SCHOLARSHIPS THAT OPEN DOORS

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York, we are honoured to provide scholarships that support youth as they pursue their educational goals and take the next step toward their future.

Each year, we celebrate our newest scholarship recipients and reconnect with past recipients to learn where they are today, how their experiences with mentoring shaped their journeys, and how their scholarships supported their education.

Our Scholarships

In February of 2021 our agency suffered a devastating loss of a truly great individual who not only had been a Little Sister but also became a Big Sister and was a wonderful advocate of the impact of mentoring.  Meghan, who was 31 years old and a York Regional Police officer sustained critical injuries as the result of a snowmobile accident in January 2021 and passed away on February 2^nd, 2021. Meghan was a shining light in the lives of so many and thanks to the generosity of the many family, friends and co-workers who cared so deeply for Meghan, a scholarship was formed to help keep her memory alive and to keep her legacy alive of helping others.

Meghan Crook believed in opportunities and that everyone should have a chance to achieve their goals. This scholarship honours her and hopes to create a legacy in her name that will encourage students of all ages and backgrounds to reach their full potential. Her belief was that…Anyone can change their life, and everyone can make difference.

Thanks to Meghan’s Big Sister Donna Coulson, Rhonda Evans, along with support from York Regional Police, an Annual Meghan Crook Memorial Hike is held each year to raise additional funds so more youth can benefit from this wonderful scholarship.

Sylvie Hyndman was Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel’s Board Chair and an avid supporter of BBBS who was passionate about mentoring.  Sylvie unfortunately passed away in 2011 and with thanks to Michael Marcotte who was on our Board of Directors at the time and worked closely with Sylvie, a scholarship was created in her name to support our youth and assist them in their post secondary journey.

In 1967 the Kiwanis Club for Brampton founded Big Brothers of Peel and we are thrilled to have continued to have a great relationship with them over the years.

In 2008, Brampton Kiwanis kindly began a scholarship fund for some of our Littles to go on to college or university with well over 40 scholarships being awarded over the years.

In 2026 there were 2 new scholarships introduced for our youth thanks to long time volunteer Donna Madill and Donna’s late husband Jim Davidson. Donna and Jim were both avid believers in the impact of mentoring and we thank them very much for their generosity and belief in supporting our youth to achieve their dreams.

Meet Our Scholarship Recipients of 2026!

Bishan B.

Nathanael C.

Sasha H.

Shikiyah S.

Arnav S.

Edward S.

Angelica B.

Austin S.

Meghan Crook Memorial Scholarship

EMMA JEANNE BROWN

Emma completed a Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at Niagara College and is now working as a Pastry Chef in the Niagara Region.
The scholarship helped Emma focus on her education, build her skills, and grow toward a career in the culinary field.

“My mentor has always been a great support, friend, and advisor.”

Sukhdeep is entering his third year of Biomedical Engineering at York University, with Honour Roll recognition and Dean’s List standing. He hopes to pursue medical school and is preparing for the MCAT while volunteering and shadowing doctors.
The scholarship has supported him as he continues working toward his academic and career goals.

“My mentor gave me really good advice and motivated me to do well.”

Kayla is pursuing Biomedical Mechanical Engineering, with an expected graduation in 2029, and hopes to combine healthcare and engineering to create meaningful solutions.
 The scholarship helped reduce financial stress and gave Kayla more space to focus on her education, leadership, and giving back.

“My mentor gave me the confidence to chase opportunities and apply for this scholarship.”

Studying business and currently working as a summer camp counsellor, where he supports youth and gains valuable life experience.
The scholarship gave Akira greater confidence, freedom, and a sense of belonging during his first year.

Sidnie is entering her fifth year of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University and has earned Dean’s Honour List recognition every year.
The scholarship helped cover part of her residence costs, giving her greater independence and the opportunity to build meaningful friendships.

“Mentorship shaped who I am, building my confidence and inspiring my passion for helping youth learn and grow”

 Raj is in his third year of Aerospace Engineering, with the goal of becoming an engineer and eventually securing a first automation engineering internship.
The scholarship helped Raj focus more on his studies and continue working toward his engineering goals.

“My mentor, who was also an engineer, helped me take this next step in my life.”

Jamelia is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Queen’s University, graduating in Spring 2027, with interests in finance and law.
The scholarship eased tuition costs and allowed Jamelia to focus on opportunities that strengthened her education and confidence.

“My mentor helped me believe that I was capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to.”

Brampton Kiwanis Club Bursary

Alaysia is entering her final year of Teachers College after completing French Studies in Concurrent Education. She hopes to become a primary French teacher and make a positive impact on young students.

“My mentor was my biggest support system throughout high school”

Leanne is pursuing Education at Conestoga College with the goal of becoming a teacher.
The scholarship helped reduce financial stress, allowing Leanne to focus on her studies, build confidence, and continue working toward helping students succeed.

“Having someone believe in me helped me believe in myself.”

Mehak Verma

Mehak graduated from U of T Mississauga with Honours in Life Sciences, double majoring in Psychology and Biology for Health Sciences with a minor in Anthropology.
BBBS support gave Mehak the confidence and encouragement to keep moving forward through challenges.

“My mentor taught me to pursue better opportunities while still having fun in the process.”

JORDAN VERGARA

Jordan graduated from CMU College of Makeup Art & Design in 2021 and now specializes in editorial and fashion makeup.
The bursary helped cover Jordan’s school kit and essential program expenses while completing their studies during the pandemic.

“Mentoring showed me that the world was bigger than my struggles and inspired my passion for community.”

Hanin is entering her fourth and final year of Biological Anthropology and Forensic Sciences, with hopes of attending law school and exploring forensic identification work.
The scholarship supports Hanin as she completes her studies and works toward her future goals.

“My mentor’s encouragement and support helped motivate me to keep pursuing my path.”

 Jeremy is in his second year of the Electrical Engineering Technician program at Sheridan College, where he especially enjoys hands-on lab work.
The scholarship helped Jeremy purchase school supplies and an iPad Pro for his studies.

“My mentor showed me confidence in my abilities to do anything I set out to do.”

Serena is in her first year of Child and Youth Care, with a goal of supporting children and youth through school boards or youth-focused organizations. The scholarship helped with tuition, bus fare, and school supplies, making her first year less stressful.

“Seeing how great my mentor was with me made me want to help children too.”

Kassaundra is in her final year of a Criminology degree after completing a Community and Justice Services diploma. She currently works as a Bail Supervisor and Community Re-Entry Caseworker. Her education has helped prepare her to continue supporting children, youth, and communities.

“My mentor helped build my self-confidence and reminded me of my worth.”