Dorothy A. Hicks Award

Holland College

$400 for full-time Holland College students returning to school after a 3-year break who are caregivers to dependent children.

Published by G Paul · last checked October 23, 2026

Total value

$400

Deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

Post-secondary

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Submission through the Holland College awards portal
An essay demonstrating your contribution to college life, high ideals, concern for humankind, and qualities of citizenship

About this award

You can receive a $400.00 award. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a parent or guardian returning to your education after a significant break to care for your children. You must apply by November 1, 2026. When you apply, ask Holland College how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, the portal, or phone. Holland College lists this award's criteria on its official page (see Who qualifies). Ask Holland College how winners are picked among the students who meet them and how many usually apply, so you can judge your odds. Ask Holland College during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Holland College whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a full-time student at Holland College in any program of study. To qualify, your education must have been interrupted for a minimum of three years, and you must be the custodial caregiver of one or more dependent children. A preference is given to those who have made a contribution to college life and who have demonstrated high ideals, concern for humankind, and qualities of citizenship.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Open to post-secondary students

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Write your essay
Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

EssayAvoid writing a generic summary of your life. Instead, focus on specific examples that show your high ideals and how you have helped other humans. Describe one concrete time your actions improved someone else's situation.
SupportAvoid omitting your involvement in campus activities. Instead, highlight any ways you have contributed to the Holland College community. List any clubs or volunteer efforts you joined since returning to school.
RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed award based on your caregiver status alone. Instead, remember that the school gives preference to those who show strong community engagement. Ensure your essay emphasizes your contributions to others.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Oct 23, 2026