The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) is pleased to announce applications are now open for the Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities. Funded generously by the April 1 Foundation, this national scholarship supports Canadian youth with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education and removes financial barriers to learning and success.
Founded on the belief that all people, regardless of ability, deserve full access to education and opportunity, the Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarship provides meaningful financial support of up to $10,000 per year (to a maximum of $40,000) to students with disabilities under the age of 30 years looking to complete a 1- to 4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
"The large number of applicants for this scholarship over the past two years demonstrates the overwhelming need to remove financial barriers for youth with disabilities," said Laura McBride, Senior Director, Awareness, Rick Hansen Foundation. "We are so grateful for the opportunity to help these students pursue their dreams."
Since its launch two years ago, this scholarship has empowered recipients to focus on their academic goals from nursing and education to social work and sciences - a reality that is not otherwise possible for many young people. Personal stories from past recipients highlight the difference this funding can make from improved well-being and academic focus to renewed confidence and community leadership.
Rick and Amanda Hansen have long championed the values of perseverance, inclusivity and making a difference. For over 40 years since the Man In Motion World Tour Rick Hansen's leadership as a world-renowned change maker and founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation laid the groundwork for his Foundation's work to remove barriers for people with disabilities. Today, the Foundation continues that work through its leadership in bringing people together to accelerate change and innovations with the RHF School and Accessibility Certification programs.
In 2022, 20% of youth had a disability, an increase of seven percentage points over 2017, Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Disability, April 2024. People living with disabilities are less likely to report completing higher levels of education compared to those living disability free. One-in-four (24%) say they graduated university, compared to 32% of those without disabilities.
This scholarship not only alleviates financial barriers for students with disabilities but also reinforces a powerful message: talent and potential should never be limited by barriers, whether physical, financial, or attitudinal.
Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026, and recipients will be announced in September. For more information, including eligibility and evaluation criteria, and to apply, visit www.RickHansen.com/Scholarship.
For more information
300-3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond British Columbia
Canada V7B 0A2
www.rickhansen.com/
