MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarships

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

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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.

Cole Pybus
2023 MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship Recipient

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.

Sophia Acevedo
2020 MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship Recipient