Scholarships - Japanese Canadian Legacies Fund

Scholarships Overview

The purpose of the scholarships stream is to assist Japanese Canadian Descendants and Survivors with funding for: (1) Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions (Category 1); (2) Graduate Studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions (Category 2); and (3) Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarships: Undergraduate Studies, Vocational and Career Studies, or Graduate Studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions that involve the study of subjects that are aligned with the history of Japanese Canadians and/or the impact that the history has had on the Japanese Canadian community (Category 3).

DATES FOR FIRST INTAKE (subject to change)
Applications open May 1, 2023
Deadline for applications July 14, 2023
Application results out August 15, 2023
Period of study August 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024

DATES FOR SECOND INTAKE (subject to change)
Applications open September 1, 2023
Deadline for applications November 1, 2023
Application results out January 15, 2024
Period of study January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025

Download Scholarship Guidelines

GLOSSARY

Descendant

A living person of Japanese Canadian descent whose family was directly impacted by BC Government actions in the 1940s and whose family experience in BC predates April 1, 1949. A Descendant can be living outside of BC.

Full-time Studies

Full-time studies are determined by each institution since course credits and full-time status vary. In general, a student is full-time when enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load (40% for students with permanent disabilities) in a designated program at a Canadian post-secondary institution within Canada.

Graduate Studies

Studies undertaken at an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada after the completion of Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies. In the case of a university undergraduate degree, Graduate Studies usually leads to the conferring of a master’s or doctoral degree.

Japanese Canadian (JC)

A Canadian citizen of Japanese ancestry or a person of Japanese ancestry who has permanent resident or landed immigrant status in Canada.

Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarship

Funding provided to Japanese Canadian Descendants or Survivors who are engaged in Undergraduate Studies, Vocational and Career Studies, or Graduate Studies at an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada that involve the study of subjects aligned with the history of Japanese Canadians and/or the impact that the history has had on the Japanese Canadian community.

Part-time Studies

Studies that are less than Full-time Studies as determined by the relevant institution.

Survivor

A living person of Japanese descent born prior to April 1, 1949 who was directly impacted by BC Government actions in the 1940s. Survivors include persons who were not displaced but were living in BC, and persons who, after their families left BC, were born prior to April 1, 1949, which was the day Japanese Canadians were given full voting rights and the legal restrictions used to control the movement of Japanese Canadians were removed.

Undergraduate Studies

Studies undertaken at an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada after high school and before graduate school.

Vocational and Career Studies

Technical education and career programs at an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada that prepare the learner for a specific job in a skilled trade, occupation or vocation. These studies may include apprenticeships.

WHO CAN APPLY

Applicants for all categories of the scholarships stream (see category eligibility requirements below) must be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada during the second intake period of study: January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
The applicant can be engaged in Full-time Studies or Part-time Studies.
Applicants can apply in a single category or apply in both Category 1 and Category 3, or in both Category 2 and Category 3, but funding may only be provided to an applicant in one category.
Applicants that were awarded funding in the first scholarship intake are not eligible to apply for the second intake.

CATEGORY 1 | Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies

Japanese Canadian Descendant or Survivor engaged in Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution.

CATEGORY 2 | Graduate Studies

Japanese Canadian Descendant or Survivor engaged in Graduate Studies at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution.

CATEGORY 3 | Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarship

Japanese Canadian Descendant or Survivor engaged in Undergraduate Studies, Vocational and Career Studies, or Graduate Studies at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution that involve the study of subjects aligned with the history of Japanese Canadians and/or the impact that the history has had on the Japanese Canadian community.

WHAT CAN BE FUNDED

CATEGORY 1 | Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies at a Canadian Post-secondary Institution

Full-time Studies – Expenses pertaining to Full-time Studies (including apprenticeships) such as tuition, textbooks and living expenses (e.g., food, rent and transportation).
Studies should lead to a degree, diploma, certification or professionally recognized level(s) of training.
Part-time Studies – Eligible program funding will be prorated accordingly.

CATEGORY 2 | Graduate Studies at a Canadian Post-secondary Institution

Full-time Studies – Expenses pertaining to Full-time Studies such as tuition, textbooks and living expenses (e.g., food, rent and transportation).
Studies should lead to a graduate level degree.
Part-time Studies – Eligible program funding will be prorated accordingly.

CATEGORY 3 | Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarship for Studies at a Canadian Post-secondary Institution

Full-time Studies – Expenses pertaining to Full-time Studies such as tuition, textbooks and living expenses (e.g., food, rent and transportation).
Studies should lead to a degree, diploma, certification, or professionally recognized level(s) of training in Undergraduate Studies, Vocational and Career Studies, or Graduate Studies.
Part-time Studies – Eligible program funding will be prorated accordingly.
The JCLS, on the recommendation of the assessment committee (referred to below), may, in its discretion, grant one or more Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarships to applicants who do not meet all of the applicable application requirements or conditions of grant payments, where the application of any such applicant is outstanding and the study and/or work plan thereof is directly aligned to the history of Japanese Canadians and/or the impact that the history has had on the Japanese Canadian community.

WHAT WILL NOT BE FUNDED

Courses for recreational fulfilment, community education and/or continuing studies.
Programs that have already been completed.

FUNDING REQUESTS

Applicants can apply in a single category or apply in both Category 1 and Category 3, or in both Category 2 and Category 3, but funding may only be provided to an applicant in one category

CATEGORY 1 | Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies

Funding of up to $3,000 towards the program of study.

CATEGORY 2 | Graduate Studies

Funding of up to $3,000 towards the program of study.

CATEGORY 3 | Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarship

A $10,000 scholarship towards the program of study (maximum of 10 grants available for the period of study January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025).

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE APPLICATION

CATEGORY 1 | Students in Undergraduate Studies or Vocational and Career Studies

NOTE: Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application. The JCLS will NOT contact applicants to address errors or missing requirements, other than as required to determine eligibility. Eligible applications are assessed as submitted.

Applicants must create a user account to access the application form that will be submitted through the online application system.
Applicants must complete the following information, including longer answers as required:
1. Statement of intent as to the relevant program of study.
2. Attestation of identity as a Japanese Canadian Descendant or Survivor. Applicants must describe their family’s history and experience in BC prior to April 1, 1949. Please include names of family members and details of the location of your family in BC prior to being uprooted.
3. Information about the program of study.
4. Submit an official Confirmation of Enrolment letter in the program of study that can be obtained from the school registrar, OR provide an attestation on the application form that you will provide an official Confirmation of Enrolment letter by Friday December 29, 2023.
In addition, applicants must upload the following documents or materials:
1. Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
2. Two letters of recommendation that can be educational, professional or personal in nature. It is preferred that one letter is educational or professional, attesting to the applicant’s character and potential in their course of studies. Letters will not be accepted from members of the immediate or extended family.
3. Proof of Canadian citizenship (scan or photo of Canadian passport or birth certificate).
4. Most recent transcript or student record (high school or post-secondary) that displays the applicant’s most recent grades and averages. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

CATEGORY 2 | Students in Graduate Studies

Applicants must create a user account to access the application form that will be submitted through the online application system.
Applicants must complete the following information, including longer answers as required:
1. Statement of intent as to the relevant program of study.
2. Attestation of identity as a Japanese Canadian Descendant or Survivor. Applicants must describe their family’s history and experience in BC prior to April 1, 1949. Please include names of family members and details of the location of your family in BC prior to being uprooted.
3. Information about the program of study.
4. Submit an official Confirmation of Enrolment letter in the program of study that can be obtained from the school registrar, OR provide an attestation on the application form that you will provide an official Confirmation of Enrolment letter by Friday December 29, 2023.
In addition, applicants must upload the following documents or materials:
1. Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
2. Two letters of recommendation that can be educational, professional or personal in nature. It is preferred that one letter is educational or professional, attesting to the applicant’s character and potential in their course of studies. Letters will not be accepted from members of the immediate or extended family.
3. Proof of Canadian citizenship (scan or photo of Canadian passport or birth certificate).
4. Confirmation from graduate supervisor of course of studies.
5. Most recent transcript or student record as applicable that displays the applicant’s most recent grades and averages. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

CATEGORY 3 | Students Applying for the Japanese Canadian Legacy Scholarship

Applicants must create a user account to access the application form that will be submitted through the online application system.
Applicants must complete the following information, including longer answers as required:
1. Statement of intent as to the relevant program of study and statements as to how their studies are aligned with the history of Japanese Canadians and/or the impact that that history has had on the Japanese Canadian community.
2. Attestation of identity as a Japanese Canadian Descendant or Survivor. Applicants must describe their family’s history and experience in BC prior to April 1, 1949. Please include names of family members and details of the location of your family in BC prior to being uprooted.
3. Information about the program of study
4. Submit an official Confirmation of Enrolment letter in the program of study that can be obtained from the school registrar, OR provide an attestation on the application form that you will provide an official Confirmation of Enrolment letter by Friday December 29, 2023.
In addition, applicants must upload the following documents or materials:
1. Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
2. Two letters of recommendation. One must be educational or professional, attesting to the applicant’s potential in their course of studies; the other can be educational, professional or personal. Letters will not be accepted from members of the immediate or extended family.
3. Proof of Canadian citizenship (scan or photo of Canadian passport or birth certificate).
4. If applicable, confirmation from supervisor or graduate supervisor of course of studies.
5. Most recent transcript or student record (high school or post-secondary) that displays the applicant’s most recent grades and averages. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

An assessment committee to consist of Japanese Canadian community members with a depth of knowledge of post-secondary education and the Japanese Canadian community will be established through the JCLS.
The following process will be used to evaluate every application:
1. The JCLS informs each applicant upon receipt of application and JCLS Community Fund program staff review the applications for eligibility.
2. The assessment committee evaluates eligible applications to determine whether the applicants should be funded and the level of funding for successful applicants.
3. The assessment committee recommends applicants to the JCLS, which makes the final approvals.
4. The JCLS informs each applicant if they are successful or unsuccessful in their application.
All decisions of the JCLS and assessment committee are final.

NOTIFICATION

Decisions will be made by the JCLS and the assessment committee within four to six weeks of the application deadline. Notification will be sent via the online system to the contact linked to the online application. Results cannot be requested in advance.
Applicants should ensure the email address community@jclegacies.com is on their safe sender list and applicants should check their spam folders on a regular basis following their submission of application.

PAYMENT OF GRANTS

Successful applicants must upload proof of payment of at least the first instalment of their tuition fees to receive the first scholarship payment.
Scholarships will be paid in two instalments: 50% of the scholarship amount after JCLS receives confirmation of at least partial payment of tuition fees as set out in the preceding paragraph; 50% of the scholarship amount after the JCLS receives the final report as set out under Final Reports, below.
If study plans change, the applicant must contact the JCLS office as soon as possible (in writing) to discuss how those changes may impact the scholarship and to seek approval for the changes. The applicant may have to repay to the JCLS any funds already advanced if the JCLS does not approve the requested change.
The JCLS reserves the right to suspend payments and demand repayment of funds previously advanced if the recipient:
1. does not carry out their planned studies,
2. makes major changes to planned studies without the approval of JCLS,
3. fails to comply with the terms of the grant, including submission of the final report.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) may be required for successful applicants so that required tax documents (including T4A forms) may be completed.

FINAL REPORTS

Recipients must submit a final report within 30 days of the completion of the term or period of study for which funding has been provided.
Instructions on submitting final reports will be given to successful applicants.
The requirement for a final report will be part of the grant agreement.
Future applications to the JCLS will be ineligible if reporting requirements on prior grants are not met.

Grant Application

Undergrad or Vocational and Career

Providing scholarships to Japanese Canadian Descendants or Survivors pursuing post-secondary education in Canada. Funding for Undergraduate Studies, Vocational and Career Studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Funding of up to $3,000 per application.

Grant is currently Closed for Applications

Opening Date: September 1, 2023

More Information

Grant Application

Graduate

Providing scholarships to Japanese Canadian Descendants or Survivors pursuing post-secondary education in Canada. Funding for Graduate Studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Funding of up to $3,000 per application.

Grant is currently Closed for Applications

Opening Date: September 1, 2023

More Information

Grant Application

JC Legacy Scholarship

Funding of $10,000 per application

Grant is currently Closed for Applications

Opening Date: September 1, 2023

More Information

CONFIDENTIALITY

The collection, use and disclosure of personal information are subject to the privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (BC). Personal information will be shared in confidence with members of the assessment committee. The names and locations of successful applicants will be published, along with the amount of the award, in the Annual Report of the JCLS as well as in various communications and promotional vehicles thereof. Social Insurance Numbers are provided to Canada Revenue Agency through the issuance of T4As.

RECOGNITION OF ASSISTANCE

In recognition of funding, the support of the JCLS should be acknowledged in all promotional materials, both print and online where appropriate. Further details of recognition will be provided to successful applicants.

AMENDMENT OF GUIDELINES

These guidelines may be amended by the JCLS from time to time and applicants should ensure that their applications comply with the most recent version of the guidelines.

THIS VERSION OF THE GUIDELINES IS DATED August 21, 2023.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions after reading these Application Guidelines and the Frequently Asked Questions, please contact the JCLS: community@jclegacies.com.

Any general inquiries to the JCLS Project Office can be directed to: info@jclegacies.com.

CONFIDENTIALITY

RECOGNITION OF ASSISTANCE

AMENDMENT OF GUIDELINES

These guidelines may be amended by the JCLS from time to time and applicants should ensure that their applications comply with the most recent version of the guidelines.

THIS VERSION OF THE GUIDELINES IS DATED August 21, 2023.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions after reading these Application Guidelines and the Frequently Asked Questions, please contact the JCLS: community@jclegacies.com.

Any general inquiries to the JCLS Project Office can be directed to: info@jclegacies.com.