Scholarships & Bursaries

To assist full and part time African Canadian students who are graduates of the Dalhousie University Transition Year Program (TYP), and are attending the Dalhousie School of Social Work, or doing prerequisite courses to study towards a social work degree.

1. The applicant must apply in writing to the Chairperson of the ABSW Bursary Committee annually, on or before October 15th of each calendar year.

2. The application should be accompanied by: a cover letter, demonstrating the need for the bursary; a complete resume, outlining the applicant’s paid and unpaid work; Two letters of reference, one academic and one work or community related: each reference should speak to the applicant’s potential for academic success and interest in the field of social work.

3. One bursary will be awarded each year and the amount will not exceed $500.00.

4. Only the successful applicant will be notified and presented with their Bursary by the end of December. The Successful candidate will be asked to attend a social work or community-based function, acknowledging receipt of the Bursary.

5. Priority will be given to those students who are single parents, have volunteer work experience in the human services field and have active involvement in their community.

6. The Bursary may be opened up to include students not pursuing social work studies, depending on the amount of funds raised, and number of applicants.

7. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Ngena “Gena”, Vera Rae Bernard passed away suddenly on January 6, 2015 at the age of 36. She was a full-time student at Dalhousie University, with dreams of pursuing social work studies. A graduate of the Transition Year Program, she was a recipient of the Dalhousie Johnathan Skeete Award. Ngena previously worked as a tutor with the Black Educators Association Cultural Awareness and Enrichment Program and she was also a Daycare teacher. Her greatest accomplishment was being a loving and caring mother to four beautiful children. Gena was a well-known and proud member of the African Nova Scotian community and was heavily involved in community work since childhood. She touched everyone she met with her bright smile, warm presence and positive attitude.