Supporting Caribbean-Canadian students in the Waterloo Region with financial awards that recognize academic achievement, community leadership, and cultural pride.
Apply NowThe CCAWR Scholarship is open to students who meet all of the following criteria:
All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted online by the deadline. Please ensure the following are included:
By completing the Application form you are providing consent to publish your photograph and information publicly.
Applications are reviewed, vetted, and selected by a volunteer committee. The selection process recognizes the goals and ideals of CCAWR:
A scholarship may also be granted to an individual who may not have exceptional academic achievements but has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in another field, including the Arts or Industrial disciplines.
Scholarship award payments are made directly to the educational institution the student will be attending — typically at the end of September or early October of the award year.
For students who have received awards but choose to defer their acceptance for one year, arrangements can be made to defer the award payment for one year only.
The CCAWR offers several scholarship awards. Several are "named" scholarships that pay tribute to members of our community in the Waterloo Region.
Scroll to explore all 9 scholarship awards — hover any card to pause.
Launched in 2019, this premier scholarship honours the late Vincent Smith — community organizer, teacher, and man of faith. May be awarded to an individual who demonstrates strong community service, leadership, and involvement in education.
Pays tribute to Lauris DaCosta — past CCAWR president and co-founder of the scholarship program, creator of "Many Roads to Freedom." May be awarded to individuals demonstrating strong community service, excellent leadership, and interest in pursuing an academic career in health sciences.
Named in honour of Caroline Meyer Riley, an exceptional lawyer and founding partner at Strigberger Brown Armstrong (SBA). May be awarded to individuals demonstrating strong community service with an interest in law, civil rights, or social justice.
Offered by the Veronica Smith Foundation in memory of Veronica Smith, who passed away from cancer in 2021. Awarded to a student pursuing a career in medicine, medical sciences, or a related discipline in the medical field.
Honouring Jim Harris — social worker, pianist, author, professor at Renison College University, and a pioneer in social welfare and anti-racism in Waterloo Region. A tribute to a gentleman who made lasting contributions to social work and social justice.
Offered by the Black Faculty Collective — a group of faculty members of African descent at the University of Waterloo — supporting young Black students pursuing an academic career at the University of Waterloo.
Awarded to students who meet our scholarship criteria and have demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits as well as involvement in community-based activities. One or more awards may be granted.
Launched in 2020 and named after Colleen and Daren James. Awarded to a full-time student of Caribbean descent enrolled in post-secondary studies who has demonstrated academic achievement, community involvement, and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Honouring Jeff Harris — known for his generosity, leadership, and deep commitment to community. He supported organizations including Trinity Village, Parents for Community Living, Martin Luther University College, and KidsAbility, believing strongly in the power of giving back.
Launched in 2019, this premier scholarship honours the late Vincent Smith — community organizer, teacher, and man of faith. May be awarded to an individual who demonstrates strong community service, leadership, and involvement in education.
Pays tribute to Lauris DaCosta — past CCAWR president and co-founder of the scholarship program, creator of "Many Roads to Freedom." May be awarded to individuals demonstrating strong community service, excellent leadership, and interest in pursuing an academic career in health sciences.
Named in honour of Caroline Meyer Riley, an exceptional lawyer and founding partner at Strigberger Brown Armstrong (SBA). May be awarded to individuals demonstrating strong community service with an interest in law, civil rights, or social justice.
Offered by the Veronica Smith Foundation in memory of Veronica Smith, who passed away from cancer in 2021. Awarded to a student pursuing a career in medicine, medical sciences, or a related discipline in the medical field.
Honouring Jim Harris — social worker, pianist, author, professor at Renison College University, and a pioneer in social welfare and anti-racism in Waterloo Region. A tribute to a gentleman who made lasting contributions to social work and social justice.
Offered by the Black Faculty Collective — a group of faculty members of African descent at the University of Waterloo — supporting young Black students pursuing an academic career at the University of Waterloo.
Awarded to students who meet our scholarship criteria and have demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits as well as involvement in community-based activities. One or more awards may be granted.
Launched in 2020 and named after Colleen and Daren James. Awarded to a full-time student of Caribbean descent enrolled in post-secondary studies who has demonstrated academic achievement, community involvement, and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Honouring Jeff Harris — known for his generosity, leadership, and deep commitment to community. He supported organizations including Trinity Village, Parents for Community Living, Martin Luther University College, and KidsAbility, believing strongly in the power of giving back.
Supporting students pursuing a career in the skilled trades who have been accepted to or are attending a two-year diploma program at an accredited institution. Open to all Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Caribbean heritage who have completed their high school diploma.
Thank you to everyone who applied this year.
We are so grateful for the incredible applicants who submitted their applications. Recipients will be notified by August 15, 2026. Applications re-open April 1, 2027.
Contact Us → scholarships@ccawr.caQuestions about your application? Email scholarships@ccawr.ca.