COVID-19 Safety

OSAP

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that helps students in Ontario pay for college or university through grants (money you don’t have to pay back) and loans (money you have to repay once you’ve completed school). 

Students in eligible health programs (Nursing/Paramedic) can apply for the Ontario Stay and Learn Grant through the OSAP portal. 

Ready to apply? Get some help! 

For assistance applying to OSAP or getting proper documentation for your application, you can connect with either your post-secondary Program Coordinator, or our Pathways Coordinator, Andrew Heppner, at andrewh@7generations.org. Our Pathways Coordinator can help you: 

  1. Prepare letters to upload to the OSAP portal 
  2. Guide you if you’re unsure what to do next 
  3. Help navigate our partner college/university processes and policies as they relate to OSAP 
  4. Connect you with the Financial Aid staff at our partner institutions and help to prepare you for those meetings 
Apply for OSAP

View the status of your OSAP application 

The information in your OSAP application is considered confidential, therefore only the Financial Aid staff at our partner institutions can view and advise you on the status of your OSAP application. If you have an issue that requires access to the OSAP portal, please reach out to your partner institution (see contact information below – and feel free to connect with the Pathways Coordinator in advance if you are unsure about anything): 

Bursaries and Scholarships

A bursary is a non-repayable award that is granted to students. Like bursaries, scholarships are also non-repayable awards, but are typically awarded based on achievement. Listed are a number of bursaries and scholarships available to you through SGEI or your affiliate college or university.

Bursaries and scholarships for students in Canada

Affiliate college bursaries

Once accepted into a program, SGEI students are also welcome to apply for bursaries and scholarships through their partner institutes: 

SGEI bursaries

SGEI also provides bursaries to our post-secondary students, including: 

  • Entrance scholarship – awarded based on exemplary grades and attendance.  
  • Biskaabiyang Bursary – created in honor of late Elder Anne Wilson, this bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate alignment with Anishnaabe teachings and values through a short essay. 
  • General Income Bursary – awarded based on financial need, passing grades and attendance. 
  • Childcare/Dependent Bursary – awarded based on financial need with an emphasis on students supporting their own children or elderly parents/family. 
  • Travel Bursary – awarded to support transportation expenses for students who drive for over 50km one way to attend classes. 
  • Kenora Rotary Financial Need Bursary – available at the Manidoo Baawaatig campus only, this award is based on financial need and volunteer service in the community. 

Applications for these scholarships and bursaries open in October. Information regarding applications will be communicated to students using Brightspace and through SGEI’s student portal. 

First Nations Education Funding

Some First Nations communities have education dollars set aside for resident students. Rules relating to funding differ based on your community. Please contact your local Education Counsellor for more information. For assistance applying for funding, contact your post-secondary program coordinator.

PSSSP: Post-Secondary Student Support Program

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) provides financial assistance to individuals from eight First Nations communities (see below for complete list) enrolled in an accredited post-secondary certificate, diploma, undergraduate or advanced professional degree program.

Participating First Nations include:

  • Wabigoon Saaga’igan Anishinaabeg – (Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation)
  • Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation)
  • Red Rock Indian Band – Lake Helen Reserve 53A
  • Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinabek (Sand Point First Nation)
  • Obashkaandagaang (Washagamis Bay First Nation)

 

Type of support

For students in full-time studies, PSSSP can cover the cost of tuition, mandatory student fees, textbooks, monthly living allowances and travel support.

For students in part-time studies, PSSSP can cover the cost of tuition and textbooks.

Scholarships

Academic Achievement Scholarships: PSSSP approved students who have achieved a grade point average of B or higher while enrolled in a full time, Level 1 or Level 2 program of studies may apply for a scholarship up to a maximum of $1,000 annually.

Strategic Studies Scholarship: PSSSP approved students who are enrolled in a Level 2 university undergraduate program that directly contributes to achieving First Nation Self Government and economic self reliance. Maximum of $2,500 annually.

Incentive Scholarship: PSSSP approved students enrolled in a full time Level 3 degree program. Maximum of $1,500 awarded only once throughout program.

For more information regarding the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, read the Administrative Handbook.

 

How to Apply

 

Application Deadlines

  • Spring/Summer (May-August) – April 1st
  • Fall/Winter (September-April) – June 1st
  • Scholarship Applications (full-time previous year funded students only) – July 31st

Please send the completed form and supporting documentation to:

funding@7generations.org

Please reach out to the following PSSSP staff with any questions:

Jennifer Ryan, Social/Education Counsellor- jenniferk@7generations.org
Robin McGinnis, Associate Director of PSSSP- robinm@7generations.org
Howard Twance, Director of PSSSP – howardt@7generations.org