Port Dover Foundation Community Service Scholarship

The Port Dover Foundation will award its second annual Port Dover Foundation Community Service Scholarship in 2025, honouring two of our founding members, John Wells and Dr. John Hall. These two gentlemen were notable members of the Port Dover Foundation since its first meeting in August of 2003 as well as members and generous supporters of several other service groups and activities throughout their lives.

The scholarship is funded by a generous donation in memory of Peter Slaman. Peter Slaman was an active member of the Lion's Club. In addition, following his personal philosophy and through his life outside of the Club, Peter Slaman spent countless hours completing projects for the betterment of the Port Dover community.

Port Dover Foundation Community Service Scholarship is awarded annually.

Mission

Port Dover Foundation Community Service Scholarship is presented annually to a student who exhibits outstanding service to, and is actively involved in making a positive difference in their community, shows ambition to help others and has a passion for meaningful community service.

Value:

A $2,500 scholarship is awarded upon entrance to an approved Canadian university, community college, certified trade school, apprenticeship or arts program.

Area of Elligibility

Eligibility is limited to residents of Port Dover and immediate district as defined below.

Southern boundary: Lake Erie

Eastern boundary: Stelco’s Riverside Drive and Regional Road 70 to Lynn Valley Road

Northern boundary: Lynn Valley Road from Regional Road 70 to Blue Line Road, then south side of St. John’s Road (Reg Rd 3) to Hwy 24

Western boundary: East side of Hwy 24 St. John’s Road (Reg Rd 3) to Reg Rd 57 to Lake Erie

Applicants must be entering postsecondary education (college or university, certified trades, apprenticeship or arts program) for the first time in September, 2025 in a full-time capacity as defined by the school. Applicants must be graduating from a local Secondary School in 2025 (either Simcoe Composite School, Waterford High School, Delhi Secondary School, Valley Heights Secondary School or Holy Trinity Catholic High School) while living within the boundaries stated above. Students who are currently completing a gap year after successfully finishing their final year of secondary education in 2024 may also apply.

Children of Port Dover Foundation Trustees are not eligible to apply.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Name and contact information for two people who are familiar with your activities and would be amenable to speaking with a committee member as a reference on your behalf – one from a teacher or principal + one from a community member (not family member or friend).

  • An essay of approximately 1,000 words or a video submission of approximately 5 minutes describing your community leadership efforts and what inspired you to get involved. We are more interested in the mark you’re making in the world than the marks you’re getting in the classroom. We are looking for someone who is helping to support positive change in their communities both now and in future plans and that has accrued significantly more than the 40 hours of community service required to graduate.

  • Proof of acceptance at a post-secondary institution (college or university, certified trades, apprenticeship or arts program).

  • Finalists will be decided by the end of May. Each finalist will be required to attend a personal interview with the Port Dover Foundation selection committee.

  • Completed applications, essays or videos, and proof of acceptance must be received by post at Port Dover Foundation, PO Box 841, Port Dover, ON N0A1N0 or by email at hello@portdoverfoundation.com by the deadline.

Applications open January 15, 2025. Deadline for receipt of applications May 15, 2025.

 
 

Download the PDF application

Once you’ve downloaded and completed the application. Save and email it, along with your essay or YouTube video link to: hello@portdoverfoundation.com

Awarding of the Scholarship

Scholarship money will be paid directly to the postsecondary institution to be used as credit toward first-year tuition upon receipt of a copy of your invoice and official student number.

A photo and short write-up about the scholarship and recipient will be printed in local newspapers and posted on the Port Dover Foundation website and Facebook page.

Timeline

Applications open January 15, 2025. Deadline for receipt of applications May 15, 2025.

Finalist shortlist will be decided by May 30, 2025

Scholarship awarded in July.

  • Port Dover Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. If you require accommodation in the application process, please reach out to hello@portdoverfoundation.com

Recipients may defer enrollment in an approved postsecondary school for up to one year only.

FAQ

How do I share my video?

To make the process easy, please upload your video to YouTube and share the link in your email to us. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, please check out this tutorial: https://youtu.be/XnGeqjbIusw?si=fvVcd0anFGkdziVA