Are you familiar with Fondation Desjardins?

Fondation Desjardins' primary mission is to support education. Founded in 1970, this organization offers financial aid in the form of scholarships and bursaries to young people aged 18 to 30 who want to go back to school, improve their access to jobs or even start a small business.

There are many types of bursaries, not all of which are granted on the basis of academic excellence. Your financial situation and level of community involvement are also taken into consideration. There's even a category for young workers. Any personal endeavour undertaken to improve your prospects on the job market is eligible and worth submitting to the Fondation.

Numbers

In 2006, Fondation Desjardins gave away $780,000 in bursaries, $440,000 of which was awarded in university bursaries. Fondation Desjardins is recognized as the private foundation that gives the greatest number of university bursaries in Quebec. Since it was established, it has awarded $9 million to over 7,700 young people in support of their educational efforts.

How to apply

• Visit the Fondation Desjardins bursaries section.
• Select the program that best suits you.
• Read the description and fill out the application.

Desjardins Group is the financial institution in Quebec that gives the most back to the community by far. This contribution, in the form of donations, sponsorships, scholarships and member dividends, sets the caisses apart from the competition once again.

This column was written by Mélanie Lefebvre, Youth Focus Advisor at the Caisse populaire Desjardins de Mont-Tremblant.

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