About the Bill Hill Scholarship
The County of Dufferin is pleased to present the Bill Hill Scholarship Program consisting of seven one-time $2,500 scholarships. Investing in the future of Dufferin County was a consistent theme in all the late Bill Hill’s work as an elected official and it is for that reason that Council has named this scholarship in his memory. Former Warden Hill was the driving force behind the development of the annual scholarship that Dufferin County offers for students pursuing higher education and apprenticeships.
The program is intended to recognize outstanding Dufferin County students who will be entering post-secondary education and/or training. Scholarships will be awarded to Dufferin County residents who are graduating high school the current year or the previous year of applying for the Bill Hill Scholarship Program.
To address the social and economic systemic inequities that continue to disadvantage and prevent Black, Indigenous, and LGTBQIA+ youth from accessing post-secondary education, three (3) of the seven (7) scholarships will be awarded to students who in addition to meeting the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, identify in their application as belonging to one of the three communities below:
- Black or racialized
- Indigenous/First Nations (Status, Non-Status), Métis or Inuit
- LGBTQIA+
Eligibility
All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Enrollment in
- any programs of studies offered through private or public college or university anywhere in the world, as long as it is an OSAP approved school (check here if the school is approved)
- Skilled Trade or Training programs in accredited Canadian Colleges and Universities
- Be a resident of Dufferin County
- Be graduating high school the current year or the previous year of applying for the Bill Hill Scholarship Program
- Demonstrated community involvement and/or participation in extracurricular activities.
Application
An online application is available for the 2024 scholarships. The online application will allow you to save your progress and come back later to finish. Your answers will be saved for 15 days as long as you do not clear your browser history cache. If you are unable to complete an online application, please contact the Clerk’s department at scholarship@dufferincounty.ca or 519-941-2816 ext. 2500.
In addition to the online application, all applicants will be required to upload the following information while completing their application:
- Maximum 500-word essay that answers the following questions:
- Explain why you think your chosen field is important in Dufferin County?
- How do you believe you could give back to your community using the skills learned?
- How will you apply the skills that you’ve learned and the knowledge that you’ve acquired towards the enhancement and betterment of your community?
- Letter of Reference from one of the following:
- Staff member at current school
- Current employer
- Coach
- Mentor
- Proof of admission to post-secondary institution or training program
Selection Process
Completed applications must be received by May 31st. Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee using a scoring matrix and applicants will be notified shortly after. Scholarship funds are transferred directly to the successful applicant’s post secondary institution.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the Bill Hill Scholarship Awards Reception in July to receive recognition.
Need Help?
For questions regarding the Bill Hill Scholarship program or the application form, please contact the Clerk’s department at scholarship@dufferincounty.ca or 519-941-2816 ext. 2500.