How to Shoot Your Shot at the Scottie Barnes Scholarship

Get the skills to pay the bills with the Scottie Barnes Scholarship! 

Looking to kickstart your career in the trades but are struggling with the financial aspect of going to school? We believe that education is the key to unlocking the doors of opportunity, and every individual, regardless of their background, should have the chance to pursue their passions and build a brighter future.

That’s why Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors’ Rookie of the Year, collaborated with Skilled Trades College of Canada, one of the country’s most esteemed skilled trades schools, to establish the Scottie Barnes Scholarship in 2022.

Now in its second year, Scottie Barnes is on the lookout for four more determined young adults who identify as BIPOC to receive full-ride scholarships valued at $20,000 each.

This scholarship isn’t just a financial aid package—it’s a life-changing opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and mastery. The future is waiting, and it’s time to seize it.

Keep reading to learn how to shoot your shot at a chance to win!

Contents:

🏀 What Is BIPOC? 

🏀 Applying for the Scottie Barnes Scholarship

🏀 What the Winners Receive 

🏀 Making Your Application Stand Out

🏀 Words From Last Year's Winners 

🏀 Shoot Your Shot For The Scottie Barnes Scholarship

What Is BIPOC?

BIPOC is an acronym that stands for black, Indigenous, people of colour. If you identify within any of these categories and have dreams of becoming a skilled tradesperson, then the Scottie Barnes Scholarship awaits your application. 

Applying For The Scottie Barnes Scholarship

Ready to apply?

From now until October 31, 2023, submissions are open to individuals who meet the requirements outlined below:

□ Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 

□ High School Graduate or Equivalent 

□ Age 18-30

□ Identify as a visible minority (BIPOC)

□ Not currently enrolled in an STC program

□ Not already receiving another scholarship or grant

Video Application Process

We’d love to learn more about you and why Scottie should pick you! No need to be camera-shy now, this is your chance to secure the scholarship of your dreams. 

Video requirements:

□ Introduce yourself—let your personality shine! 

□ Tell us why you deserve the Scottie Barnes Scholarship

□ Give us some insight into what you plan to do once you complete the course

□ Keep it short and sweet (30 to 90 seconds in length)

How to submit your video application:

1. Fill out this form—from here, we’ll review it privately.
2. Post your video on Instagram or TikTok. Tag @stc_canada and direct message us your basic information.
3. Send your application to Scottie via email. Include your basic info and a link to your introduction video (Scottie@SkilledTradesCollege.ca)
4. Text your application to Scottie at 647-869-8053. Remember to keep it professional, as inappropriate messages will be discarded. 

What the Winners Receive

The lucky winners of the 2023 Scottie Barnes Scholarship are in for quite the ride—let’s take a look at what’s in store for them! 

VIP Experience with Scottie

• An invitation to a Toronto basketball game in the fall
• Attend a private meet-and-greet with Scottie Barnes

The Scottie Barnes Scholarship Program

• A full-ride scholarship valued at $20,000
• Choose your campus (Toronto East, Vaughan, Mississauga, Ajax, or Cambridge) 
• Select your course from all available STC pre-apprenticeship programs!
• Start the 12-week course in January 2024
• Upon graduation, you’ll receive a full set of high-end Milwaukee tools
• Learn from the best—gain valuable mentorships with industry professionals
• Ongoing career support—from your resume to building connections in the real world

Making Your Application Stand Out  

You've got up to 90 seconds to make a lasting impression, so how are you going to make sure your application is one of the few selected? 

The honest truth is that there’s no “slam dunk” way to win. Just as there isn’t such a thing as a perfect play in a basketball game, there isn’t a perfect application, either. Everyone has their own unique story to tell. While it may sound cliché (hey, clichés are repeated over and over again, because they're true), the key is to be yourself. 

Keep your application authentic, organized, and clear. You know what the stakes are, you're aware of the requirements, you know your audience, and you know what you want—communicate all that to the best of your abilities! 

You deserve this scholarship. All you've got to do is make us hear it.

Words From Last Year’s Winners

If for some reason you still aren’t sold on applying to the Scottie Barnes Scholarship, then you need to hear from last year’s winners. Now, with the help of the program, they are fully equipped to pursue their dream career in the trades.

"I am so happy,” said Abrahan at last year’s Winner Orientation Day. "I am so happy to be supported by you guys and for you to be part of my journey."

Expressing happiness over being included as part of the scholarship initiative, Malik called the opportunity "absolutely life-changing!"

Shoot Your Shot For The Scottie Barnes Scholarship

Being job-ready in a mere 12 weeks may sound like a dream, but with the Scottie Barnes Scholarship, it's 100% a reality. This is a life-changing opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked by those who are eligible. 

If you're an aspiring tradesperson looking to become an expert in a booming industry, the Skilled Trades College of Canada and Scottie Barnes have you covered.

Winners will be chosen in November 2023—so what are you waiting for? Put your dreams into action and send in your application today. We're rooting for you!