Alexandra Park Scholarship program empowers dreams

The first year of the Alexandra Park Scholarship program concluded successfully with 12 residents receiving the award.

Beyond acknowledging the dedication of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Atkinson residents to community improvement, the primary goal of this scholarship program was to maximize funding of $50,000 to benefit as many residents as possible, supporting both conventional and unconventional career paths.

Working closely with Tridel, Alexandra Park Community Centre (APCC) and other community partners, TCHC engaged extensively with the community to raise awareness about this scholarship opportunity. Residents were informed through various channels, including community meetings, events, door-to-door outreach and general interactions. Approximately 100 residents received direct support from staff throughout the application process and scholarship journey.

Hien Le, one of the scholarship recipients said, "thanks to this scholarship, I had the opportunity to learn French to further increase my employability skills." She plans on using her new French language skills to enable her to work in French immersion kindergarten. Additionally, Le is working towards her Resource Educator certificate so she can assist children with special needs.

Gwen Huang is another scholarship recipient who grew up in Alexandra Park. She said, "programs that empower young people to pursue their education strengthen our communities. The Alexandra Park scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways we can support our students."

Huang is a first-year student in the Child Studies and Education Master’s program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). She emphasized the impact of the scholarship, symbolizing the community’s belief in students' visions, willpower, and abilities.

“I am so grateful for this award,” said Huang, “I could not have returned to school without the combined support of Alexandra Park and Tridel.”

Currently more than $31,000 has been invested in the 2023 Alexandra Park Scholarship Program, with an anticipated additional investment of up to $15,000 for the winter term. The total projected investment in the program for 2023 is expected to top out at more than $46,000.

This first-year program concluded with a scholarship celebration dinner on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Alexandra Park Community Centre (APCC). The event featured a ceremony honouring scholarship recipients, words of encouragement from Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, and various activities including a photo booth, a dessert competition, professional headshots taken, and networking opportunities. Attendees included scholarship recipients and their families, community members, and partners.

A big thank you to the APCC youth workers, DJ Oso Agie for the great music, Halle from Bellissimo Photo Booths, and of course thanks to Culinary Divas, a collective of local residents who provided the delicious Caribbean food.

The success of the first year of the Alexandra Park Scholarship program has created a strong foundation to continue offering the program in 2024 and has built excitement and pride in supporting the bright futures of Alexandra Park residents for years to come.