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

Application forms for the 2008/2009 academic year will be available on the website in May 2008. We will also be offering an online form, which will be available at a later date. Please check back for updates.

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?
You are eligible if you are a Canadian resident, of First Nation (status or non-status), Métis or Inuit heritage, and you are 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 currently do not have the capacity to 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.

How do I obtain an application form?
There are three ways to access our application form when it becomes available in May 2008:
1. Fill out the online form.
2. Download and print the PDF form from our website.
3. Contact our office at 1-866-566-3229 and request one by mail or fax.

Is there anything else I need to include with my application?
Yes, along with a completed application form, the following relevant documents must also be submitted:

Supporting Documentation

1. Proof of First Nations, Inuit or Métis ancestry
   Photocopy of the Certificate of Indian status; Métis membership card; or Inuit Beneficiary card. Students who are non-status First Nation must submit a photocopy of their parents' or grand-parents' 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 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 letter should include the following information: 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 achieved; 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 mail an original print, or email a high-quality scan of a print. The digital photo must be at least 600 x 600 pixels in size. If you can't settle on one, send in up to three shots and we will choose.

When is the deadline?
The deadline for submission is October 15, 2008. Applications must be postmarked, in the mail, or sent by courier, on or before the deadline date. Alternatively you can drop of your package at our office. Please note: we will not make any exceptions and we do not accept faxed or emailed applications.

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.

Where do I send my application?
Send your application to:

Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)
C/o Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
250 The Esplanade, Suite 204
Toronto, Ontario M5A 1J2

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.