Application deadline extended to Friday, May 9, 2025.

The Ajax Shining Star Bursary (ASSB) program, initiated by the Office of the Mayor on behalf of Ajax Council, supports underrepresented youth in Ajax by providing financial assistance for post-secondary education. This $10,000 program offers $1,000 bursaries to two students from each of Ajax’s five high schools*, totaling ten bursaries awarded annually.

For questions regarding the program or application process, please contact the Town’s Diversity, equity and Inclusion Officer at diversity@ajax.ca.

Applications open Monday, March 31, 2025, and the deadline to apply is Friday, May 9, 2025.

Eligibility
Eligible youth must be:
  • Ajax resident, aged 17 and 21
  • Full-time Grade 12 student in good standing, or graduated in the last year from a recognized Ajax high school (or equivalent*)
  • Demonstrate financial need by:  
    • Applying to OSAP (if eligible), OR 
    • Explaining financial need in a personal letter (e.g., low-income household, extenuating circumstances). 
  • Enrolled or accepted into a full-time post-secondary program (college, university, or accredited trades/apprenticeship) starting the upcoming academic year. 
  • Identifies as Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour, part of an underrepresented group, has a self-identified disability, or is part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. 
  • Ineligible: Immediate family of Town of Ajax employees or Council members
Program Guidelines & Online Application

Detailed steps to apply are available within the program outline.

Applications open Monday, March 31, 2025. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 28, 2025.

Apply online here

  • All applications are reviewed and assessed fairly by the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer and the Town's Diversity and Inclusion Staff Committee (DISC).
  • The DISC committee is responsible for recommending finalists to the Office of the Mayor.
  • All applications are kept confidential and securely disposed of in accordance with our data and collection policy.
  • All applicants will be notified of final decisions.
  • Please contact the Town's Diversity and Inclusion Officer at diversity@ajax.ca if you have any questions about the status of your application.

The Town of Ajax is proud of the youth in our community who continuously prove to have brilliant thoughts, innovative ideas and perspectives, making the future of our industries one that is optimistic, diverse and inclusive. Town of Ajax is looking forward to awarding ten shining stars annually.