eneral applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, which includes having the application sponsored by an Ontario trucking or trucking services/supply company that employs or contracts a parent of the applicant. Students must also submit their applications by the deadline of July 15th in order to be considered.
Students who have applied for scholarships in past years will immediately see that the process for this year’s applications has been modified in response concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications received solely by electronic means for this year are acceptable. In prior years, hard-copies of original signed applications had to be sent to the Foundation.
Students entering their first year of post-secondary directly from high school are eligible to apply for the J.O. Goodman, the Bud Barr, George P. Ledson, or the C.V. Hoar Awards. While the same application form can be used, there are additional requirements. Applicants are assessed on criteria which include academic achievement, service to community, and participation in extra-curricular activities. Winners for these awards are chosen by the Foundation’s Selection Committee.
The Student Scholarship Application Package for the 2020/2021 academic year contains complete information and instructions, along with all the necessary fillable forms for the general scholarships.
Endowed Scholarships also available
Post-secondary students are also urged to take a look at the scholarship opportunities under the Foundation’s endowed scholarship program. These scholarships have been established by trucking and service supply companies through endowments that are managed by the Foundation, and reflect the priorities and values of the companies that established them.
The deadline for completed applications for endowed scholarships is also July 15th. Students can apply for as many scholarships as they want, and are eligible to receive more than one. Application forms for the following endowed scholarships are available at http://otaef.com/scholarshipEndowed.html:
Bison Transport Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in a recognized Transportation, Logistics, Human Resources or Business program at a Canadian University or College.
The Erb Group of Companies “Service to Community” Scholarship: Awarded to a first-year post-secondary student enrolled in a recognized college or university, who demonstrates a commitment to his/her community, through his/her involvement in community and/or charitable volunteer work.
J.D. Smith & Sons “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship: Awarded to a university student who demonstrates a commitment to his/her community, school or other volunteer undertaking while demonstrating exemplary leadership qualities.
OTA Allied Trades Scholarships: Awarded to one university student and one college student, who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education, and who has demonstrated a strong commitment to his/her academic performance.
OTA Professional Driver Memorial Scholarship Award: Awarded in the memory of a true truck hero, David Virgoe, who lost his life in a crash caused by street racers, for children of Ontario truck drivers who are killed or seriously injured on the road.
General scholarships (including the J.O. Goodman, Bud Barr, George P. Ledson, and C.V. Hoar awards) are funded by annual donations, which, in large part, come from Ontario trucking and allied trades companies. To download the application package or to make a donation, go to www.otaef.com.
Endowed scholarships are funded by the companies that established them. Recipients are chosen by the Foundation’s Selection Committee.