The OPAF has established a fund to provide financial support students studying in parks, forestry, horticulture, landscaping, conservation, or an environmental resource management field, whose goals are aligned with those of the Foundation and the Ontario Parks Association, where the:
“Ontario Parks Association (OPA) is committed to civic beautification, the advancement, protection and conservation of parks, open space and the environment as we practice 'Protecting Tomorrow Today' in the province of Ontario.”

For detailed information on the available awards please visit the OPA Foundation section of our website. Applications are due by midnight on the last Friday of May.

All applicants will be evaluated based on the information provided in their application package by the OPA Foundation Award Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is comprised of a quorum of the Ontario Parks Association Foundation Board. All decisions made by the Selection Committee are considered final. Please note that incomplete applications will result in disqualification.

Scholarship / Bursary Award Application Instructions:

1. REGISTER ONLINE 

Your first step is to complete the online registration form. Please note you do not need to apply for a scholarship and a bursary separately - only one application is required.

Please ensure you complete the section at the bottom of the online registration page providing a budget for one year of study.

The following documents can be uploaded as part of your registration form, or you can assemble and submit the package via email (opa@ontarioparksassociation.ca) or snail mail (Ontario Parks Association Foundation, Bursary & Scholarship Committee, c/o Ontario Parks Association, 60 Water Street North, Cambridge, ON N1R 3B1). 

2.1 - PERSONAL LETTER 

Please prepare a letter using the following bold, italicized statements as mandatory headings in your letter to introduce yourself to the Selection Committee. This information will form the context of your letter and will be evaluated by the Selection Committee.

Outside Interests Related to Field of Study – Provide background information about yourself that may relate to the academic program you have chosen.

Involvement / Volunteerism in Community and/or Campus Activities – Please provide information about the activities have you been involved in that have helped to improve your community or campus.

Future Involvement in Your Profession – Describe the direction you hope to pursue in your future career and any professional or academic plans you have to achieve your goals.

2.2 - REFERENCE LETTERS 

Please provide two reference letters: one from a professor or school administrator who can verify your academic level, leadership ability and contributions to the school program. A second letter from a non-academic reference (employer/personal reference/volunteer work) that outlines your abilities and personality traits. Please note that letters must be dated within the past two years.

2.3 - CURRENT RESUME

Please submit a copy of your current resume.

2.4 - APPLICATION JUSTIFICATION

On a separate page entitled “Application Justification” please provide:

1. A brief description of your personal effort to earn tuition and any financial support you have received.
   
2. A brief description of your anticipated costs required by your program of study.
   
3. A closing statement as to why you are a deserving student,

2.5 - TRANSCRIPT