The Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary - Colleges and Institutes Canada

Helping Students Overcome Barriers and Drive Impact

The Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary program, administered through Colleges and Institutes Canada, provides financial support to college and institute students who demonstrate financial need and face barriers to completing their education.

Created through the generosity of Paul and Gerri Charette, the bursary helps learners continue their studies, pursue their ambitions, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Students attending institutions in rural, remote, and northern areas are given preference.

At a Glance

Supports students facing financial barriers to post-secondary education
Preference is given to students in rural, remote, and northern communities
Member institutions nominate eligible students
Nominations typically open each fall
Selected institutions are notified in November
Helps students continue their education and achieve their goals

Why This Bursary Matters

For many students, the cost of post-secondary education can be a significant obstacle. Financial pressures can affect a student’s ability to stay enrolled, focus on their studies, and complete their program.

The Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary helps remove those barriers by supporting learners who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to their education despite challenging circumstances.

By investing in students, the bursary strengthens communities, supports workforce development, and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.

A Message from Paul Charette

In Grade 12, I was given a $200 bursary that changed my life. Now that my wife Gerri and I are in a position to give back, we want to help students in similar need, especially those from rural communities who have limited access to bursaries and scholarships. I hope that one day, looking back, these recipients will feel the same way I did many years ago.

Paul Charette

Nominations

Nominations open each fall.

Institutions are encouraged to put forward students who demonstrate financial need and face barriers to participating in and completing post-secondary education. Preference is given to students attending institutions in rural, remote, and northern communities.

Selected institutions are notified in November and contacted regarding next steps.

Subscribe to our Perspectives newsletter to be notified when nominations open and learn about future opportunities for CICan members and students.

Why Nominate a Student?

By nominating a student, your institution can help remove financial barriers and recognize the perseverance, potential, and achievements of learners in your community.

The bursary is also an opportunity to highlight the transformative impact of colleges and institutes and the important role they play in helping students realize their goals.

Recipient Stories

Every bursary recipient has a unique story of perseverance, determination, and achievement. Through their studies, these students are developing skills, pursuing career aspirations, and contributing to their communities.

Explore past recipients and learn how this support has helped students continue their educational journey.

Read Taylor’s Story

Read Avva’s Story

Read Kaitlin’s Story

Frequently Asked Questions

Nominations typically open each fall.

CICan member institutions are invited to nominate eligible students.

Students who demonstrate financial need and face barriers to participating in or completing post-secondary education. Preference is given to students attending institutions in rural, remote, and northern communities.

Selected institutions are generally notified in November.

Subscribe to CICan’s Perspectives newsletter to receive updates about future calls for nominations and other member opportunities.