An initiative of the Office of the Mayor, on behalf of Ajax Council, the Ajax Shining Star Bursary program supports the academic futures of underrepresented youth in the Town of Ajax by providing an opportunity to access post-secondary education and achieve success in higher education.

The $10,000 program will provide two students from each of the Town’s five high schools with a $1,000 bursary to pursue higher education at the college or university level or an accredited trades/apprenticeship. A total of 10 bursaries will be awarded annually to eligible Ajax youth.

For questions regarding the program/and or application process, please contact the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at diversity@ajax.ca. Applications open Monday, April 8, 2024. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 13, 2024.

Eligibility
Eligible youth must be:
  • Ajax Resident between the ages of 17 and 21
  • A full-time high school student in good standing in Grade 12 at Ajax High School, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, Pickering High School, or Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
  • Applied to OSAP or if not, please explain within your personal letter
  • Enrolled/accepted in any post-secondary education program at the college or university level or an accredited trades/apprenticeship program with a full-time course load
  • Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour, Person who identifies with a an underrepresented group, person with a self-identified disability, or part of the LGBTQ2S+ community

*Please note: Students who are currently employed by the Town of Ajax or who are immediate family members or relatives of Town of Ajax employees or Ajax Council members are not eligible to apply. Being eligible for a bursary does not guarantee funding
Program Guidelines & Online Application

Detailed steps to apply are available within the program outline.

Applications open Monday, April 8, 2024. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 13, 2024.

Apply online here

  • All applications are reviewed and assessed fairly by the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator 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 Coordinator 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.