The scholarship was the first award for graduates established in 1991 by the Overlea Marc Garneau Alumni Association. It is presented annually to two students (one male and one female) who have decided to pursue studies at the university or community college level.

To be eligible the recipient must have achieved high academic standing, attend post-secondary studies and demonstrate financial need.

• Demonstrate superior communications and interpersonal skills
• Possess strong leadership qualities and good judgement
• Demonstrate these attributes while making positive contributions to the school community during their years as a student at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute

This award was established in 2003 following the sudden passing of Winston Walcott. He was a graduate of Overlea Secondary School Class of 1975. During his time at Overlea, Winston participated in various team sports as well as track and field. Winston exemplified true sportsmanship by being relentless in achieving his academic and athletic goals; he was supportive of teammates, and demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities.

In his adult years, Winston continued his involvement in athletics: he played soccer, he managed his son’s football team, and at the time of his passing he was coaching a minor basketball team in his community. Winston was a committed husband and father who cared deeply for his community and was always willing to be of service. This award was established as a tribute to honour Winston’s life achievements. 

Eligibility

To be eligible the recipient must have achieved high academic standing, attend post-secondary school and demonstrate financial need.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrate community engagement
• Dedicated to academic growth
• Exemplify leadership qualities
• And superior sportsmanship

This award was established in 2015 and chosen by the Visual Arts Department with the MGCI Alumni Association

To be eligible the recipients must have achieved high academic standing, attend post-secondary school and demonstrate financial need.

• Excellence in over-all visual arts production
• Student has made valuable artistic contributions to MGCI
• Preference given to students that are enrolled in senior Visual Arts classes
• Preference given to students that demonstrate financial need
• Preference given to students who pursue post-secondary studies in a Visual Arts related field

This award was established in 2015 and chosen by the Visual Arts Department with the MGCI Alumni Association

To be eligible the recipients must have achieved high academic standing, attend post-secondary school and demonstrate financial need.

• Excellence in over-all visual arts production
• Student has made valuable artistic contributions to MGCI
• Preference given to students that are enrolled in senior Visual Arts classes
• Preference given to students that demonstrate financial need
• Preference given to students who pursue post-secondary studies in a Visual Arts related field

This award was established in 2020 on behalf of Greg Lang, a Business teacher who at the school from 1973 to 2000. Upon his retirement he joined the Alumni Board. In that capacity he was responsible for the financial and investment management of the Alumni financial portfolio.

To be eligible the recipient must pursue post-secondary business studies in the field of Economics, Accounting, Business Finance or Mathematics.

• Academic achievement, dedication and interest in Business Studies
• Open to students pursuing post-secondary studies in the Business, Politics or Finance related field
• Financial necessity  

The award was established in 2021.

To be eligible the recipient must pursue post-secondary studies and demonstrate financial need. 

• Leads by example towards the goals of equity, inclusion, social justice and advances equity, diversity and inclusion within and/or outside the school through outstanding dedication and excellence or community outreach and activism

This is a new award established in 2021 by retired Science teacher: Ron Thorpe. Created to lend support to students interested in and pursuing post-secondary studies in the fields of: Biological Sciences, Health, Earth, and Environmental Science.

Eligibility

To be eligible the recipient must pursue post-secondary studies in the science(s) fields of: Biological Sciences, Health, Earth, and Environmental Sciences

Selection Criteria

• Academic achievement, dedication and interest in the natural world
• Open to students pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of science 
• The student is involved and demonstrates interest in living things, and is actively engaged in making connections and acquiring the knowledge and skills that will help them to understand and consider critically the role of science in their daily lives, and the impact of scientific developments on society and the environment.
• Financial necessity

This award, established in 2022, has been created to support a student interested in and pursuing post secondary studies at a recognized Canadian Medical Science Institution or University in the field of Health Science (eg. Allied Health, Bio Medical, Nursing, Nutrition, Medical Technology).

Eligibility

To be eligible, the recipient must have achieved high academic standing and have attended MGCI from grade 11 to grade 12.

Selection Criteria

• High academic achievement
• Open to students pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of Health Science

Established in 2022, this award is in honour of a past teacher, Ed Ochiena. Ed had a wonderful life spanning both professional sports and a lengthy career in education at East York Collegiate and Overlea/Marc Garneau. His gentle manner combined with his wise ways endeared him to everyone he came in contact with. Whether Ed taught you, worked with you or played with you, Ed shared his passion for living with everyone.

Eligibility

Participated on a school varsity team for a minimum of 4 times (4 different teams - eg. basketball, soccer, volleyball etc. (junior /senior)

Volunteered their services to aid in athletic events like intramurals, banquets, refereeing, team manager, statistician, etc

Post secondary studies at University level

Selection Criteria

• Financial need
• Academic standing - an overall average of 70 percent or higher
• Must have attended MGCI for a minimum of three years

This award was established following the untimely passing of Jake Abramowicz on September 18 2021. Jake grew up in Flemingdon Park, attended university and became one of Canada’s top mortgage brokers. He was a committed supporter of the arts and a passionate sports enthusiast. His many acts of kindness and spectacular generosity will be dearly missed by friends and strangers alike.

Jake was proud that his family's journey in Canada began in Flemingdon Park; consequently, this award was established in his honour. This Award is presented to a graduating student pursuing post-secondary college/university studies and has a passion for one (or both) of the arts and athletics and has also demonstrated a commitment to helping others throughout their high school years.

Eligibility

Post secondary studies

Exemplifies a passion for the arts/athletics

Demonstrated a commitment to helping others throughout their high school years

Selection Criteria

• Financial need
• Post secondary studies

To provide substantial, multi-year university scholarships to intelligent, motivated new entrants to Canada who are very likely to succeed at university but held back by lack of financial resources.

Scholarships:

• Each scholarship is $5,000 per year for four years (i.e., $20,000 over four years)
• The Terms & Conditions (appended) include the fact renewal is dependent on a combination of (i) continued full-time enrolment at a Canadian university, (ii) the student passes all their courses (with flexibility for extenuating circumstances) and (iii) good behaviour (e.g., they haven’t broken the law or been suspended by the school).

Eligibility:

1. Born outside Canada and having arrived in Canada since the start of grade 7.

2. Financial need

• Based on family income (self-declared on application, shortlisted candidates must provide verification via CRA Notice of Assessment for prior tax year)
• The student is not a recipient of other scholarship(s) totalling greater than $20,000 over four years

• Current grades (can include context of trajectory of grades over the course of high school)
• Subjective input from selection committee in the case of students of high potential whose grades don’t reflect their abilities because they are impacted, for example, by working substantial part-time hours to support their family

• For example, works part time to help support family, cares for family member(s), volunteers in the community, involvement at school

Application Process/Timeline:

• 1. Scholarship application available
  2. Application due
  3. Selection committee meets to shortlist candidates
  4. 30-minute interviews with shortlisted candidates
  5. Reference checks
  6. Finalist selection meeting & proof of income via Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for prior year
  7. Notify finalist

Canada Achievement Scholarship Terms and Conditions

1. To be eligible for a Canada Achievement Scholarship (“Scholarship”), the applicant must:

• a. Be in their final year of high school;
• b. Be born outside of Canada and immigrated to Canada since the beginning of grade seven; and
• c. Certify that all the information provided on their application and in their supporting documentation, and all information shared during their interview, is true, accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge.

2. The applicant authorizes the Scholarship selection committee to collect, use, store and confirm information about the applicant provided on the application submitted (including references) to those who need to know such information for the purposes of administering and promoting the Scholarship. The selection committee will use the information only for the purposes of evaluating the application.

3. A Scholarship awarded under the Program can be held at any college or university in Canada.

4. The Scholarship cannot be held concurrently with any other financial awards that total more than $20,000 over four years.

• a. Attend an approved Canadian university on a full-time basis (as defined by the school);
• b. Be enrolled in a course of study leading to a first degree/ diploma; and
• c. Pass all courses.
• d. Transcripts at the end of each University school year to be provided to ensure the following year funding

6. Recipients may change disciplines, programs and/or universities during the Scholarship term. Grades or marks obtained in supplementary or repeated examinations in the same academic year (including summer sessions) will be considered in extenuating circumstances. If a Recipient fails a course, which is not remediated in the same school year, except as a result of serious illness, accident or death in the immediate family (supporting medical documentation may be required), he/she will forfeit the Scholarship.

7. Recipients may defer enrollment in an approved university for up to one year, or they may interrupt their studies for up to one year, on one occasion only, at the successful conclusion of an academic year. Reinstatement of the Scholarship will be conditional on reacceptance at an approved university. Recipients who fail to return to school after one year deferment or who drop out of school will forfeit the Scholarship.

8. A Scholarship may be terminated at any time upon the occurrence of any behaviour on the part of the recipient that we, in our sole discretion, deem inappropriate.

9. Recipients must inform themselves as to the tax consequences of receiving the Scholarship.

10. Recipients agree to support our efforts, in a mutually agreed upon way, to expand the Canada Achievement Scholarship program.