Bill 7 Award

Overview of the Bill 7 Award program:

The Bill 7 Award is an annual scholarship program established to support 2SLGBTQ+ students in Ontario who face financial barriers in accessing post-secondary education. Named in recognition of Ontario’s Bill 7 (1986)—the legislation that first added sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code—the award represents a long-standing commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and educational access for queer and trans students. The award is open to students who self-identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, demonstrate financial need, and are entering or currently enrolled in their first post-secondary program (college, university, or trade school) in Ontario. The program is managed by the Bill 7 Award Trust, a registered charity, and funded through community donations and corporate sponsors. Each year, multiple scholarships are awarded, and in recent years, individual award amounts have increased to $4,000 or more per recipient. The number of awards depends on the availability of funds. Recipients are selected based on eligibility, financial need, personal statements, and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. The award especially recognizes students who have shown leadership or resilience as members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Applications are submitted through an online portal, and all eligible students are encouraged to apply regardless of academic discipline.

Benefits of the Bill 7 Award program:

• Provides direct financial support to help cover tuition, books, and living costs
• Recognizes and empowers 2SLGBTQ+ students at Ontario colleges, universities, and trade schools
• Supports first-time post-secondary students facing financial barriers
• Strengthens community visibility and representation within the education system
• Encourages applicants to share their personal stories and goals, promoting pride and resilience
• Offers multiple awards each year, increasing impact across the province
• Builds networks and recognition for 2SLGBTQ+ student leaders and changemakers

Eligibility criteria of the Bill 7 Award program:

• To be eligible for the Bill 7 Award, applicants must:
• Self-identify as 2SLGBTQ+
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be attending or accepted into a recognized post-secondary institution in Ontario
• Be pursuing their first post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate
• Be studying full-time
• Submit a completed application package, including:
• Personal information
• Financial details
• Academic program and institution
• A written personal statement about their experience as a 2SLGBTQ+ person and educational/career goals
• (Optional) Reference letters or supporting documents
• The scholarship is open to both recent high school graduates and mature students entering post-secondary for the first time.