Drew’s Scholarships

The “It Takes Courage to Change” scholarships are in memory of Drew who died on April 8, 2008 at the age of 16. Drew’s family was so proud that Drew himself took such strong turnaround initiative and received that recognition from his high school, Thomas A Blakelock. Unfortunately tragedy struck before he could realize his full potential. Now, in his memory, Drew’s scholarships will encourage and reward turnaround teens so they can pursue a better life.

The Drew Hildebrand “It Takes Courage to Change” scholarships encourage, recognize and reward positive change through individual scholarships of up to $5,000 for post secondary education and/or training programs.

It can be an extraordinary challenge for at-risk teens to take the courageous and consistent actions to turn their backs on risky behaviours. The goal of “It takes Courage to Change” scholarships is to encourage at-risk teens to take the initiative to find the path to a better life, and then recognize and reward graduating teens in Peel and Halton high schools who have demonstrated positive change and turnaround initiative.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship, an applicant must be a graduating high school student within the Peel and Halton regions who is planning to enroll in a qualifying program for the fall or spring term of the coming academic year. Previous recipients of this scholarship are not eligible to re-apply.

What are eligible Programs?

• Bachelor degrees
• Community college
• Trade or vocational school program
• Non-credit and home study courses are not covered under the scholarship.

What is the Criteria?

The applicantions will be judged by the following criteria.

1. Completion of the application form and all application requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2. An “Expressive Submission” that has 2 components:

• A letter (no more than 2 pages) that outlines how the teen has demonstrated personal turnaround initiative and what that has meant to his or her life, and
• A letter, poem, piece of artwork, or a song that expresses the applicant’s thoughts or viewpoints about how our society can better deal with and prevent teen violence,which could include an anti violence slogan or poster for instance. Or, a letter that outlines a new student fundraising idea for DHTBF.

3. Recommendation forms from 2 references; one must be completed by a teacher, guidance councillor or by a member of the DHTBF volunteer committee.

4. An official transcript of the applicant’s grades, certified by the high school.

How are Applications Judged?

Completed applications will be judged by the DHTBF board of directors, whose decision will be final in all aspects. Where appropriate, family needs and income will also be taken into consideration.

Additional Criteria:

• Applicants must be Canadian citizens planning on attending school in September 2010 or January 2011.
• Monies awarded are sent to the educational institutions, and are applied to tuition costs.
• Maximum award is a one-time award up to $5,000 in Canadian Dollars.
• Applicant agrees that his/her name shall be published on the DHTBF website and on future materials for the charity.
• If the recipient does not graduate from high school, does not enroll in a qualifying post secondary education program, or if the DHTBF learns that information has erroneously submitted, the award will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate recipient.

2010 Scholarships:

• Application packages are available now on our website and at Peel and Halton High Schools.
• Deadline for the 2010 Scholarship submission is March 30, 2010.
• Scholarships will be awarded Saturday June 5, 2010 at the WALK THE WALK event at Coronation Park, in Oakville.