As heightened concerns for racial and social justice took hold in North America this past summer, Queen’s intensified its efforts to ensure that it promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDII) on campus. As part of this work, Queen’s is currently recruiting the first recipients of the new Commitment Scholars Award and the Commitment Bursary, which provide financial assistance and other supports to eligible incoming students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, or as a person with a disability.

The university first announced these two new awards in November, as part of the strategy laid out in the Queen’s Declaration of Commitment to Address Systemic Racism. Led by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane and signed by senior leaders across Queen’s, the declaration commits the university to confront discrimination by focusing on 11 action areas, including admissions and recruitment.

Both the Commitment Scholars Award and the Commitment Bursary are open to eligible students entering their first year of any first-entry undergraduate program.

“These new admissions awards are an important part of our efforts to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization at Queen’s.  They will help us attract and support an increasingly diverse student population, and recognize leadership in this important area,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs.

The Commitment Scholars Award will provide $12,000 per year and wraparound financial, academic, and career planning support for four years to 10 self-identifying students starting in Fall 2021. It will be awarded based on a student’s demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or EDII initiatives in their school or community. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2021.

This major award builds on the success and impact of the Promise Scholars program.

The Commitment Bursary will provide annual financial support of $2,00-$5,000 to self-identifying students who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students can apply for a Commitment Bursary by submitting an Admission Bursary application by Feb. 15, 2021.

Find out more about these awards, including how to apply to the Commitment Scholars Award, on the Student Awards website.