FAAY: Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth
	What is FAAY?
	Apply for a scholarship or bursary
	Scholarship and bursary winners

Apply for a FAAY scholarship or bursary

The application form for the 2009-2010 academic year will be available online by August 2009. You will be able to download the form or apply online.

In the meantime, you can review the Application Guidelines and Supporting Documentation.

Application Guidelines for FAAY

Please read the application guidelines carefully as it will assist you in compiling your information. If you have any questions that are not answered, please contact the FAAY Coordinator by telephone at 1-866-566-3229 or by email at faayinfo@ccab.com.

Who is eligible?

Canadian residents, of First Nation (Status or Non-Status), Métis and Inuit heritage and attending either high school or a post-secondary institute full-time within Canada. There are no age restrictions.

Are part-time studies or programs outside Canada eligible?

No, we do not support part-time studies or programs outside of Canada.

What type of financial assistance is available?

There are two types of financial assistance. The bursary program provides $750 to students pursuing a high school diploma. The scholarship program provides a minimum amount of $2,500 and is available to students pursuing a post-secondary education in any discipline.

Are there any rules regarding how to submit my application?

Yes. We only accept applications that are submitted through our online form or by mail/courier. We do not accept faxed or emailed applications.

Is there anything else I need to include with my application?

Yes. Please be sure to include all the relevant documents mentioned in the Supporting Documentation.

What if I do not have all of my supporting documentation?

If you do not have all of your supporting documentation you can send it separately. However, the rules regarding the deadline date apply. If we do not receive the information on time, your application will be considered incomplete.

Who chooses the winners?

Winners are chosen by an independent selection committee made up of at least two representatives of each sponsoring company. Staff of CCAB do not participate in the decision making process.

What criteria is the Selection Committee looking for?

The selection committee is looking for:
1. Demonstrated financial need.
2. Academic and career commitment.
3. Contributions to family and community.
4. Leadership and role model qualities.

When will I know if I am successful?

All successful applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the selection committee meeting. The selection committee convenes in Toronto in late November. All other applicants will be sent a written confirmation of their results within three to four weeks.

When will I receive my award?

If you have been selected by the committee to receive an award you are required to submit your SIN number and a Thank You letter addressed to your sponsor. Once the FAAY Coordinator has received both items, your cheque will be released and sent to your most current address by courier. It is your responsibility to ensure that the FAAY Coordinator has your most recent contact information.

All scholarships and bursaries are a matter of public record and are published by CCAB on the website at www.ccab.com, on our Facebook Page, and in the FAAY brochure. Inspirational quotations from successful applicants are occasionally included in the FAAY brochure. Also, sponsors of the FAAY program may choose to publish your name and photo as well as acknowledge and congratulate you publicly.

Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) are required from the winners of the FAAY program because scholarship and bursary awards are deemed income by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and must be reported as such. You will receive a T4A Statement of Income from CCAB in the amount of your award.

Supporting Documentation

1. Proof of First Nations, Inuit or Métis ancestry.
   Acceptable proof is one of the following: a photocopy of the Certificate of Indian status (status card); a Métis membership card; or an Inuit Beneficiary card. Students who are non-status First Nation must submit a photocopy of their parents’ or grandparents’ Certificate of Indian status (status card) along with a long-form birth certificate or baptism certificate clearly showing the relationship to the person on the status card.
2. Two signed, original letters of support.
   One should be from a current academic sponsor and the other from a community representative, preferably Aboriginal, who is not a relative. (If you do not have a current connection to the Aboriginal community, please explain in essay.)
3. A copy of your most recent official school transcripts or report card.
   (Post secondary students, please ensure that you include the section that explains how the GPA is assigned.)
4. If you are a post secondary student:
   please include a copy of your letter of acceptance into your program or proof of continuing enrolment.
5. A letter of introduction to the Selection Committee.
   This should include: who you are and where you come from; your education goals and career plans; any challenges or special circumstances you are facing (e.g.: finances, family, health); any successes you have; your contributions to your family, school, and Aboriginal community; and finally why you think it is important to stay in school.
6. A recent colour photo.
   Your photo should show your head and shoulders only. Remember to smile! Please email a digital photo or a high-quality scan to faayinfo@ccab.com, or send an original print with your application. Any digital photo must be at least 600 x 600 pixels in size. You may send in up to three shots and we will choose one.Please include your name with your photo submission.
7. The application form, completed and signed.