Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities, funded generously by the April 1 Foundation, provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
This scholarship aims to make a profound impact on the lives of Canadian youth with disabilities by removing financial barriers and supporting career aspirations through post-secondary education.
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1- to 5-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- A person with a disability, defined as a functional limitation – whether permanent or episodic – that is compounded by barriers. Attitudinal and physical barriers can prevent the student’s equitable access to meaningful participation in post-secondary education.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Eligible for domestic tuition at a publicly funded post-secondary institution or training program at a public university, college or institute in Canada.
- Under 30 years old as of May 14, 2025.
- Enrolling full-time in the eligible academic year for a 1- to 5-year post-secondary program.
- Enrolling in a publicly funded Canadian institution.
- Not receiving other financial awards that total more than $2,500 per year (excluding student loans and automatically awarded entrance scholarships).
- Responsible for ensuring that any funding received from the Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship will not negatively affect the status of any benefits and subsidies that they
are eligible for.
Application Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Demonstrate alignment with Rick & Amanda Hansen’s values of perseverance, inclusivity and being a difference maker;
- Clarity of career goals and alignment with the chosen academic program;
- Ability to successfully complete the chosen academic program; and
- Financial necessity of the scholarship.
Applications are currently closed and will re-open for the 2025/26 academic year in March 2025. Applications will be accepted until May 14th, 2025.
Learn about the recipients for the 2024-25 Academic Year on our blog.
Proof of Disability Form
Download this form and ask an authorized medical practitioner to complete it for your application. To review the list of authorized medical practitioners, please visit the Government of Canada’s webpage “Authorized medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit”.