Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that people of all abilities should have the right to a barrier-free education. The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities, funded generously by the April 1 Foundation, provides financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education.
This scholarship aims to make a profound impact on the lives of Canadian youth with disabilities by removing financial barriers and supporting career aspirations through post-secondary education.
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities looking to complete a 1- to 5-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- A person with a disability, defined as a functional limitation – whether permanent or episodic – that is compounded by barriers. Attitudinal and physical barriers can prevent the student’s equitable access to meaningful participation in post-secondary education.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Eligible for domestic tuition at a publicly funded post-secondary institution or training program at a public university, college or institute in Canada.
- Under 30 years old as of May 14, 2025.
- Enrolling full-time in the eligible academic year for a 1- to 5-year post-secondary program.
- Enrolling in a publicly funded Canadian institution.
- Not receiving other financial awards that total more than $2,500 per year (excluding student loans and automatically awarded entrance scholarships).
- Responsible for ensuring that any funding received from the Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship will not negatively affect the status of any benefits and subsidies that they
are eligible for.
Application Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Demonstrate alignment with Rick & Amanda Hansen’s values of perseverance, inclusivity and being a difference maker;
- Clarity of career goals and alignment with the chosen academic program;
- Ability to successfully complete the chosen academic program; and
- Financial necessity of the scholarship.
The recipients for the 2025–26 year have been announced!
Learn more about them on our blog.
Proof of Disability Form
Download this form and ask an authorized medical practitioner to complete it for your application. To review the list of authorized medical practitioners, please visit the Government of Canada’s webpage “Authorized medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit”.
Words from the 2024 Recipients
“Because of this scholarship, my mental and physical health has improved, and I have been able to dedicate more time and energy into my schooling.”
“This scholarship has had a profound impact on both my academic journey and personal growth. It has eased the financial stress of university, allowing me to focus more on my studies and advocacy work. Knowing that Rick and Amanda Hansen believe in my potential has boosted my confidence and sense of purpose.”
“Receiving this scholarship has had a profound impact on my life. It has significantly eased the financial burden of my education, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies without the added stress of working to pay tuition. This support came at a time when my nursing courses were especially intensive, and it gave me the strength to keep going during difficult moments.”
“Before I received the scholarship, I was working part time. Since getting the scholarship I have not had to work. Because I was able to leave my job, I was able to increase my workload from two to three courses a semester. This means I will be able to graduate a little earlier than expected.”
“This scholarship has allowed me to focus on going to school while continuing to build strength back from my most recent spinal cord surgery. I could not be more grateful for this financial support.”