Sheridan Student Union commits $220,000 to continue its support to students in scholarships, bursaries and awards

The Sheridan Student Union is deepening its commitment to students by pledging $220,000 to support scholarships, bursaries and awards during the 2022-23 academic year.

The gift allows SSU to renew the supports it first announced in 2021, which were targeted at easing financial pressures on students and addressing social inequities. During the 2021-22 academic year, nearly $200,000 was distributed to 286 students. SSU President Kyle Budge says the impact those awards have had affirmed SSU’s commitment to continue its support for another year.

“Last year's scholarships, bursaries, and awards were very successful in assisting students in need and helping to lighten the financial burden they may be facing. After another year of challenges, we at the Sheridan Student Union decided to keep the support going and provide another large donation to continue supporting students in need. Our goal is to provide the resources needed to help students achieve their goals without needing to take on additional stress or financial hardship; we strongly believe that these donations will provide that for students,” Budge said.

“I’m grateful to the SSU for their ongoing support,” says Maria Lucido Bezely, Dean of Students. "Their continued commitment to scholarships and bursaries provides much-needed support for our students who face increasing pressures in a time of economic uncertainty, while also making a strategic, foundational investment to address inequities so more students can realize their goals.”

Application to the awards is now open through the General Awards Application. There will be multiple opportunities for students to apply throughout the year. Funding is available in four specific areas: 
 
• Sheridan Student Union Scholarship: Available to all returning, full-time domestic student applicants, this scholarship will be awarded incrementally to two students who have a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The SSU Scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and will help students achieve their goals.

• Sheridan Student Union Bursary: Available to all returning full-time domestic/international student applicants. Allocation of funds will be based on the students' needs and assessed by the Financial Aid & Awards office. The SSU Bursary will assist students who are experiencing financial need.

• Sheridan Student Union Diversity in Education Awards: Available to all returning full-time domestic/international student applicants, it will be awarded to Black, Indigenous and racialized students. Allocation of funds will be based on the students' needs and assessed by the Financial Aid & Awards office. This award focuses on increasing access to education and responds to the SSU goal of supporting quality student experiences at Sheridan.

• Sheridan Student Union Proud to Be 2SLGBTQIA+ Awards: Available to all returning full-time domestic/international student applicants. Allocation of funds will be based on the students' needs and assessed by the Financial Aid & Awards office. The SSU Proud to Be 2SLGBTQIA+ Award reinforces SSU’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and equity for all members of the Sheridan community.

The renewal of these awards is part of SSU’s ongoing strategic commitment to support students and empower them to achieve their goals. Over the years, SSU has offered multiple academic awards at Sheridan. Last year, SSU provided funding for two health promotion specialists who are dedicated to proactively addressing health and wellness for students.