The DBEN Cultivating Possibilities Awards were orginally named the DBEN Activating Student Success Awards). The awards program which was created in 2012 was influenced by our work with renowned educator, Principal Baruti Kafele, who inspired us to mobilize the academic and community leadership of our students.
Scholarships and awards are provided to celebrate the accomplishments, and to encourage, and empower students from Grades 7 to 12 from the Black Diaspora as they strive for their dreams.
As our outreach has grown, so has the impact! 2023 will be our 11th anniversary of the awards. We have renamed the program to the DBEN Cultivating Possibilities Awards, but the mission and focus are the same. We continue to work with the community to further support the forward and upward trajectory of Black youth while highlighting the community allies and elders that help make this all possible.
This awards directory lists all DBEN Cultivating Possibilities Awards available in 2025 according to eligibility criteria. Click the award name to directly access the corresponding application forms.
NOTE: students are only allowed to apply for a maximum of three DBEN Cultivating Possibilities Awards
Grades 7 - 12
These awards are open to any self-identified Black students in Grades 7 to 12 in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). See the forms below for more details on specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.
FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS YOU WILL NEED A COPY OF YOUR LATEST REPORT CARD AND 2 REFERENCE LETTERS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO UPLOAD AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Community Service
DBEN Community Leadership Awards for Elementary Students (Gr 7-8)
Queen Rising Award - Elementary
(identify as female)
DBEN Community Leadership Awards for Secondary Students (Gr 9-12)
Grade 12
These awards are open to any graduating Grade 12 students in the DDSB who self-identify as Black. See the forms below for more details on specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.
FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS YOU WILL NEED TO UPLOAD THE FOLLOWING AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE: YOUR LATEST STATUS SHEET WITH MIDTERM MARKS ON IT (YOU CAN GET IT FROM YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR) AND 2 LETTERS OF REFERENCE (THEY CAN BE SCHOOL STAFF, COMMUNITY MEMBERS OR EMPLOYERS)
Leadership
DBEN Community Leadership Awards for Secondary Students (Gr 9-12)
Change Maker Awards
The Power in Me Award (first-generation graduating student)
Syfox Stepping Up Award (identify as male)
Kiburi Pride Award (identify as Black and 2SLGBTQIA+)
Leadership and Resiliency
Ifarada Resilience and Leadership Award
TAIBU Community Health Centre Resiliency Award
Lisa McGregor Academic and Sports Leadership Award
Crowd-Funded Leadership and Resiliency Sponsored Award
Academic Excellence
White Owl - Miller Waste Systems Academic Award - Grade 12 Application 2025
Arts
Dwayne Morgan Award for Literary & Performing Arts
Community Service
Queen Rising Award - Secondary
(identify as female)
Criminology
Durham Regional Police Service Board
Education
Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Student Success Award
French Language and/or Mathematics Studies
Health Care Industry
The Olive Branch of Hope Cancer Support Service Award
STEM
Evelyn and Elisha Steele Award
Trades
The Ontario Principals' Council Trades Award
Writers Award
CULTIVATING POSSIBILITIES AWARDS
APPLICATIONS
DBEN encourages Black students to “realize the gifts that their ancestors gave” and pursue their dreams. The village rises with you. Apply.
All awards are open only to current and/or graduating DDSB students who self-identify as members of the Black Diaspora.
To view, All Awards Based on Category click here
DBEN EDUCATOR's AWARD
The DBEN Educator Award is presented annually to a Durham District School Board (DDSB) staff member who exemplifies the DBEN vision of optimizing the educational experiences of African and Caribbean students in the DDSB, and who has demonstrated perseverance, excellence, and leadership.
View the 2021 DBEN Educator's Award Recipient here