The EKO Scholarship: Applications Now Open!

December 01, 2024

Empowered Kids Ontario believes informed communities are empowered communities, and that every kid with a disability or developmental need should have the opportunity to pursue their educational and career dreams. To support this vision, EKO is proud to provide scholarships to students across Ontario each year. Through the EKO Scholarship Program, we hope to encourage youth to explore their interests, and live their best lives.

Young people with disabilities or developmental needs have lower rates of both educational attainment and employment. A 2022 national research report by the Vancouver-based Disability Foundation’s Youth Leadership Initiative found that 51 per cent of Canadian youth aged 17 – 29 who have a disability are unemployed. Compared to 10.1 per cent of young people aged 15 – 24 who don’t have a disability, that’s a lot of incredible talent that’s being overlooked.

“This needs to change,” says Jennifer Churchill, EKO President & CEO. “We’re continuing our long-standing commitment to promising young Ontarians with a disability or developmental need again this year. In 2025 we’re hoping to award another eight EKO scholarships including one award that is dedicated to a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student.”

Applications are now open for the 2025 EKO Scholarship Program.
This scholarship is open to students who have at one time received, or are currently receiving, services at an EKO General Member Agency. Applicants must be enrolling in an OSAP-approved higher education or career training program in Fall 2025—whether that’s as a new student or a returning student. Recipients of this scholarship receive $3,000 toward their tuition.

For application information, visit https://www.empoweredkidsontario.ca/scholarshipawards.

Applications close April 30, 2025.