The Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary provides financial support to learners who demonstrate financial need and face barriers to participating in and completing post-secondary education. Through the generosity of Paul and Gerri Charette, the program helps colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, and Indigenous Institutes recognize and support learners whose determination, resilience, and potential reflect their role in building strong communities and contributing to a prosperous Canada.
Program Summary
- Value: Up to 20 bursaries of $5,000.
- Who can be nominated: Eligible students attending a CICan member institution.
- Nomination method: Nominations must be submitted by a CICan member institution on behalf of a student.
- Preference: Students attending institutions in rural, remote, and northern communities receive preference.
- Selection notification: Selected institutions are generally notified in November.
Key Dates
- Nomination deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
- Selected institutions notified: Monday, November 30, 2026
- Bursary disbursement: First payment by Monday, December 14, 2026; second payment by Monday, January 18, 2027
Eligibility
To be eligible, the nominated student(s) must:
- Be attending a CICan member institution.
- Be enrolled full-time in the first or second year of a multi-year program.
- Be attending a post-secondary institution for the first time.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, landed immigrant, or protected person.
- Demonstrate financial need and face barriers to participating in and completing post-secondary education.
Preference will be given to students attending colleges and institutes located in rural, remote, or northern communities.
How Institutions Can Nominate a Student
Step 1: Promote the Opportunity and Identify Eligible Students
Promote the bursary internally through appropriate campus channels so eligible students are aware of the opportunity and know who to contact. Institutions can then identify students who meet the eligibility requirements and whose circumstances align with the objectives of the bursary.
Step 2: Collect Supporting Materials
Institutional nominations should include:
- Completed nomination form
- Endorsement letter
- Student essay
- Supporting testimonials and references, as requested in the nomination form
Step 3: Submit the Nomination
Institutions must submit nominations through the online nomination form by 23:59 EST on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Are You a Student?
Students cannot apply directly for the bursary. If you believe you may be eligible, please contact your institution’s Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid Office, Student Services Office, or Awards and Bursaries Office.
Your institution will determine its nomination process and select students to be put forward for consideration.
Application Tips
When preparing a nomination package, institutions are encouraged to:
The student’s voice is an important part of the evaluation process. Essays should clearly communicate:
- Financial need
- Barriers to education
- Community involvement
- Educational and career goals
These recommendations align with CICan’s previous guidance to nominators.
Selection Process
Nominations are reviewed by a national selection committee composed of representatives from CICan member institutions with expertise in student services and learner success.
Applications are assessed based on:
- Financial need
- Barriers to accessing or completing post-secondary education
- Potential impact of the bursary on the student’s success
- Community involvement and contributions
Questions?
For questions about eligibility, the nomination process, or required documentation, please contact members.membres@cican.org.
For complete program information, including recipient stories and program background, visit the Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary page.
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