A university education can be a life-changing experience, but there are barriers that can make it difficult for some students to access higher education. To help increase access to Queen’s among first-generation students with financial need from the Kingston area, the university is now recruiting the next cohort of Promise Scholars to be part of the Class of 2025.

The Promise Scholars program was announced in 2019, and provides comprehensive financial support to five undergraduate students in each year throughout their time at Queen’s. This fall, Queen’s welcomed the first group of students into the program, where they have been receiving many different types of support to ensure they can flourish in their studies.

“This program is a great resource for anyone who feels like they might not be able to afford a university education. The impact that Promise Scholars has had on my life is more than I can put into words. I’m the first person in my family to attend university, and Queen’s has connected me with resources for everything from academics to mental health to make sure I’m set up for success,” says Trinity Allen, first-year student in the Faculty of Arts and Science and a member of the first cohort of Promise Scholars.

Through the Promise Scholars program, students receive dedicated financial, academic, and career support throughout their undergraduate degree program. Scholars receive financial support for tuition and residence fees in their first year, and support for tution and a living allowance for their second, third and fourth years of study. Combined with non-repayable OSAP grants, summer work experiences, and some student contribution, this support ensures recipients can benefit from the full Queen’s undergraduate experience.

Throughout their time at Queen’s, the Promise Scholars are connected to dedicated advisors who provide one-on-one guidance on academics, financial planning, and career preparation. Advisors begin working with students the summer before they begin their first year of study.

“Our first Promise Scholars are thriving at Queen’s, and we are excited to welcome the next cohort into the program. I strongly encourage any first-generation student from the Kingston area who meets the criteria to consider applying for a Promise Scholarship  when considering their options for post-secondary education,” says Ann Tierney, Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs.

Recruitment representatives from Queen’s will be working with local guidance counsellors throughout this application cycle to inform eligible students about the program and encourage them to apply. Applying to the program is easy. Eligible prospective students simply need to apply for admission to Queen’s, then apply for a Queen’s Admission Bursary by Feb. 15, 2021.  

The first cohort in the Promise Scholars program attended Kingston secondary schools, including École secondaire publique Mille-Îles, Frontenac Secondary School, Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, and Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute. One participated in the Pathways to Education Kingston program, which offers support to designated students to help them successfully transition to post-secondary education, training, or employment.

Learn more about the Promise Scholars program, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply on the program’s website.

Queen’s is also currently aiming to raise $30 million for student aid across the university. To learn more and to contribute, see the Promise Campaign website.