LEADING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The 2016 OTF Scholarship and Bursary Awards

The Olive Tree Foundation (OTF) is providing the following Scholarship and Bursary Awards to students entering full-time programs of study at a college or university in the upcoming academic year (September 2016).

The OTF Scholarship & Bursary awards are funded by endowment funds of the Olive Tree Foundation and will be offered at an awards ceremony in September2016.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to compete, graduating high school students must meet the following four (4) requirements:

  1. Be a member of the Muslim community.
  2. Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. A photocopy of document required.
  3. Must have a minimum 85% average in their final result in high school for the Mohamed & Opheera Leadership Scholarshipand the Faisal AliAcademic Excellence Bursary. A photocopy of school transcript is required.
  4. Must provide proof of College or University acceptance (e.g. Photocopy of the acceptance letter).

The closing date for all submissions is TuesdayMay 31, 2016.

There are three different items in this package:

1)The Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship – Value $1,000,

2)The Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Award – Value $1,000

3)The Olive Tree Foundation Bursary Awards (in 3 Categories) – Value $500 each.

Please see Instructions on Page 6 and use the Application Form on Page 7 to apply for either of these Scholarships.

REMINDER: The deadline for submission is Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

The Olive Tree Foundation Scholarship Awards

Field of Study: Open - Value: $1,000 Number of Scholarships to be awarded = 2

  1. Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship

Conditions: Awarded annually to a high school graduate entering the first year of university or college. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of exceptional leadership qualities and social conscience as demonstrated by involvement in community service and/or charitable organizations as well as academic achievement.

Requirements:

  1. Student must have volunteered with non-profit organization(s) in various projects and made a significant contribution to their community.
  1. She/he must attach at least one (and up to 3) reference letter(s) from the organization(s) he/she volunteered with.
  1. Students must have a minimum average of 85% at the end of Grade 12. Please attach a copy of your school transcript as proof of your average.

4.Write a 500 word essay in response to the following question:

“What are the benefits of volunteering and how has your involvement in public service affected you personally?”

2.Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Award

Conditions: Awarded annually to a high-achieving high school graduate who has excelled in their academic studies and will be entering the first year of a post-secondary institution.In addition to academic excellence, recipients will be chosen on the basis of their involvement in community service and charitable activities.

Requirements:

  1. Students must have a minimum average of 85% at the end of Grade 12. Please attach a copy of your transcript to your application.
  1. She/he must attach at least one (and up to 3) reference letter(s) from the organization(s) he/she volunteered with.
  1. Write a 500 word essay in response to one of the following questions:

a)What has motivated you to achieve this average? And what advice do you have for students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

OR

b) How do parents, teachers, and role models support students in their quest for higher learning?

Please see Instructions on Page 6 and use the Application Form on Page 7 to apply for this Scholarship.

REMINDER: The deadline for submission is Tuesday May 31, 2016.

The Olive Tree Foundation Bursary Awards

Field of Study: Open

Value: $500/each

Number of awards: 3

3. Women Advancement Award

This award is for graduating Muslim female high school students who are entering a post-secondary institution.

Students are encouraged to make a submission about their success in school.

Students will be asked to describe any challenges they faced and actions they have taken to make a positive impact on the larger community.

Requirements:

a)Attach a reference letter by a non-family member who is familiar with your work.

b)Students must have a minimum average of 75% at the end of Grade 12. Please attach a copy of your transcript to your application.

b)Write a 500 word essay in response to the following two questions:

1)What has motivated you to achieve success and contribute to your community in the face of challenges and/or barriers?

AND

2)What advice do you have for students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

4. Abdullah Ibn Umm Makhtum Award

This award is for a graduating high school student with a disability who is entering a post-secondary institution. The application for this award will be by nomination by the Canadian Association for Muslims with Disabilities (CAM-D).

Students with a physical, psychological, developmental, intellectual, learning or sensory disability graduating with an Ontario Secondary Diploma are eligible for nomination, focussing on their success in school despite the exceptional challenges and/or barriers they faced.

Requirements:

a)A reference letter by a non-family member who can speak about your accomplishments

b)Write 500 words describing your in-school achievements and community involvements despite your disability

5. Youth Action Award

This award is to a student who has taken consistent action to make a positive impact on the larger community.

Requirements:

a)A reference letter by a non-family member who is familiar with your work.

b)Students must have a minimum average of 75% at the end of Grade 12. Please attach a copy of your transcript to your application.

c)Write 500 words describing your community work and how it has benefited the community at large.

Please see Instructions on Page 6 and use the Application Form on Page 7 to apply for the award.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS

  • Please provide all the necessary information and documentation as requested (e.g. photocopy of transcripts, letters of recommendations, university/college acceptance)
  • When answering the essay questions please note:
  1. The essay should be a maximum of 500 words typed double-spaced,
  2. Please type the question you are answering on top of the page.
  3. Type/write your first and last name clearly on each document you are sending.
  4. Make sure the pages are numbered.
  5. If you are sending by email, put “Scholarship/Bursary 2016” in the “Subject” line.
  • Applicants may apply for ONE of scholarships or combined with ONE of the three “Olive Tree Foundation Bursary Awards”. A student may not apply for all 5 awards at the same time.

For more information or if you require assistance with the application process please contact OTF Scholarship and Bursary Committee at

  • All Applications must be submitted via Canada Post mail or E-mailed to (Transcripts and other documentation can be mailed to us – ensuring that your name appears clearly on the top of the document.)
  • Applicants may complete the Application Form, then scan it along with the attachments into PDF (portable document format) and attach and send via email (see address below).
  • Please note that faxed Applications are not acceptable at this time.
  • If you do not answer or provide all the requested information your application will become invalid.Therefore, please ensure that you attach a photocopy or scanned copy of items such as birth certificate, or Canadian Citizenship, etc. to ensure your eligibility.
  • The deadline for submission is TuesdayMay 31, 2016

Email Applications to: with

“2016 Scholarship/Bursary” in the “Subject” line.

If sending by Canada Post please mail to:

OLIVE TREE FOUNDATION

Attn: Scholarship and Bursary Committee

7025 Markham Road, Suite 205, Markham, ON L3S 0C3

Good luck to all our Candidates and thank you for your interest!

Application – 2016 OTF Scholarship and Bursary Awards

Use this Application Form as your cover page for your submitted information. Please ensure that this form stays on one page.

Student Applicant Information
Student’s First Name / Student's Last Name
Current School Grade / / Average Percentage (Please attach proof)
Name and Address of Current High School / University or College hoping to attend in Sept 2016
Student’s Home Telephone No. / Alternate Phone (e.g. Cell Phone No.)
Student’s Email address / Home Address:
City: Postal Code
Date Submitted
Please indicate which Scholarship/Bursary you are applying for (Type an “X” in the appropriate box)
Scholarship (Valued $1,000). Please note that a student may not apply for BOTH these scholarships at the same time.
Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
OR
Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Scholarship
OTF Bursary Awards (Valued $500) - Please indicate ONE award you are applying for with an X in the appropriate box
Women Advancement Award
Abdullah Ibn Umm Makhtum
Youth Action Award
Checklist:
Do you meet the 4 “Eligibility Requirements” as shown on Page 1?
Have you attached a photocopy of all required documents such as school transcripts, supporting letters, etc.?
Is your essay 500 words wherever required?
Have you marked the top of all your documents with your name?
If sending by email, put “2016 Scholarship/Bursary” in the Subject line.
Thank you and good luck to all Candidates! We appreciate your participation in this year’s Scholarship and Bursary Awards. The Award Recipients will be notified by telephone and/or email. Please check our website for more information and updates.

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OLIVE TREE FOUNDATION

7025 Markham Road, Suite 205, Markham, ON L3S 0C3