Are you a student who wants to make a positive difference in your community? Are you passionate about helping others and solving social or environmental problems? If so, you might be eligible for one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada: the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership.
TD Bank Group awards the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership to recognize and support students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their communities. Whether you are involved in environmental activism, promoting social justice, or community development, you can apply for this scholarship and get up to $70,000 for your post-secondary education.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, including:
- What are the benefits of the scholarship?
- What are the eligibility criteria, and how to apply?
- What are the terms and conditions of the scholarship?
- What are some tips and examples from past recipients?
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What are the Benefits of the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership?
The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are not just about money. They also provide opportunities to grow as a leader and a learner. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as a TD Scholar:
- Up to 20 scholarships are awarded annually across Canada.
- Opportunities for paid summer employment at TD Bank Group.
- Access to peer networking and mentorship from TD leaders and alumni.
- Invitation to an annual awards ceremony and leadership summit.
- Recognition as a community leader and a role model.
- Access to workshops and events to enhance your skills and knowledge.
The scholarship covers up to $10,000 each year for tuition and up to $7,500 each year for living expenses for a maximum of four years. That means you can get up to $70,000 over four years.
The scholarship is renewable each year if you maintain a minimum overall grade average of 75% (outside Quebec) or a minimum R score of 26 (in Quebec) and continue demonstrating community leadership.
As you can see, the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are more than just financial aid. They are also a way to connect with other like-minded students, learn from experienced mentors, and gain valuable work experience.
What are the Eligibility Criteria, and How to Apply?
The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are open to students who:
- Are in their final year of high school (outside Quebec) or CEGEP (in Quebec).
- Have a minimum overall grade average of 75% (outside Quebec) or a minimum R score of 26 (in Quebec) in their most recently completed school year.
- Have demonstrated consistent and outstanding dedication to helping improve their community by solving a social or community problem.
To apply, you need to submit an online application form that includes:
- Your personal information and academic transcripts.
- A 600-word essay describing your community leadership experience and what inspired you to get involved.
- Two letters of reference from your community group or individuals who can attest to your community leadership involvement.
- A letter of reference from your school.
- Upload your transcript of your academic record.
The application deadline is November 15, 2023. You can apply online at https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians.
How are the Recipients Selected?
The selection process for the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership is based on three criteria:
- The impact of your community leadership.
- The sustainability of your community leadership.
- The diversity of your community leadership.
Up to 80 finalists will be interviewed by regional selection panels across Canada. From there, at least two scholarship recipients will be chosen from each of the following five regions:
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- Atlantic Canada
- Quebec
- Ontario
- Prairies/Northwest Territories/Nunavut
- British Columbia/Yukon
The recipients will be announced in May 2024.
What are the Terms and Conditions of the Scholarship?
The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are subject to some terms and conditions you must be aware of before applying. Here are some of the critical points you need to know:
- The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided that you maintain satisfactory academic performance and demonstrate community leadership.
- The scholarship is tenable at any accredited college or university in Canada or abroad.
- The scholarship is paid directly to your educational institution on your behalf.
- The scholarship is renewable for up to four years or until a first degree is obtained, whichever occurs first.
- The scholarship is contingent on maintaining satisfactory academic performance and full-time enrollment at an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada.
- The scholarship is not transferable to another person or institution.
- You must agree to allow TD to use your name, photo, video, essay, and other information for publicity purposes.
- You must agree to maintain regular contact with TD and provide updates on your academic progress and community involvement.
- The scholarship recipients must agree to participate in TD Bank’s mentorship program and summer employment opportunities.
- You must agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the scholarship program.
- You must agree that TD has the final authority on all matters related to the scholarship program.
For more information on the terms and conditions of the scholarship, please visit https://www.td.com/content/dam/tdct/document/pdf/personal-banking/td-scholarships-for-community-leadership-2023-terms-and-conditions-en.pdf
What are Some Tips and Examples from Past Recipients?
To increase your chances of winning the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, check out some tips and examples from past recipients. Here are some of them:
- Be authentic and passionate about your community leadership project. Show how it reflects your values, interests, and goals.
- Be specific and concrete about your community leadership impact. Provide evidence of how you identified a problem, developed a solution, implemented it, and measured its outcomes.
- Be creative and original in your application. Use different formats like video, photos, or testimonials to showcase your community leadership project.
- Be prepared and confident for your interview. If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to an interview with a regional selection panel. Practice your answers, dress professionally, and be ready to answer questions about your community leadership project and yourself.
For examples of past recipients and their community leadership projects, please visit https://stories.td.com/ca/en/news/2023-05-25-the-2023-td-scholarships-for-community-leadership-program-aw.
The Bottom Line
The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are an excellent opportunity for students who want to pursue their post-secondary education while making a positive difference in their communities. If you are one of them, don’t miss this chance and apply today!
We hope this article has given you some helpful information and inspiration for your application. We wish you all the best in your community leadership journey!