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Horatio Alger Association of Canada Opens Scholarship Application for High School Seniors in Ontario
Association Will Fund Scholarships for Ontario Students Who Have Overcome Adversity

ONTARIO, CANADA - September 6, 2011 – As young Canadians face economic hardships and rising college tuition costs, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada is pleased to announce the initiation of its Horatio Alger Ontario Scholarship Program.

The student loan debt in Canada is reported to be nearly $14 billion. The new scholarship program will offer need-based college and university scholarships in the 74 districts of Ontario this year. High School seniors may apply September 1, 2011 through October 30, 2011 for scholarships that are critical to students seeking a higher education, and ultimately a better future.

“The scholars chosen for this award will be true examples of the Horatio Alger ideals, young people that have turned their adversities into motivation for success,” said Dominic D’Alessandro, President of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada. “Our scholarship program is a crucial support system for these deserving students, and we are honored to help these young people who have overcome significant challenges and have become stronger, more determined individuals because of it.”

As a nonprofit organization providing need-based financial aid in Ontario, The Horatio Alger Association of Canada awards scholarships to students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, while demonstrating strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue a college or university education, and a desire to contribute to society. 

The eligibility criteria to be considered for the Horatio Alger Ontario Scholarship Program are as follows:

• Full-time enrollment as a high school senior, taking classes during spring 2012 progressing normally toward graduation in the spring/summer 2012, with plans to enter a college or university no later than the fall following graduation;
• A strong commitment to pursuing and completing a degree at an accredited public or private college or university in Canada;
• Critical financial need ($50,000 or less net income per family is the standard, if higher, explanation must be provided);
• Involvement in co-curricular and community activities;
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0;
• Attend a high school and live in Ontario, Canada; and
• Canadian citizenship.

To apply for the scholarship, visit: www.horatioalger.org/ontarioscholarship

The Horatio Alger Association of Canada includes members Rick Waugh, president, chief executive officer and director of Scotiabank; Dominic D’Alessandro, past president and CEO of Manulife Financial Corporation; Rebecca MacDonald, founder and executive chair of Just Energy Group Inc.; Jim Pattison, founder and owner of The Jim Pattison Group; Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time with 61 National Hockey League records; David Foster, producer, composer and arranger of Reprise Records/143 Records and the late G. Wallace F. McCain, co-founder & vice chairman of McCain Foods Limited and chairman of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

About the Horatio Alger Association of Canada:
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada was designated as a charitable organization by the Canada Revenue Agency on July 10, 2009. The Horatio Alger Association of Canada honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who encourage young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association of Canada will award scholarships annually to deserving young people in Ontario determined to earn college or university degrees.

About the Horatio Alger Association:
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada was incorporated by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans has a similar mission that is targeted to recognizing Americans of achievement and helping American students. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program, state scholarship programs, and graduate grants. The association will have awarded more than $87 million in scholarships through 2012 to deserving young people determined to earn college degrees. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org   

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