At a special presentation in December, the Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO) received $100,000 from the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network (OCENET) to support OCDSB students pursuing international learning experiences abroad. Pictured above are (l-r) Chris McGarvey, EFO Executive Director; Jennifer Adams, OCDSB Director of Education; and Geoff Best, OCENET Executive Director
“Thanks to the leadership of OCENET, when a student has committed to an international learning experience, but their family has limited resources, that student can reach out and apply to the EFO for help with a $1,000 bursary."
- Chris McGarvey, Executive Director, Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO)
While OCENET is primarily involved in recruiting international students to attend OCDSB schools, an increasingly important part of its role is encouraging local OCDSB students and staff to participate in international learning, intercultural exchanges and developing global competencies. To support these goals, an innovative new bursary program was launched as a pilot project in December to assist students and educators in funding these types of international learning experiences. Bursaries for students are awarded in the amount of $1,000; for educators the amount is either $500 or $1,000. There are very specific eligibility criteria and timelines which are outlined in detail as part of the application process, and not all applicants will qualify. Some experiences which may qualify for a student bursary include a study abroad program, summer credit courses overseas, cultural exchanges, or an international school trip. Educators may apply for a bursary to assist with deferring some of the costs of attending an international education conference or overseas professional development courses, noting that the bursary will not be granted to cover supply teacher costs or school sanctioned travel.
Please refer to the application info below. To date, sixteen students and five teachers have been awarded bursaries.
Application Forms, FAQ's, Application Deadlines, Contact Information, etc.
STUDENT Bursaries: Information is available at the Education Foundation of Ottawa website:
STAFF Bursaries: Information is available at the OCENET website under "Scholarships & Bursaries"