S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship
S.W.I.M.’s unique scholarship program provides financial assistance to single mothers wishing to further their education in a post-secondary academic program. Each year, a single mother is awarded the Strong Mothers Achieving Remarkable Triumph (S.M.A.R.T.) Scholarship, and is provided with the opportunity to better her own and her child/children’s lives. Recipients are celebrated during our annual London’s Got Talent fundraiser, an event bringing the community together to support and commemorate all single mothers. To date, S.W.I.M. has awarded over $9,000 in scholarships, and is committed to expanding our program’s applicants and winners.
S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship
Single mothers in our society have all walked a different path, some being single mothers by choice while others fleeing abusive relationships. Single mothers face overwhelming demands while providing love and nurturance to their most valued priority: their children. Attending school to better their lives and build a safe and secure home for their children is a stressful juggling act, scrambling to finish assignments in early morning before their children awake, or late at night after their children are asleep. Exhaustion is an understatement for our single mothers. Paying rent, groceries, bills, basic necessities, childcare fees, and attending school on a sole income is financially difficult. Most single mothers work multiple jobs while studying to provide for their families on a single-parent income. This financial burden is strenuous and demoralizing, preventing single mothers from focusing on their studies and achieving a post-secondary education that leads to better employment opportunities, and ultimately a stable future for their families that can have a multigenerational effect. It is our mission to provide studying single mothers with the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and fulfill their full potential out of a post-secondary education.
S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship Testimonials
Victoria Fawcett-Bice
Recipient 2021
“Receiving the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship eased some of the financial challenges of single motherhood and being a student. It is so much more than just money towards my education. This scholarship has granted me more time for studying and my child, as well as alleviated the stress of financial needs at this time. Thank you to all the donors who made this possible”
Heather Peacock
Recipient 2021
“Being a single mom has definitely impacted my academic trajectory and slowed my progress, especially during COVID. Receiving this scholarship and being recognized for my hard work has given me a much needed boost in confidence and motivation to push through and complete my PhD. It’s wonderful to have this program that supports single mothers and their educational goals.”
Tammy Beckner
Recipient 2021
“Hello my name is Tammy Beckner and I am a 2nd year CYCP student at Lambton College. I am in a three year program. As a single mom I have endured many obstacles trying to find balance to stay in school.
I am a mature student and after many years of putting my dreams on the back burner I decided to go back to school and pursue my dreams.
When Covid hit I lost my job making things even tougher.
I was beyond excited to learn I was selected to be the recipient of the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship.
I was in need of a new computer and stressed that I would not have enough to cover it and my bills too.
Thanks to your generous gift I was able to buy a computer and pay some other bills.
After I graduate I am hoping to work with CAS in the Indigenous department. I want to work with children and families within our reserves and community.
Thank you for your foot print in my journey of success!
“
Financial Help
The S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship program awards 3 scholarships annually, each valued at $1,500 CAD.
“The financial aspect is a great motivation, but it’s also about saying, ‘I got this scholarship. I’m doing this. I’ve gotten this much further than I did before I had children or before I was married. It’s empowering to be able to say,’I’ve made it this far.’”
– Alicia Howitt (S.M.A.R.T Scholarship Recipient, 2013)
Important Dates
May 1st 2022 – Applications for the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship open
Sept 1st 2022 – Applications close
Oct 1st 2022 – Recipients and applicants informed of application status
TBD – Recipients awarded at S.W.I.M.’s annual London’s Got Talent event
How To Apply
The S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship program awards 3 scholarships annually, each valued at $1,500 CAD. Applications will be accepted from May 1st 2022 to Sept 1st 2022.
To apply, please read thoroughly the scholarship acceptance guidelines and application requirements, prepare the required documents outlined below, and complete your application by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button. Please ensure that you have collected all required documents and personal statements before beginning the application.
In order to publicize the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship Award program and to promote Strong Mothers Achieving Remarkable Triumph, the winners’ names and photographs will be announced on/in promotional content, media outlets, and on the S.W.I.M. website. Winners must be available to be interviewed and participate in promotional activities. In agreeing to participate you allow S.W.I.M. and/or representatives the unrestricted right and permission to copyright, use and publish photographs, video and/or audio recordings of you without restriction as to reproduction, made through any and all media for the purpose of promoting the charity. If you do not wish to have the following information made public, please contact scholarship@singlewomeninmotherhood.com.
- Applicants must be single mothers pursuing a post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada.
- Applicants must not be previous recipients of the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship.
- Applicants must be registered with S.W.I.M. This is done by completing the entirety of the scholarship application form.
- Applicants must complete S.W.I.M.’s photography release form. This is done by completing the entirety of the scholarship application form.
- Most recent resume, including any employment, academic, extracurricular, and volunteering history.
- A brief essay about your career goals; where do you see yourself in five years? (500-750 words)
- A personal statement about your experiences as a single mother. (500-750 words)
- Two letters of recommendation from references. (excluding family members)
- Proof of academic enrollment. (ex. a copy of your acceptance letter, academic timetable, or official transcript)
Donate
Are you passionate about education and helping single mothers reach their full potential? Consider donating to the Single Women In Motherhood, and help us make sure that all single mothers have the opportunity to pursue higher education, better their lives and their children’s lives, and soar to new heights.
If you are interested in establishing an award for single mothers in your name, giving a gift in kind, or contributing to the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship fund, please contact us at scholarship@singlewomeninmotherhood.com.
Our Sponsors
TD Bank Group
S.W.I.M. thanks TD Bank Group for generously sponsoring the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship program. TD is supporting single moms’ academic journeys, and through the TD Ready Commitment, TD is creating opportunities for everyone to participate and be included in their community.
Miggsie Fund
S.W.I.M. thanks Miggsie Fund at the Lawson Foundation for their continued support of the S.M.A.R.T. Scholarship program and S.W.I.M. services. The Miggsie Fund celebrates Miggsie Lawson’s love of the London area community and continues her philanthropic legacy. The purpose of this fund is to contribute to initiatives that create inclusive, equitable and accessible programs to help community thrive.
Thank you to all our supporters
Disclaimer
Falsification or misrepresentation of information from any portion of the application process will result in removal of the application from consideration, and may be considered in any future applications to the scholarship program.
Application processes and policies are reviewed annually. We encourage applicants to visit our website regularly, as the program reserves the right to review and change application policies and requirements at any time, without notice.