The GemStar Scholarship Fund is the innovative initiative of Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, President of Playmas Montreal and a long-serving employee of BMO Bank of Montreal. One of the key mandates of Playmas Montreal is to support deserving, high-performing Black high school students in achieving their aspirations by enabling their pursuit of higher education through $1,500 scholarship awards or $500 bursaries. BMO Bank of Montreal, as a sponsor under its Black Entrepreneur Program, along with other corporations and donors, has committed to financing the GemStar Scholarship Fund.

High school administrations and guidance counsellors on the island of Montreal are encouraged to nominate eligible Black Grade 11 students for consideration in the GemStar Circle of Excellence, aiming to secure one of the Scholarships awarded at the end of the program. These students will have the chance to connect with experienced professional mentors who can guide them through their academic and career journeys. The mentors will provide support, advice, and encouragement to help students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

The Circle of Excellence Program will run from October to May. In June, the students who have successfully met the program’s participation requirements will be selected to receive either a scholarship of $1,500 each or a bursary of $500 each to further their academic careers. A graduation ceremony to present
the scholarships will be held, with community members, mentors, parents, and school officials in attendance.

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, the GemStar Circle of Excellence program offers a variety of monthly workshops and other 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, GemStarCircle of Excellence provides students with the resources they need to build successful careers and make a positive impact on their communities.