YWCA Scholarships
YWCA Metro Vancouver awards scholarships to encourage and support single mothers to go back to school to upgrade their skills.
Please review the eligibility criteria below and fill out the pre-registration form. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will receive a full application form via email.
YWCA Eligibility Requirements
Active participation (within six months) in one or more YWCA programs including but not limited to:
- Heron’s Nest Young Parents Services/YWCA Emma's Childcare
- YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Groups
- YWCA Crabtree Corner
- YWCA Second stage transition housing/Single Mothers Housing
- YWCA Employment Services (includes WorkBC)
- YWCA Strive
- YWCA Early Learning and Child Care
YWCA Scholarships are designed for single mothers* living on low incomes who are committed to pursuing post-secondary education to enhance their family's future.
*A single mother is defined as a person not living with an intimate partner, with dependent children under the age of 19 living with them at least 40% of the time.
The Futures Scholarship is available to single mothers in financial need with at least one child aged 12 or under.
Applicants must read, understand and agree with the below information BEFORE applying:
Purpose of our scholarships: To help recipients gain marketable skills for sustainable employment.
Funding: YWCA Scholarships serve as secondary funding, requiring applicants to contribute financially through student loans, government grants, family support or other scholarships.
Usage: Funding covers tuition, registration fees and books, directly paid to the school.
Living Expenses: Applicants must demonstrate how they will cover living expenses during their studies, such as through student loans or employment.
Exclusions: YWCA Scholarships do not cover outstanding amounts owed to post-secondary institutions.
Labour Market Demand: Programs must align with strong labour market demand.
Flexibility: Programs may be full-time, part-time, or online.
Eligibility: Pre-requisite training is accepted, and applicants must already be accepted and enrolled in a recognized post-secondary institution.
Educational Institutions: Schools must be accredited and industry-recognized. See list of Designated Educational Institutions here (public post-secondary institutions preferred).
Status in Canada: Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Metro Vancouver/Fraser Valley.
Masters Programs: Consideration for Masters programs is limited to those required for licensing purposes.
Exclusions: Current YWCA employees and their family members are ineligible.
Support for single mothers with low incomes involved in *YWCA programs with at least one child under the age of 12.
The YWCA Futures Scholarship will provide a maximum of $12,000 per year per applicant and you may apply for multiple years to aid in your studies. It is important to demonstrate how you are going to contribute to your post-secondary studies either through student loans, savings or employment income.
Deadline to Apply: October 1
Each year, several generous YWCA donors provide financial support to assist single mothers who are participating in *YWCA programs to achieve economic independence.
*YWCA programs are free and available to the public
Anne Dobbie Bursary
Assisting women in need who wish to continue their education so that they can be financially independent.
Kathy Johns Memorial Scholarship for Young Single Mothers (ages 16 – 24)
YWCA donors offer this scholarship in memory of Kathy Johns, a YWCA employee who worked with single mothers and believed in the potential of every woman.
Frankie Tillman Scholarship for Single Mothers
This scholarship honours Frankie Tillman, a long-time YWCA volunteer and activist who dedicated her life to supporting women in need. This scholarship will be awarded to women who are working to overcome significant difficulties in their lives and living up to their true potential.
YWCA Single Mothers' Bursary
This scholarship was created by a group of YWCA donors in 2009 who recognize the importance of post-secondary education in achieving economic independence.
Jennifer Wade and Family Scholarship
Jennifer Wade provides scholarships at various educational institutions across Canada.
Kamal Basra, Sophia Financial Group Scholarship
Assisting women in need who want to continue their education so they can become financially independent and develop their own personal leadership.
Marnie Marley Scholarship for Single Mothers
This scholarship honours Marnie Marley a long-time employee with YWCA Metro Vancouver who retired in 2013 after 24 years supporting women to achieve economic independence.
Sybil Verch Woman in Leadership Award
Provides financial support to assist single mothers involved in YWCA programs with at least one dependent child. This award will provide a maximum of $5,000 for an applicant who plans to pursue education that will allow her to demonstrate leadership, either in her organization, community or industry of choice. It is important to include information on how you are going to contribute to your post-secondary studies either through student loans, savings or employment income.
University Women’s Club Coquitlam
For single mothers living at YWCA Como Lake Gardens or from Coquitlam.
Deadline to Apply: April 1
Crofton House School Scholarship program
Crofton House is committed to welcoming the girls who will embrace and thrive in the unique opportunity of an all girls’ education, regardless of financial circumstances.
Our financial assistance program bridges the gap between demonstrated financial need and the full cost of a Crofton House education. From application to graduation, we support our partner families and welcome them into the CHS community. Financial assistance is available to families with daughters entering Grade 8 and can cover up to 98% of the cost of tuition and program-related costs. It is awarded in the form of a bursary that does not need to be repaid.
To learn more and apply visit: croftonhouse.ca/FA
StudentAidBC
If you have questions, please contact Donna Patrick, YWCA Bursary Coordinator, at donnapatrick@ywcavan.org | 604 250 6229 or Vanessa Wellington-Clark, Donor Relations Manager, at vwellington@ywcavan.org | 604 376 2133.
Going back to school as a mature student with children may be scary, but please know that you are not alone. I never thought I could come this far, and I am grateful I received the opportunity to live my dream of becoming a high school educator.
With the support of the YWCA, I was able to complete a degree and find employment to support my family. The YWCA is like a family and supported a great portion of my healing journey. I’m so grateful for the groups, scholarships, and support.
In December 2020, after an extremely traumatic year, I took the leap and started a 3-year Health Information Management program. I had three young kids. At certain points, I juggled single parenting, school, and 2-3 jobs. The YWCA scholarships helped make it possible for me to complete my program.
