A new school year is in full swing for post-secondary school students across Ontario. With it comes the excitement of new learning opportunities but also, for many, the anxiety of the financial burdens that accompany pursing a higher education. 

In 2012, VHA created the Head Start Scholarship program to reaffirm our commitment to supporting our peopleand alleviate some of the cost of attending college or university experienced by the children of VHA team members. 

Since its inception, Head Start Scholarships have provided $526,500 in financial support to applicants. This year, VHA was proud to award 30 recipients $1,500 each to be used towards this school year’s expenses. Recipients were selected through a criteria evaluating academic performance, commitment to community service and financial need. 

We asked a few of this year’s recipients to share a little bit about themselves and what receiving a Head Start Scholarship means to them. Here is what they had to say: 

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Balancing a passion in both the sciences and humanities

Chrestina, daughter of a VHA PSW, always knew that she wanted to enter the medical field but also believed there were alternate paths to her destination rather than the usual route. She was thrilled to find a joint program at McMaster University which allows her major in both Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities.  

“To me, medicine is not just about academic accomplishments; it is about patient care, which is my ultimate priority as a future physician,” explains Chrestina. “I am glad that a program like Integrated rehabilitation offers me the space and ability to prioritize patient care through clinical experiences while exploring how science and the humanities coincide.” 

Being supported through a Head Start Scholarship helps Chrestina focus more on her studies and less on the costs of her schooling. “It gives me peace of mind, truly putting me at ease knowing I am able to receive support and be one step closer to reaching my goals.” 

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An educational journey directed towards caring for animals

Alexandra is the daughter of a VHA Community Programs and Partnerships team member. As a first-year student, Alexandra’s post-secondary education is just getting started. Regardless, she already has a path in mind with the hope of becoming a veterinarian. As a student of Zoology, she plans to one day use her knowledge to help animals in need.  

“I am so grateful to be supported by VHA in my educational journey as it is a privilege to be a recipient,” says Alexandra. 

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Preparing for a career in nursing

Kyla is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student and daughter to a VHA PSW. She chose to study nursing because she always wanted to be where she could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. For her, a career in nursing means the being able to support patients and their families during vulnerable moments.

“I am incredibly grateful to VHA for supporting my education and recognizing my dedication to nursing,” says Kyla. “It motivates me to continue working hard as I enter my final year and prepare for my future career as a nurse.” 

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We’re so proud of this year’s cohort of Head Start Scholarship recipients and honoured to be a part of their post-secondary education journey. Through this program, VHA continues our commitment to supporting the incredible people behind VHA and their families. We wish our scholars a wonderful school year and can’t wait to see what they achieve in the years ahead of them.