Strategies to search, prepare, and apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries; Introducing the Black Foundation of Community Networks

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Black Community of Community Networks (BFCN) has made a significant difference in the lives of parents, guardians, students, teachers and schools since it was founded in 2011.

According to its website: www.bfcn.ca, it is a non-profit organization located in Vaughan, Ontario. It provides, “Free and low-cost programs, advocacy and resources, and connects people with other local organizations and services.” As the brainchild of Cheryl Yarde, who serves as President shared, “I believe that together we can achieve success one student, one adult, and one family at a time. If I have learned anything, in these past ten years, it’s that the work is on going. It continues. It changes. It transforms. And most importantly, it requires all of us working together.”

Initially, there were Friday focus events, which were gatherings of committed parents, teachers and volunteers that provided academic support in mathematics but has expanded to become a medium of information and knowledge.

In a testimonial from one of the parents, Roxanne St. Hill, she states, ”For me BCFN provides all elements of a family. They provide guidance to resources, support, a safe environment for growth, a fun time when there’s a gathering, understanding and scholarships (financial help)!”

On Friday, February 10^th, 2022, BFCN held a Scholarship Application Workshop, a virtual presentation to parents, guardians, teachers and students about information regarding all the details involved in this process. Shanice Nicole Yarde and Cheryl Yarde hosted it between 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, and there was a question and answer period after the session. There were students in attendance from grade eight to grade twelve from all the school boards in the Greater Toronto Area.

Objectives were:

• A workshop designed to support Black youth and their families who are navigating post-secondary education funding options
• Goal is to share information and strategies to search, prepare, and apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries

Information was shared about the BFCN Scholarship Directory, which can be accessed at the website: www,bfcn.ca. The directory provides a wealth of scholarship data such as:

• Annual compilation of post-secondary scholarships, awards and bursaries for primarily Black students
• Detailed easy-to use, accessible format and free
• Runs on a calendar year and not an academic year

In addition to the directory, BFCN provides community resources through its newsletter and anyone can subscribe to it at: bfcn.ca/contact . In the future, there will be the release of the BFCN Business directory. Another important aspect of the work of BFCN is community advocacy.

This includes the following four areas:

• Partnership with community organizations to connect, build solidarity, and address concerns affecting local Black communities
• Anti-Black racism working groups
• Anti-Black racism steering committees
• Connecting Black parents and community members with resources and support

In addition, BFCN will be offering seven scholarships in 2022 and the deadline is July 31^st. There will be five $1,000 scholarships offered to three undergraduate and two graduate Black youth pursuing post-secondary education. There will be 2 Aim 2 Achieve Awards as well. For anyone interested in the BFCN Scholarship Program it can be accessed at: https://bfcn.ca/schoarships.The BFCN Scholarship Directory can be accessed at: https://page.co/WRv3BS and the BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop slides at:https://bit.ly//BFCNScholarshipWorkshop. The BFCN can be contacted at the email: info@bfcn.ca.