YMCA Bursaries & Scholarships 

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As part of the YMCA’s effort to help youth succeed, the YMCA of Niagara offers a number of bursaries and scholarships for graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in post secondary education.

Selections are based on financial circumstances, community service, and the individual’s personal motivation and desire for furthering their education. All applicants must reside in the Niagara Region. Students have an opportunity to receive scholarships up to $300.

Youth are eligible to receive a YMCA Bursary and Scholarship once. This allows the YMCA to support as many youths as possible.

Available Bursaries & Scholarships 

Hundreds of donors made possible The Frank McNeil Youth Bursary, in memory of a committed and dedicated YMCA volunteer at the St. Catharines Branch. Through his volunteer work, Frank demonstrated his love of children and his commitment to help them develop skills and values. Volunteers make a significant contribution to the YMCA’s work of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. They are leaders of tomorrow, demonstrating the capacity of the YMCA to help individuals learn and grow.

An amount of up to $300 annually will be available to a student to provide an opportunity for them to improve their leadership abilities and develop values that are the foundation of YMCA programming.

Selection Criteria

  • between the ages of 15–24
  • contributes significant time and service to a charitable organization
  • has demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment to service excellence
  • resides in the Niagara Region
  • can demonstrate financial need

Hundreds of donors made possible the Walter Oprzedek Youth Bursary, in memory of a committed and dedicated YMCA volunteer at the St. Catharines Walker Family YMCA. Through his work as a teacher, Walter demonstrated his love of children and his commitment to help them develop skills and values. As a volunteer Walter provided leadership to an annual handball tournament that raised funds for the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign that financially assists young people who without the support of our generous donors would not be able to participate in YMCA programs. Volunteers make a significant contribution to the YMCA’s work of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. They are the leaders of tomorrow, demonstrating the capacity of the YMCA to help individuals learn and grow.

An amount of up to $300 annually will be available to a student to provide an opportunity for them to improve their leadership abilities and develop values that are the foundation of YMCA programming.

Selection Criteria 

  • over the age of 17
  • contributes significant time and service to the YMCA or another charitable organization
  • has YMCA experience
  • has demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment to serve others
  • resides in the Niagara Region
  • is enrolled or participating in a recognized college or university
  • can demonstrate financial need

The Butz Family Scholarship, in honour of Stephen Butz and his family, has been made possible by hundreds of donors. From 2000 until 2010, Steve was the CEO of the YMCA of Niagara. Steve gave of himself openly to the YMCA, local service clubs and organizations, and his community. Steve believed that service to others was not only part of the YMCA’s Mission, but also a part of his life.

An amount of up to $300 annually will be available to a student to provide an opportunity for them to continue their post secondary education.

Selection Criteria

  • over the age of 17
  • contributes significant time and service to the YMCA or another charitable organization
  • has YMCA experience
  • has demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment to serve others
  • resides in the Niagara Region
  • is enrolled or participating in a recognized college or university
  • can demonstrate financial need

Hundreds of donors made possible The Savoia Scholarship, in honour of Franco and Barbara Savoia. Franco was the CEO of the YMCA of St. Catharines from 1989 through 2000. Franco and Barbara gave of themselves openly to the YMCA, local service clubs and organizations, their church, their schools and their community. They believed that service to others was not only part of the YMCA’s Mission, but also a part of their lives.

An amount of up to $300 annually will be available to a student to provide an opportunity for them to continue their post secondary education.

Selection Criteria 

  • over the age of 17
  • contributes significant time and service to the YMCA or another charitable organization
  • has YMCA experience
  • has demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment to serve others
  • resides in the Niagara Region
  • is enrolled or participating in a recognized college or university
  • can demonstrate financial need

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Scholarships and Bursaries.

2026 Applications Open

To learn more about a YMCA Bursary or Scholarship, please reach out to our Philanthropy Team.

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