Let's ignite Black youth futures with scholarships.
Can you help break the barriers to Black youth superior education?
Economic and social factors still stand in the way of Black Canadian youth aiming to pursue post-secondary education. According to Statistics Canada , this group is less likely to earn a diploma or degree than any other group – despite the same study showing that Black Canadians are champions of resiliency – when facing barriers, they find a way! We hope you will help us in paving at least part of the way for Black youth seeking to pursue their post-secondary education.
Even the smallest contribution can go a long way toward brightening the future of black youth. Are you in? Help Tropicana fund scholarships to encourage our most resilient, determined Black youth to embark on the path to a better education. Your investment, however modest, is an investment in your community and society. It paves the bridge to bridge the gaps of systemic racism, financial constraints, and lack of representation and mentorship that Black youth face.
Hello, investor in the future! Giving to the education of Black youth makes you a savvy investor. One with a vision for an inclusive and thriving community. Your investment creates a virtuous cycle: you invest in the education of Black youth who lack mentors and role models, thus creating generations of new role models and Black professionals who contribute to the betterment of individuals, communities, and society, and who, in their advanced fields of study, discover new ways to build inclusive, thriving communities - ultimately benefiting us all.
Our Scholarships: A stepping stone to Black youth excellence. As a leading Black-led, Black-serving community service organization in the GTA, Tropicana offers 8 scholarships that provide financial assistance for post-secondary and undergraduate studies. Some of these scholarships are focused on helping Black youth pursue careers in health and science, or in fields that can further assist Black communities. They are an incredible reward for those youth who show academic promise and the resilience to break through barriers.
The impact of scholarships in the words of scholarship recipients
“The Tropicana Community Robert K. Brown Scholarship has been a vital source of financial support in my journey towards an Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. Their generous contribution has not only contributed to fully funding my third year of university but has also significantly bolstered my confidence and determination to seek further academic funding as a Black undergraduate student. Discovering an organization that not only acknowledges but actively rewards the contributions of African and Caribbean students to the Black community has filled me with immense gratitude. The Tropicana Community’s commitment to supporting students like me is both inspiring and empowering. I am deeply thankful for their support, which has not only lightened the financial burden of my education but has also reaffirmed my belief in the importance of fostering a sense of community and recognition for Black students. This scholarship has truly been a beacon of hope and motivation on my educational journey, and I am grateful to the Tropicana Community Robert K. Brown Scholarship for their invaluable contribution to my academic pursuits.”
- Sidoné Grange (she) University of Toronto Honours Bachelor of
Science at the Majoring in Biology for Health Science, and a double
minor in French Studies and Sociology.
“Winning the Dr. Gervan Fearon scholarship is a profound and deeply personal achievement for me. As a first-generation university student, this scholarship represents not only a dream realized but a lifeline to a brighter future. The significance of this scholarship goes far beyond its financial support. It’s a testament to the endless hours of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of my family. It means breaking down barriers that have held my family back for generations, paving the way for a new legacy of education and achievement. My dream of becoming a family lawyer has been fuelled by a desire to help those in vulnerable situations navigate the complex legal system. This scholarship is a beacon of hope, relieving the immense financial stress associated with pursuing a legal education. It ensures that my dream remains within reach, allowing me to focus on my studies and excel academically. Furthermore, winning the Dr. Gervan Fearon scholarship is a call to action. It’s a reminder of the responsibility I now carry to make the most of this opportunity, not just for myself but for my community and those who will benefit from my future advocacy. This scholarship is a bridge to a future where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of families in need. It signifies the power of education to transform not only individual lives but entire communities. With the weight of financial stress lifted, I can now focus on acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to be the best family lawyer I can be. In sum, winning the Dr. Gervan Fearon scholarship is a dream fulfilled, a legacy transcended, and a commitment to a future of service and impact. It’s a reminder that with determination, support, and opportunity, even the loftiest goals can be achieved. Thank you so much Tropicana and Dr. Gervan Fearon for this amazing opportunity.”
- Kelease Walford-Gray (she) York University Studying Law and Society
“Winning the Janine Williams Memorial Scholarship is truly an honour and privilege. I hope I can honour her legacy by continuing to work within my community and help others myself. I am grateful to be one of the many lives touched by this scholarship, the work you have been doing is truly amazing and shows what can be accomplished when the community comes together. I look forward to working with my community so that one day I too can help change the life of a young university student.”
- Daniel McDonald (he) Queen’s University Studying for a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program
About Tropicana Community Services
Tropicana is a Black-led nonprofit organization that provides opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices for people of Black heritage and those in need. Founded in 1981, we offer a comprehensive array of programs designed to support academic growth, personal development and well-being at various stages of life. These services include academic support for youth and adults, financial assistance through scholarships, employment assistance, life skills and personal development workshops, wellness and mental health counseling, childcare services, recreational and creative programs, and social services to meet basic needs.
