Thomas Sorensen Memorial Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

What you will need

• ✓ Completed Thomas Sorensen Memorial Scholarship application form
• ✓ Short essay describing who you are, what you are studying, and how you plan to carry out the legacy of Thomas Sorensen
• ✓ Letter(s) of recommendation showing support for your candidacy and experience meeting eligibility criteria
• ✓ Canadian citizenship
• ✓ A documented permanent disability
• ✓ Registration with the Paul Menton Centre (PMC)

About this award

You can receive $3,000 from this scholarship. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an undergraduate student with a permanent disability who is passionate about advocating for others and supporting organizations that help people with disabilities. You must apply between July 15 and October 15. No deadline time is posted, so aim to submit your materials early. Contact Carleton University to confirm when you will be notified of the result. Winners are chosen based on the recommendation of the PMC (the Paul Menton Centre — the university's hub for students with disabilities) and your application. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Carleton University how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Carleton University 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 Carleton University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen and an undergraduate student at Carleton University in any program of study, whether you are starting your first year or proceeding from one year to another. You must have a documented permanent disability and be registered with the PMC (the Paul Menton Centre — the university's hub for students with disabilities). Additionally, you must demonstrate good academic standing and show that you are passionate about advocating for disabilities, such as by volunteering or fundraising for organizations that help persons with disabilities.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic biography. Instead, focus on the specific legacy of Thomas Sorensen and how your own life and studies match those values. Describe a concrete example of your advocacy work.
• ReferencesAvoid choosing a reference who only knows you socially. Instead, pick someone who can provide evidence that you meet the specific eligibility criteria and embody the values of the award. Ask your referee to use specific examples of your leadership.
• StrategyAvoid submitting a partial application. Instead, ensure every document—including the form, essay, and letters—is attached to a single email sent to awards@carleton.ca. Double-check that your registration with the PMC is current before you hit send.
• RealismAvoid counting on the award just because you are registered with the PMC. Instead, treat this as a competitive application where your passion for disability advocacy is one of the stated criteria. Focus your energy on the essay to set yourself apart.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Carleton UniversityCarleton University Making a Difference Award – for Students Entering First Year$5,000
• Carleton UniversityNicholas Leroux Memorial Bursary
• Carleton UniversityHollis Peirce Bursary for Students with Disabilities
• Carleton UniversityRichard Lewar Entrance Scholarship$21,500
• Carleton UniversityCarleton Entrance Scholarship (95-100%)$12,000
• Carleton UniversityCarleton Political Management Graduate Funding
• Carleton UniversityArthur Kroeger College National Scholarships for Public Affairs and Policy Management$2,000
• Carleton UniversityCarleton Public Affairs and Policy Management Scholarship$2,000