August 25, 2009

Scholarships Ensure Tough Economic Times Don’t Dampen Dreams

TORONTO—On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, nearly 100 Greater Toronto Area youth will be one step closer to achieving their educational aspirations when they receive scholarships valued at more than $195,000 from the Hope for Children Foundation.

“This year’s economic climate has made it difficult for students to land summer jobs to pay for their post-secondary education, ” said Mary Bowyer, Executive Director, Hope for Children Foundation. “The Hope for Children Foundation’s Scholarship Program provides the vital emotional and financial support needed by youth in care to pursue an education,” she added.

Former Crown Ward David Horvath is a passionate advocate for education and credits the Scholarship Program for his success. “The Scholarship Program gave me what I needed to follow my dreams and achieve my goals. I would not be where I am today without this support.” David has graduated from the Pre-Health and Science Program at George Brown College and will begin studying to be a paramedic through the Paramedics Program at Humber College. In his spare time, he works with youth in care to help them realize their educational goals through the Voyager Program at Ryerson University. “I want to be a role model for youth and show them that anything is possible if you are determined to fulfill your dreams.”

Nevena Seke is a talented youth who likes to dream big. The 18-year-old Crown Ward studied theatre at the Etobicoke School of Arts and had her first acting role in a short film at the Cannes Film Festival. Inspired by her grade one teacher, who is now her foster parent and mentor, Nevena will be attending McMaster University in the fall and hopes to eventually practice family law. “The Hope for Children Foundation and my foster family have been extremely supportive of my goals. With their help, I am able to take this next big step and start university.”

Since 1986, the Hope for Children Foundation has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships and special achievement grants. Recipients of the Scholarship Program have achieved a 90% graduation rate.

The Hope for Children Foundation supports independent living programs for adolescents, post-secondary scholarships, emergency and assistance grants, education planning and advocacy, and community support programs for families.

The Hope for Children Foundation Annual Scholarship Event will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. the Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto.