Student Voluntarism Bursary Policy

(Revised February 2026)

The Munster Community Association (MCA) will award two (2) $500 bursaries to graduating high school students who currently reside in Munster, Ontario, regardless of where their high school is located.

Students must be nominated by their respective high school principal or teacher. The MCA Board of Directors will select the two successful recipients based on the criteria outlined below.

Purpose of the Award

The purpose of the award is to:

• Recognize local students who have demonstrated an interest in supporting the MCA community by providing service to residents or organizations.
  
  

• Reduce financial barriers for deserving students who plan to pursue post-secondary education.
  
  

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be used by both the nominating school officials and the MCA selection committee:

1. Residence

The student must reside in Munster, Ontario, as defined by the 2024 bylaw boundaries, during their graduating school year.

2. MCA Membership

The student’s household must be active members of the MCA, having paid their annual membership fees prior to application opening. Membership status will be confirmed by the MCA Board of Directors.

3. Community Involvement

The student must have demonstrated volunteer service to individuals or an organization in Munster, Ontario, during the graduating school year.

• Volunteer service must exceed the mandatory 40-hour community involvement requirement.
  
  

• Priority will be given to students volunteering within Munster.
  
  

4. Post-Secondary Application

The student must have applied to, or clearly plan to attend, a post-secondary institution (university, college, or trade school) in the upcoming academic year.

Promotion and Application Process

The MCA Board of Directors will publicize the award by mid-March of the award year through:

• The MCA website
  
  

• Social media platforms
  
  

• Email communications
  
  

• Direct contact with the four principal high schools:
  
  

  • South Carleton High School
    
    

  • Sacred Heart High School
    
    

  • École secondaire catholique Paul-Demarais
    
    

  • École secondaire publique Maurice-Lapointe
    
    

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted by May 15 of the award year and must include:

1. A letter from the school officially nominating the student and detailing how the student meets the selection criteria, emailed to president@munsteronline.ca.
   
   

2. A completed online application form (link below).
   
   

Selection and Notification

The MCA Board of Directors will:

• Review all applications.
  
  

• Select two successful candidates.
  
  

• Notify the applicable high schools by May 31.
  
  

• Arrange for the bursary to be presented at the student’s graduation ceremony.
  
  

Recipients consent to the MCA publishing their name.

2026 Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 bursaries may be submitted until May 15, 2026.