2023 Loran Scholars | Loran Scholars Foundation

en français

The Loran Scholars Foundation is redefining the idea of scholarships in Canada: looking beyond marks, we find and bring together community-engaged students who show strength of character and are ready to embrace the challenge of leaving the world better than they found it. As graduating high school and Cégep students, the pursuits and accomplishments of the 36 newest recipients of the Loran Award are exemplary, but it is their values-driven approach to leading and dedication to uplifting their communities that distinguish them as Loran Scholars.

As the newest recipients of the Loran Award, these students participated in an in-depth, nationwide selection process carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteer assessors and interviewers. We look for qualities that grades alone cannot show: a breadth of interests, and deep commitment to service, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the determination to work towards long-term goals.

Within the new cohort, one scholar founded a nonprofit to support mental well-being; another established her First Nation community’s first youth centre; one organized a fundraiser to advocate for and raise awareness of struggles faced by Afghan women; another serves as her school board student trustee and lead astronomer at an eco-park; and one founded a science club for his local elementary students. These are but a few examples that give us hope for a future in which these emerging leaders are able to realize their potential. We know they just need support and opportunities to grow.

Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year, comprehensive leadership-enrichment program, tuition waivers and financial support, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors—unlike anything else offered in this country. We give exceptional young people a launchpad to unlock their potential and empower them to make positive change in their communities.

From writing an application to attending National Interviews in Toronto, the entire Loran selection process is a personal growth experience, in itself — a chance for the students to reflect, learn about themselves, and connect with other passionate and optimistic young changemakers. In addition to the four-year Loran Award granted to 36 students, we also recognize and provide one-time entrance awards to 54 Loran Finalists who made it to Nationals and 60 students recognized as Loran Provincial and Territorial Award recipients at the semi-final level. Overall, we will be investing close to $4 million in 150 students across Canada this year.

Since its inception 34 years ago, the Loran Scholars Foundation has provided more than $62 million in undergraduate awards to 3,200+ promising high school and Cégep students including 757 Loran Scholars. Together, alumni of the program form a diverse ecosystem of purpose-driven leaders pushing boundaries across an array of fields, such as technology, the arts, law, science, education, and finance. Loran Scholars have gone on to hold such positions as: President, Doctors of the World; Country Manager for Azerbaijan, The World Bank; Assistant Professor, Critical Studies of Race & Indigeneity at the University of Toronto; Chief of Staff, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency with the Government of Canada; and CEO, Birds Canada. Moreover, 8 Loran Scholars have gone on to clerk for the Supreme Court and 24 have been selected as Rhodes Scholars. Though their work spans a multitude of sectors and disciplines, alumni share and continue to be guided by Loran’s core values of character, service, and leadership.

2023 Loran Scholars in the news

MEDIA CONTACTS

Roxy Rae, Community Engagement & Communications Officer
roxy.rae@loranscholar.ca

Danielle Jasniewski, Community Engagement & Communications Manager
danielle.jasniewski@loranscholar.ca

Akutaq Williamson Bathory
Ralph M. Barford Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Calgary
Inuksuk High School
Iqaluit
Nunavut