Tamara Gordon Foundation Scholarship

Tamara Gordon (Tammy) is a Canadian citizen born of Jamaican parents. In her early school years, she developed a passion for sports and became extremely skilled in many sports, especially basketball. Her athletic skills were evident in the many trophies, medallions, All Stars and ‘Most Valuable Player’ Awards she received.

In 2002 Tammy was severely injured in a skiing accident that left her paralyzed and confined to a wheel chair. This was a pivotal time for her and resulted in major changes in her life style and a reassessment of her life goals.

She refused to allow her accident to victimize her or kill the dreams she had. After her accident she continued to pursue her studies despite being paralyzed from the waist down as a result of damage to her spinal cord, and despite the loss of use in her left and dominant hand due to a brachial plexus injury, as well as problems with defective eyesight brought on by diabetes, which she contracted following her accident.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

1. Be a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant with a permanent physical disability
2. Reside in the province of Ontario
3. Be enrolled in a program at an Ontario University that is a member of Universities Canada or one of Ontario’s 24 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology for the upcoming academic year
4. Be a Grade 12 student in the province of Ontario, or a student already enrolled in a post-secondary program and looking to advance to either year 2, 3, 4 on wards.
5. Demonstrate a strong academic record
6. Demonstrate a need for financial assistance

Applicants must submit:

1. Confirmation/documentation of enrollment in one of the foregoing academic institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year. (First-time applicants only)
2. A copy of the letter of acceptance from the College/University that the applicant will be attending for the 2026/2027 academic year. (First year students only)
3. An official (original) transcript from the applicant’s most recently completed post-secondary academic year or a copy of the applicant’s final grade 12 report card for those entering their first year of post-secondary education.
4. Past recipients are strongly encouraged to be volunteers and ambassadors for the Foundation if they are physically and/or verbally able to do so.
5. Two letters of recommendation (one academic reference and one-character reference).
6. An original one-page, single-spaced essay describing the permanent physical disability, the applicant’s academic and career goals, the applicant’s future career aspirations, and the reasons why the applicant feels he or she should be selected.
7. A physician’s letter setting out details of the applicant’s permanent physical disability. (not required for applicants seeking to renew a TGF Scholarship Award).
8. A brief biography of 100 words or less, it must be written in third person, introducing yourself, emphasizing your academic and personal achievements. Additionally, provide a high-level summary of your disability without disclosing confidential details. To showcase your unique journey and inspire others. The bio will be shared in any one or more of our media including, but not limited to: our YouTube channel, TGF website, social media posts, reception programs and communications with our donors. Focus on your strengths and how this sponsorship aligns with your aspirations. Please submit this by e-mail to: tamaragfoundation@gmail.com.
9. Summary of costs for transportation, tuition, textbooks, and other materials for the academic year.
10. A list of extracurricular activities, specifying start and end dates for each activity (e.g., school involvement, community volunteer work, arts, sports and TGF activities).
11. A passport size photograph (to be used for TGF publications if applicant is selected for a Scholarship Award). Please submit the photo by e-mail to: tamaragfoundation@gmail.com.
12. Proof of status in Canada (Citizen or Landed Immigrant). (First-time applicants only)
13. How did you hear about the scholarship? If you heard about the TGF from a past recipient, please provide that person’s name.

Additional Information:

Scholarships are usually presented to recipients at the September Awards Ceremony for submission directly to their College/University. Students who are selected to be 2026/2027 recipients will be notified of the exact date and location for the 2026 event in due course.

In completing your application, please type or print clearly. Illegible or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be received by the Foundation on or before the August due date in order to be considered.

The Tamara Gordon Foundation wishes all applicants the best regarding their current and future pursuits. Only the students who meet the eligibility requirements will be selected and contacted.