​Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
2026 Scholarship Application

The NACCA Scholarship is awarded to students who are entering their first year of full time post-secondary studies, this also includes apprenticeship or trade programs. These students demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service in order to break down barriers and build inclusive spaces. 

In 2026, NACCA will award scholarships to up to 12 students, providing them with financial support as they pursue their educational goals. Applicants must apply by Friday, April 3, 2026 to be considered; winners to be announced early June.
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Scholarship Categories & Awards:

1. NACCA General Scholarship – $1,500 each
   a) Awarded to selected students who meet the criteria of academic achievement and community involvement.
   b) If five students are selected, four will receive $1,500 each and one outstanding student will receive the Iris Malcolm Memorial Award, not both).
2. Iris Malcolm Memorial Award – $2,500
   a) Given to one student who has demonstrated resilience by overcoming significant setbacks while excelling academically and in community service.
3. Magna STEM Award – $2,500 (New for 2026).
   a) Awarded to two students Recognizing achievement and future leadership in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics
4. Automotive & Mobility Award – $1700 (New for 2026).
   Awarded to one student pursuing studies in automotive trades, engineering, transportation or related mobility-focused fields
5. Wasim Jarrah Business Excellence Award – $1000 each 
   a) Awarded to two graduating students have demonstrated excellence in business and entrepreneurship studies.
   b) Open to NACCA Scholarship recipients who are graduating from a York Region secondary school and pursuing business.
   c) Students entering business has the opportunity to earn $2,500 in total scholarships ($1,500 NACCA Scholarship + $1000 Wasim Jarrah Award).

Committee Composition 
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association and its members,  volunteers and executive council, understand the importance of impartiality and the  consideration of any potential conflicts of interest in carrying out its scholarship  selection process.  The selection of recipients for the NACCA Scholarship is conducted in an impartial  manner through an independent selection committee. Candidate selection is based on evidence obtained from the applicants and is not influenced by other interests or other parties. 

Terms and Conditions 
To be eligible for consideration for the NACCA scholarships, students must: 

1. Self-identify as a person of African descent /Black / African Canadian / Afro-Caribbean or any other term denoting an African (racialized Black) ancestry.
2. Be a York Region resident and have/will be graduating from a York Region secondary school within the last two-years.
3. Be applying to a post-secondary institution in 2026.
4. Show proof of acceptance and enrolment in a post-secondary institution (college, university, apprenticeship or trade program) as a full-time student beginning in September 2026. 
5. Must be pursuing post-secondary studies for the first-time in a bachelor's degree, diploma or certificate program.
6. Demonstrate academic excellence (minimum average of 80% in 6 Ontario grade 12 credits). 
7. Must demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities at high school or involvement in community or volunteer work. 
8. Must attend the Scholarship & Awards ceremony on Friday, July 3, 2026.
9. Must participate in 1-2 NACCA activities in the first year of post-secondary  education. Newsletters/communications will be sent to inform scholarship recipients of volunteer opportunities.
10. Consent to the publication of their name and image by NACCA, if selected as a  scholarship recipient. 

The NACCA application asks that students include the following: 

1. A personal statement outlining the reasons you should be considered for a NACCA Scholarship. The essay must reflect your capacity for original thought and your leadership/community activities: you will indicate the leadership/community activities/positions that you have been involved in during  your final two years in secondary school (max 500 words). 
2. Grade 11 Transcript & Grade 12, Semester 1 and Semester 2 transcripts.
3. Two (2) letters of reference: 

• Academic reference letter that confirms your scholastic/academic abilities. This reference may also speak to your leadership within your school.
• Community reference letter should address your leadership/community endeavours. It should not verify academic achievement.

Submission Details: 

1. Applicants must personally submit their application including their full address with postal code and contact number. 
2. Only PDF’s of original transcripts/documents will be accepted. 
3. All required documentation (application form, signed waiver, transcript, report cards, personal statement, letters of reference) must be submitted together in one email with documents in PDF format. 
4. All email communications to NACCA must have your name (first, last name) and the topic in the subject line. 
5. Applicants must send their full application to:  ​[email protected]. 

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How to Apply
Please carefully review and complete this scholarship application form in full. All responses are bound by NACCA’s privacy and confidentiality policy and all responses will remain private. Should you have any questions, please contact the selection committee via email at [email protected].
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Timelines: All scholarship applications are due by April 3, 2026. Scholarship winners are announced early June, 2026. 

How, when and where award is advertised 

• NACCA Newsletter, social media outlets and website - March - April 2026
• York Region District School Board and York Region Catholic District School Board guidance departments 
• Black-serving organizations in York Region 

Award amount: $1500- $2500 per recipient​