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
Applicants must be:

• A 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 14, 2025);
• Enrolling in a publicly funded Canadian institution.
• Not receiving other financial awards that total more than $2,500 per year (excluding student loans and automatically awarded entrance scholarships).
• 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.