Are you a Canadian citizen whose life has been impacted by impaired driving? The MADD Canada: Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary offers a chance to further your education with the support of a $10,000 award. This bursary is designed to help students whose lives have been directly affected by impaired driving and who are committed to making a positive change in their communities.
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About the Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary
The MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Canada organization has been dedicated to ending impaired driving and supporting victims since 1989. The Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary, created in 2016, is named in honor of Louise Joanne Twerdy, an advocate for MADD Canada, who devoted her life to the cause. This bursary is awarded annually to an individual who has either been severely injured in an impaired driving crash or has had a family member (parent, legal guardian, or sibling) killed or severely injured as a result of impaired driving.
Bursary Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate
- Institution(s): Accredited Canadian institutions
- Study in: Canada
- Courses Offered: Open to all fields of study
- Program Duration: One-time award
- Deadline: Around May
- Bursary Amount:
- $10,000 for the top applicant
- $5,000 for additional awardees
Bursary Benefits
The Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary provides significant financial support to assist in the pursuit of your educational goals:
- Top Award: $10,000 for the highest-scoring applicant
- Additional Awards: $5,000 bursaries for other selected candidates
These funds can be used to cover tuition, books, living expenses, and other educational costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Have been severely injured in an impaired driving crash or have had a parent (or legal guardian) or sibling killed or severely injured in such a crash
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution (undergraduate or graduate level)
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to raising awareness about impaired driving
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary:
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Personal statement or essay describing your experience with impaired driving, your leadership qualities, and how you plan to use your education to make a positive impact
- Two reference letters from individuals who can speak to your leadership and commitment
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of enrollment in an accredited institution (or acceptance letter if applicable)
- Complete the Application: Ensure all sections of the application are filled out completely and accurately.
- Submit the Application: Review your application before submitting it by the deadline (May 31st, 2025, 11:59 PM EST). Late submissions will not be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Be Authentic: Share your personal story and how impaired driving has impacted your life. Be genuine in your personal statement.
- Highlight Your Leadership: Demonstrate your involvement in community activities or efforts related to impaired driving prevention and advocacy.
- Get Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who are familiar with your leadership and community contributions.
Why Choose the Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary?
This bursary not only honors the legacy of Louise Joanne Twerdy but also empowers individuals who have been personally affected by impaired driving to continue their education and advocate for change. MADD Canada’s commitment to supporting victims and preventing impaired driving is strengthened through this bursary, providing a platform for students to further their studies and make a lasting impact on their communities.
Apply Now
To learn more about the MADD Canada: Louise Joanne Twerdy Leadership Bursary and to submit your application, visit the official MADD Canada website. Don’t miss the opportunity to support your educational journey while making a difference in the fight against impaired driving—apply by May!
Explore more scholarship opportunities by checking out our other scholarship blogs.