Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities

Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities, funded generously by the April 1 Foundation, provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education and realize their full potential.

This scholarship aims to make a profound impact on the lives of Canadian youth with disabilities by removing financial barriers and supporting career aspirations through post-secondary education.

Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1- to 4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

• Person with a disability, defined as functional limitation – whether permanent or episodic – which affects the student’s ability to participate in post-secondary education;
• Under the age of 30 years as of the application deadline (May 31, 2024);
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• Eligible for domestic tuition at a publicly funded post-secondary institution or training program at a public university, college or institute in Canada;
• Enrolling full-time in the 2024/25 academic year for a 1- to 4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Canada; and
• Not receiving other financial awards that total more than $2,500 per year (excluding student loans).
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring that any funding received from the Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship will not negatively affect the status of any benefits and subsidies that they are eligible for.

Application Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Demonstrate alignment with Rick & Amanda Hansen’s values of perseverance, inclusivity and being a Difference Maker;
• Clarity of career goals and alignment with the chosen academic program;
• Ability to successfully complete the chosen academic program; and
• Financial necessity of scholarship.