomes are final. Payment method:

Approved awards are disbursed directly into the recipient’s personal credit union account. Publicity requirement:

Recipients may be asked to attend a local branch for a photographic presentation; images may be used by the Foundation or credit unions to show donor impact.

Key takeaways:

• Applicants are notified of decisions via email.
• Awards are paid directly to the recipient’s credit union account.
• Recipients may be asked to participate in promotional photography.

History of the

Award

Founding:

The CU Succeed Youth Bursary was established in 2016 by the Ontario Credit Union Foundation to expand access to post-secondary training for youth. Impact to date:

Over its first ten years, the program has awarded $836,000 to 664 students across Ontario. Ongoing mission:

The Foundation continues to grow the program to increase support for students in financial need.

Key takeaways:

• Launched in 2016 by the Ontario Credit Union Foundation.
• $836,000 awarded to 664 students in the first ten years.
• Ongoing program expansion to support more students.