EST. 2005
Awards & Scholarships
students
DBEN strives to encourage black students in Durham to visualize their futures and pursue post-secondary studies to better prepare for their future
Educators
DBEN recognizes those who have demonstrated perseverance, excellence and leadership
A scholarship and scholarship resource for students of the Black Diaspora in Canada
other community
SCHOLARSHIPs
Activating Student Success Awards
Inspired by our work with renowned educator Principal Baruti Kafele, we work to mobilize the academic and community leadership of our students.
Since 2013, the Activating Student Success Awards (ASSA) recognizes outstanding leadership of Durham District School Board (DDSB) students in Grades 7 – 12 from the Black Diaspora.
An annual event is held to celebrate students with the community to encouragement and empower youth as they strive for their dreams
Watch our videos to learn more
COMING SOON:
student awards
This year, DBEN proudly celebrates 10 years of recognizing and nurturing our students' growth and success... Stay tuned for more information about our 2022 Cultivating Possibilities Awards!
Four scholarships will be awarded to secondary students and four scholarships will be awarded to elementary students
Activating student success
MARK JOEL TRAILBLAZER
In honour of DDSB Educator Mark Joel, this $500 awarded will be granted to a student expressing the desire to purse post-secondary studies in Education
power in me
This $1000 award supports and fosters the pursuit of higher education among students who self-identify of Black and/or African descent
Initiated by Up North Naturals, this $250 award will be granted to a student pursing post-secondary education and who demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit
up north naturals entrepreneurial spirit
QUEEN RISING
This $500 award will be granted to a student who is young woman pursuing higher education, and has demonstrated involvement in community work and/or social justice initiatives
EULEEN THOMPSON
This $250 award will be granted to a student pursuing post-secondary studies in the performing arts, theatre, music, dance, vocal studies, creative writing, film studies or film production
IFARADA INSTITUTE OF EXCELLENCE
Initiated by Ifarada, this $1000 award will be granted to a student who demonstrates leadership, resilience and an ability to overcome adversity of their personal circumstances
This $500 award will be granted to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting community involvement through volunteer initiatives and team-building activities
NATIONAL BASKETBALL YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (NBYMP) FOUNDATION
Interested in sponsoring or donating to an award?
Recognizing our students’ pursuit of excellence in academics and community leadership, DBEN Activating Student Success Awards (ASSA welcomes sponsers to support our ASSA recipients in actualizing their dreams
Watch our virtual ceremonies
DBEN EDUCATOR AWARD
The DBEN Educator Award is presented annually to a Durham District School Board (DDSB) staff member who exemplifies the DBEN motto of “Optimizing the educational experiences of Africa and Caribbean students in the DDSB” and who has demonstrated perseverance, excellence and leadership
We recognize that to educate the youth is one of the noblest professions
criteria
The selected individual advocates for new ways to improve educational outcomes for black students in Durham. This annual award is to acknowledge those educators who have created opportunities for students and staff in the Durham Region.
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Current or retired Durham District School Board staff member who is not a current DBEN executive member
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Demonstrates and supports the DBEN Mission
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Identifies as a member of the Black diaspora
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Nominated and selected by the ASSA selection committee
additional community scholarships
black foundation of community networks (bcfn)
BCFN offers scholarships and a directory of scholarship and awards in Canada
CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN OF CANADA: AJAX/PICKERING CHATPER
CBWC Ajax/Pickering offer an annual scholarship