Originally from Niagara Falls, John McCall MacBain created this scholarship as a way to identify and support young people in his hometown who make positive contributions to their schools or broader communities.
Up to 12 scholarships are offered to students pursuing degree (4-year) or diploma (2- or 3-year) programs at universities and colleges.
Applications are now open until November 13, 2024, 5 p.m. Eastern Time
The MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship is renewable each year, for up to four years for degree programs and up to two or three years for diploma programs (depending on the length of the program full-time).
Students pursuing degree or applied degree programs receive $7,000 per year. Students pursuing 2-year or 3-year diploma programs receive $4,000 per year.
Students who study in Ontario at a public college or university more than 300 km from their high school receive an additional $2,000 travel stipend per year. Students who study at an out-of-province public college or university in Canada receive an additional $4,000 travel stipend per year.
Degree or applied degree programs (up to 4 years)
2-year diploma programs (length of program full-time)
3-year diploma programs (length of program full-time)
Studying at an Ontario public university or college within 300 km from high school
$7,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $28,000)
$4,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $8,000)
$4,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $12,000)
Studying at an Ontario public university or college more than 300 km from high school
$9,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $36,000)
$6,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $12,000)
$6,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $18,000)
Studying at an out-of-province public Canadian university or college
$11,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $44,000)
$8,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $16,000)
$8,000/year (renewable up to a total value of $24,000)
Scholarship Details
If you are graduating in the upcoming year from one of the following five Niagara Falls High Schools and meet the eligibility criteria, you may apply for a MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship.
Eligible High Schools
Westlane Secondary School
A.N. Myer Secondary School
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Saint Paul Catholic High School
Stamford Collegiate Institute
Eligibility Criteria
Be a Canadian citizen, Canadian permanent resident, refugee, or protected person in Canada
Have a minimum cumulative high school average of 80% (grades 9-11 inclusive)
Be entering your first undergraduate degree or diploma program at a public Canadian university or college in 2025
Be in good standing academically and non-academically with your high school
Selection Criteria
MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship recipients are students of strong character who care deeply about their school and broader communities and take action to make them better places to live. If you are involved in your community, take initiative to find solutions to problems you see around you and involve others along the way, work hard and value honesty, collaboration and ongoing learning, consider applying for this scholarship.
The selection criteria for this scholarship are:
Strong character, including honesty, integrity, hard work, and willingness to take responsibility
A track record of community involvement, such as volunteering, athletics, and extra-curricular activities
Leadership potential
Application Process and Timeline
September 17, 2024
Applications open for the 2025 cohort. To be considered for this Scholarship, you must complete an online application including short essays, activity lists, the contact information for supervisors / verifiers of your activities, and the contact information for references. No reference letter is required.
November 13, 2024
Application period closes
January 24, 2025
After you complete your application, your school will nominate candidates to the Foundation based on the selection criteria above. Shortlisted students will be notified and invited for interview.
February 23, 2025
Interviews take place in-person in Niagara Falls
May 2025
Scholarship recipients are announced
August 2025
Recipients attend a retreat to prepare for their post-secondary journeys
Hear from Past Recipients
This Scholarship has genuinely impacted my life for the better; without it, I would have never ventured so far from home and gotten the opportunity to discover myself in a way I hadn’t before.
The support from the Foundation has been instrumental in shaping who I am today and who I aspire to be. It has provided me with the confidence and resources to pursue my goals and make meaningful contributions to the community.
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