The Bill Mason Memorial Scholarship is a tribute to the late Bill Mason, a Canadian recognized both nationally and internationally as an avid canoeist, environmentalist, filmmaker, photographer, artist and public speaker. Established by Paddle Canada in 1990, with the permission and input of the Mason Family, the scholarship is intended to incorporate some of the characteristics that made Bill Mason unique and to help ensure that the memory, spirit, and ideals that he represented are kept fresh in the minds of Canadians.
Paddle Canada is proud to award this annual scholarship of $2,000 to assist with the education of tomorrow’s environmental stewards – those people who help make a difference in the kind of world we live in today and pass on to future generations.
How to Apply
- Eligibility
- Application
- Judging
To be eligible for the Bill Mason Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be:
- A Canadian Citizen
- Enrolled full-time at a Canadian University or College;
- Enrolled in undergraduate studies, second (2nd) year or higher standing;
- Enrolled in an Outdoor Recreation, Education or Environmental Studies, or other related programs;
- Have an academic standing of B+ (75%) or higher;
- Background in paddling (canoe, kayak, or SUP), instruction, and/or leading.
Complete the online application, including:
- Cover Letter (250 words)
- Confirmation of Eligibility (a copy of your birth certificate, Canadian passport, or another equivalent document)
- An official copy of your most recent transcript
- Confirmation of Academic Course Content (brief description of courses that emphasize environmental awareness and/or outdoor education)
- Affirmation of Career Objectives: outline any past involvement and leadership within the fields of environmental education, outdoor education or, outdoor recreation; and describe your future job, plans, and/or goals for continuing your involvement with environmental stewardship
- Personal Environment & Educational Philosophy, and Knowledge of the late Bill Mason (250 words)
- Demonstrated Need for Financial Assistance
- Background in Paddling
If you need help, do not be afraid to ask. Feel free to contact Paddle Canada if you have any questions or concerns. A university counselor, college advisor, your parents, or even another student may also be of service.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Make certain to complete all sections, as incomplete sections will be awarded a value of zero.
Proofread, proofread, and proofread again! Misspelling and grammar errors may reflect poorly on your application. Have a friend or relative double-check your work.
Make certain your application is received on time. The deadline for applications is midnight on September 30 of the current academic year. Incomplete or late packets will be rejected unless Paddle Canada is given prior notification.
Write a letter of thanks if you receive an award. Other than being the polite thing to do, if you are planning to apply for scholarships again in the future, a thank you letter for past scholarships goes a long way in impressing the scholarship committee.