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GEM*STAR CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
Scholarship Program
Description & Application Criteria

Program Description

Organized by Playmas Montreal Cultural Association, the Gem*Star Scholarship Program is the brainchild of Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, President of Playmas Montreal and a longtime BMO employee. Part of Playmas Montreal’s mandate is to assist deserving high performing Black high school students in achieving their dreams by facilitating their pursuit of higher education through scholarship awards of $1,500 each. BMO Bank of Montreal has agreed to finance the Gem*Star Scholarship Program, as a sponsor, under the auspices of the Bank’s Black Entrepreneurs Program. Other sponsors include Groupe 3737, other individual donors, and corporations.

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The administrations and guidance counsellors at high schools in Quebec, will nominate eligible Black students for consideration to be a part of the Gem*Star Circle of Excellence in the hope of winning one of the Scholarships at the end of the school year. These student members of the Circle of Excellence will have the opportunity to connect with experienced professional mentors who can guide them through their academic and career journeys. The Mentors will also provide support, advice, and encouragement to help students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. They will also attend workshops and events geared to encourage and develop financial, emotional, physical skills and help students to develop professionally for their future careers from October to April. 

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The Circle of Excellence program will run from October to May. In June,  students from the Circle will be selected to receive scholarships of $1,500 each to further their academic careers. A Graduation ceremony to hand out the scholarships will be held with community members, mentors, parents, and school officials in attendance. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, the Gem*Star Circle of Excellence program offers a variety of workshops and events designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world. From networking events to career development workshops, the GCOE provides students with the resources they need to build successful careers and positively impact their communities.

Application Criteria

Empower
Your Future !

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Does this sound like you?

Grab a hold of this opportunity now!

At the Gem*Star Circle of Excellence Scholarship Program,  we understand that the decision to apply for a scholarship can be a difficult one, and we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. That's why we invite you to connect with us to learn more. You can follow us on social media to get updates on upcoming events, new scholarship opportunities, and more. You can also email us directly with any questions or concerns you may have about the application process. Still not sure of applying? Email us for more information and we'll be happy to help. Connect with us today and take the next step toward a brighter future.

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