The Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarships for Youth with Disabilities Open Now!

Canadian youth under 30 living with a disability can apply now for a scholarship worth up to $40,000!

Canadian students living with a disability, this scholarship is for you.

The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarships for Youth with Disabilities are open now for applications. If you're a Canadian student who will be attending a public college or university in Canada, full-time, you should be sure to apply before the May 31, 2024 deadline. (That's less than a month away!)

There are three scholarships available for 2024, each worth $10,000 per year, to a maximum of $40,000 per scholarship recipient!

Who is eligible for a Rick & Amanda Hansen scholarship?

These scholarships are intended for Canadian students under 30 years old (as of the application deadline) who live with a disability.

How does the scholarship program define 'disability'?

You can take a look at the proof of disability form (PDF), which you'll need to submit with your application. An applicant must have a "disability defined as a functional limitation, whether permanent or episodic, which affects the applicant's ability to participate in post-secondary education."

As part of this form, a doctor will need to describe your disability, and explain how it impacts your participation in college or university.

Other eligibility requirements before applying

Students must be Canadian citizens, or permanent residents of Canada, and under the age of 30 as of the May 31, 2024 deadline.

Applicants must be studying full-time at a public Canadian institution, pursuing a one-to-four year program in any field.

There's also a restriction on receiving other financial awards in excess of $2,500 — with the crucial exception of student loans. For example, receiving a $10,000 student loan from OSAP is no problem, but receiving a $10,000 scholarship from another organization would make you ineligible for a Rick & Amanda Hansen scholarship.

Please also be aware that your doctor will need to fill out a proof of disability form (PDF). It's a simple form, but be sure to give your doctor a chance to complete and return it to you.

How will my application be assessed?

Four main factors go into assessment of applicants:

• Alignment with Rick & Amanda Hansen's values: perseverance, inclusivity, and being a Difference Maker (PDF)
• Clarity of your career goals and how your program of study fits them
• Ability to complete your chosen program successfully
• Financial need for a little help paying for school

How do I apply for a Rick & Amanda Hansen scholarship?

If you meet all the eligibility requirements, submit your application online before the May 31, 2024 deadline.

To do so, you'll fill out a form with your basic info, along with an estimate of your annual tuition cost.

You'll also need to submit a couple of short statements, to a maximum of 1,500 characters each — approximately 300 words. Here are the prompts you'll respond to:

• How do you emulate Rick and Amanda Hansen's values of perseverance, inclusivity, and being a difference maker?
• What are your career goals, and how will your selected program help you achieve them?
• How will this scholarship help you overcome financial barriers you may have?

What else is required to complete my application?

Alongside your application form and personal statement prompts, you'll also need to submit some paperwork. You'll need:

• A copy of your resumé — one or two pages outlining your skills, achievements, and extra-curricular or community involvement
• Two reference letters — at least one should be from a teacher, principal, or coach. Don't use a family member!
• Your two most recent transcripts from high school or post-secondary — copies are fine
• A completed copy of the proof of disability form (PDF), completed by your physician or psychiatrist. This is a simple form but it requires your doctor's signature and stamp to confirm your diagnosis

All material will be kept in the strictest confidence; read the terms and conditions document (PDF to learn more about the Foundation's privacy policy.

Curious to know more about the Rick Hansen Foundation? Check out this three-minute YouTube video:

If the Rick & Amanda Hansen scholarship program sounds appealing to you, be sure to visit the Rick Hansen Foundation website for a link to the application form. Or, if you're really ready, click here to start your application today! Remember, applications for these scholarships close May 31, 2024.