Helping students achieve academic success through VHA’s Head Start Scholarship program
It’s no secret that the cost of attending college or university can be a huge barrier for families. VHA’s Head Start Scholarship program was developed to help empower the children of our VHA team members to follow their dreams by pursuing academic excellence at college or university -and support the next generation of leaders Recipients are chosen not only for their academic achievements but also for their dedication and commitment to community involvement.
This year, 30 incredible applicants were selected to receive $1,500 to support them by easing the stress and financial challenges that attending post-secondary education can cause. Since 2012, the Head Start program has awarded $435,000 in scholarships and continues to reaffirm VHA’s commitment to supporting our people and their families reach their full potential.
We chatted with a few of this year’s recipients to learn more about them and how the Head Start Scholarship program is helping them excel in their studies and prepare for their future careers.
Lucas, a 2025 VHA Head Start Scholarship recipient
Preparing for career that makes a difference
Lucas is a first year Life Science student at the University of Toronto. He chose Life Science because of his interest in biology and hopes to go into the field of research majoring in biology, immunology and disease.
“I hope to use science to discover treatments and create a positive impact on this world,” says Lucas.
As Lucas transitions into his life as a student, he’s grateful for the contribution the Head Start program has made investing in his future as he works towards a career he loves.
Nandni, a 2025 VHA Head Start Scholarship recipient
A more sustainable and net-zero future
Nandni is a third-year geological engineering student at the University of Waterloo. She has an innate passion for better understanding the mechanics behind sustainable mining practices.
“Mineral resources are essential to modern life, and I want to contribute to making their extraction safer and more sustainable over time. I am also passionate about carbon capture and storage (CCS),” explains Nandni. She’s excited for a career path that helps the mining industry move towards our more sustainable, net-zero emission goals while exploring the world beneath our feet.
For her, being a Head Start scholar means being even closer to her academic and career goals. It represents both encouragement and opportunity as she develops the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in her field.
Lawrencia, a 2025 VHA Head Start Scholarship recipient
Advancing medicine and the medical care of minorities
Lawrencia is a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University studying Biomedical Sciences. She’s excited by how there’s still so much to learn about human biological mechanics, “such as the affects of melanin in Africans and people of African-descent and differences in illness presentation in woman,” explains Lawrencia.
Choosing a path where she can potentially play a role in discovering answers to medical mysteries like these inspires her and may one day help advance medicine and medical care for minorities through research or patient care.
A Head Start Scholarship for Lawrencia helps her pursue her goals. “Knowing that someone saw my passion and has decided to back me up and support me in the start of my career gives me much encouragement to keep pushing forward.”
We’re so proud of this year’s Head Start recipients and can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve as they continue with their education. By supporting the children of our incredible team members, VHA continues to reaffirm our commitment to our people and our community in leading the future of health and independence at home.