Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be–
- age 25 and under,
- high school seniors or high school graduates
(or GED) who have MS or a parent with MS.
- a Canadian citizen
or landed immigrant who is enrolled or plans to enroll part-time
(minimum six credits) or full-time in
an undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-or four-year
institution located in Canada
- enrolled in at least *six credit
hours per semester in course work leading to a degree, license,
or certificate.
People who live outside Canada who are, or whose parents are,
in the Canadian military or government service are eligible as
long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
*Applicants who are enrolled part-time
(minimum six credit hours) must provide the number of credit
hours they will pursue
and explain the reasons for part-time study.
How much money is given to each individual?
Awards of $500, $750 or $1,000 each will be granted. Awards to
part-time students will be pro-rated based on number of credit
hours ($500 for enrollment at six credit hours and $750 for
enrollment at nine credit hours).
How much money is given overall?
The awards each year will depend on available funding and the
quality of the applications.
Where can I get an application form?
Scholarship applications are no longer being accepted for the 2008/2009 school year. Please
check back in early 2009 to apply next year.
Is there an application fee?
No, we do not charge to apply for this scholarship.
I live outside Canada. Can I apply?
People who live outside Canada who are, or whose parents are
in the Canadian military or government service are eligible
as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
I have some questions about how to fill out the form – whom
do I ask?
A professional scholarship management firm handles the application
process. Please contact Scholarship Management Services by email
at mscanada@scholarshipamerica.org.
What’s the deadline?
Your application must be postmarked by April 15, 2008.
I missed the deadline – can I still apply?
Sorry – late applications will not be accepted. Please
plan to get your application in early to avoid unexpected delays
due to weather, personal emergencies, or other roadblocks. There
will be no exceptions.
How and when will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?
Initially, you will be sent a post card from Scholarship Management
Services acknowledging receipt of your application. You will
be notified mid-June if you have been selected to receive a
scholarship. Communication with applicants is done both by
paper mail and by email. If you have listed an email address
on your application, please be sure to check your email regularly.
Will scholarships be given out every year?
Yes, this is an annual program and this is the second year the
MS Society of Canada has offered funding to support higher
education for persons touched by MS.
Can I apply again next year?
You can apply for the scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility
criteria.
Why do I have to send the application to Scholarship Management
Services and not to the MS Society of Canada?
Scholarship Management Services is a North American non-profit
educational support and student aid service organization that
receives and screens all of the applications to make the final
award decisions. Scholarship Management Services also handles
the distribution of the award to the recipients and their schools,
and monitors student enrollment. An award cheque is made payable
to the student’s school and mailed to the student’s
home address in mid-August.
What are the criteria for selecting finalists?
All applicants must meet the basic eligibility criteria, fully
complete the application, and meet the deadline. Scholarship
Management Services will select scholarship finalists on the
basis of demonstrated financial need, academic record, leadership
and participation in school or community activities, work experience,
statement of educational and career goals, an outside appraisal,
unusual personal or family circumstances, an essay on the impact
of MS on their life and financial need. Decisions are not affected
by a person’s race, color, religion, gender, age, or
sexual orientation.
Who selects the recipients?
Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship Management Services
and all applicants agree to accept the decision of Scholarship
Management Services as final.
Must I be a full-time student?
If you do not plan to be a full-time student, on your application
state the number of hours you will be enrolled and explain
your reasons for part-time study. We understand that full-time
study is not possible for everyone due to health concerns or
family care responsibilities. You must be enrolled for at least
six hours per academic term to qualify as a part-time student.
The scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing a
degree, license, or certificate and is not for those who want
to take an occasional personal enrichment class.
What will be required of me if I am selected to receive a scholarship?
We will ask you to verify that one of your parents or you have
multiple sclerosis. We will ask you to write a thank you note
to one or more of our donors. You will be asked to sign a media
release form giving us permission to use your photo and story
in media releases. You may also be required to participate
and/or speak at MS Society of Canada events where time & availability
permits and supply current contact information.
Where does the
money for scholarships come from?
The MS Society of Canada Scholarship Program is supported by
Billy Talent and Friends. Billy Talent is a Juno Award-winning
punk rock band that became involved with the MS Society through
drummer Aaron Solowoniuk, who lives with multiple sclerosis.
Aaron has raised funds for the program and encouraged involvement
from the band’s associates including Warner Music Canada.
If you are interested in making a gift to the scholarship program,
please
donate online through www.canadahelps.org/gp.aspx?id=2199
What if I don’t know where I will attend school?
List the schools to which you have applied on your application
in order of preference. You will need to make a final decision
and be accepted into a school by early July.
I want to go to a technical school. Can I apply?
Any post secondary, undergraduate school is acceptable as long
as it meets federal, provincial, or professional accreditation
standards. You must plan to attend school at least part-time – six
credit hours per school term.
All of us at the MS Society of Canada wish you well in reaching
your education goals.
For questions not answered above, please contact:
Scholarship Management Services at mscanada@scholarshipamerica.org
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