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The Waymo Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship

June 1, 2026

Apply for the 2026 Scholarship

Applications for the 2026 Waymo Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship are now open.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and scholarship details below before submitting their application.

Apply Now

Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026

Empowering Students Living with Epilepsy Across Ontario

The Waymo Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship is one of our most meaningful annual initiatives, designed to recognize and support students living with epilepsy as they pursue post-secondary education across Ontario.

Proudly supported by Waymo as the title sponsor, this scholarship reflects a shared commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and empowering students to reach their full potential.

More than financial assistance, this scholarship celebrates resilience, determination, and the achievements of students who continue to pursue their goals while navigating the challenges of epilepsy.

To date, 109 scholarships have been awarded, totaling over $150,000 in direct financial support to students across Ontario. Each award reflects not only financial assistance but also recognition of strength, perseverance, and potential.

Each year, Epilepsy Ontario is proud to invest in students who are shaping their futures through education, leadership, advocacy, and lived experience.

Scholarship Overview

This program provides four $1,500 scholarships to students living with epilepsy who are beginning or continuing post-secondary education in Ontario.

These awards recognize:

  • Academic commitment
  • Community involvement
  • Leadership and advocacy
  • Personal resilience and perseverance

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

  • Be a person living with epilepsy
  • Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person (proof required)
  • Be a resident of Ontario
  • Be enrolled in, or accepted to, a full-time or part-time post-secondary program, including:
  • College
  • University
  • Accredited professional training
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Part-time students must complete at least one course per semester
  • Not be related to any member of the Epilepsy Ontario Board of Directors or staff
  • Not have previously received an Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship

About the Scholarship

Only one in three people with disabilities in Canada complete a post-secondary degree.

Epilepsy Ontario is committed to changing that reality by supporting students who continue to overcome barriers every day.

This scholarship is more than financial support—it is recognition of resilience, determination, and future potential.

Past recipients have gone on to become advocates, professionals, and leaders within the epilepsy community, including serving on the Epilepsy Ontario Board of Directors.

Through the continued support of Waymo as title sponsor, this program remains a growing investment in student success across Ontario.

About Our 2026 Sponsor

About Waymo

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company making it safer, more accessible, and more sustainable to get around — without the need for anyone in the driver’s seat. 

As the world’s first autonomous ride-hailing service they are driven to provide inclusive mobility that offers freedom of movement for all, working with community partners like Epilepsy Ontario to ensure that we are working together to build a future where everyone can travel safely and with ease.

Learn more at waymo.com and waymo.com/community

Epilepsy Ontario  is excited to partner with Waymo. As the voice of epilepsy in the province, we are dedicated to promoting independence and quality of life for people living with seizure disorders. Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service represents  an important step toward addressing one of the most significant barriers our community faces—safe and reliable transportation. For many individuals with epilepsy, the inability to drive can limit access to employment, education, healthcare, and community life. Innovations in autonomous mobility have the potential to expand opportunities, reduce isolation, and support greater inclusion across Ontario. We are encouraged by this progress and look forward to the positive impact it may bring to those we serve.

Paul Raymond, Chief Executive Officer of Epilepsy Ontario, said:

“This is about more than transportation, it is about independence, dignity, and equal access to opportunity. Autonomous vehicle technology has the potential to remove long standing barriers for people living with epilepsy and help create a more inclusive Ontario.”

Voices from Past Recipients

“The scholarship helped me pay for tuition and gave me the confidence to share epilepsy awareness in my community.”
— Cassidy S.

“I never let epilepsy become a barrier. It became part of my strength and identity.”
— Rahman M.

“After not succeeding in my first program, this scholarship gave me the chance to pursue my passion. I love my program and feel supported every step of the way.”
— Jaimie M. L.

Past Recipients 

Below is the complete list of Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship recipients by year.

2025

  • Taylor Kepka – Oakville
  • Vivienne Le – Ottawa
  • Claire Morcotte – Kincardine
  • Rachel Croft – Toronto

2024

  • Ella Howard – Penetanguishene
  • Allison Landry – Dorion
  • Samuel Rheault – Hearst
  • William Fisher – Toronto

2023

  • Taylor Thomas – Welland
  • Amber Demers – Niagara Falls
  • Matthew Farrish – Thunder Bay
  • Lyndsey Canini – Port Perry
  • Angelique Erry – Markham
  • Luke Jan – Toronto

2022

  • Alexa Graham – Timmins
  • Emily Greer – Toronto
  • Tyler Herrington – Waterloo
  • Isabella De Sousa – Ajax

2021

  • Chloe Gallagher – Guelph
  • Harjot Shoker – Mississauga
  • Joleen Secord – Little Current
  • Mercedes (Sadie) Augustyn – Kingston

2020

  • No awards (COVID-19)

2019 – Osler Epilepsy Scholarship

  • Alexandra Crowes – Chatham-Kent
  • Alexandra Law – Oakville
  • Morgan McIntyre – Russell
  • Logan Place – Ancaster
  • Megan Sherwin – Toronto
  • Sierra Spence – St Catharines

2018

  • Bronwyn Clifton – Nepean
  • Eric Jose – Oshawa
  • Sarah McKenzie-Kerr – Toronto
  • Rebekah Pregent – Ottawa
  • Olivia Tomchik – Strathroy

2017

  • Heather Perl – Toronto
  • Mary-Katherine Rowe – Haileybury
  • Mackenzie Fast – St Thomas
  • Sarah Picotte – Ottawa
  • Vanessa Wadge – Belle Vallee

2016

  • Emily Greer – London
  • Emily Hoover – L’Amable
  • Heather Beckett – Barrie
  • Kate Selway – Burlington

2015

  • Andreia Real – Toronto
  • Amanda Cook – Toronto
  • Anya-Belle Brown – Mississauga
  • Sarah Hysenaj – Toronto

2014

  • Samantha Hetherington – Ottawa
  • Courtney Tobin – Kingston
  • Duncan Green – Whitby
  • Elizabeth Paley – Burlington
  • Heather Girardin – London
  • Lia Turner – Burlington

2013

  • Chloe Gallagher – Burlington
  • Tori Gleason – Smiths Falls
  • Alexander Johnson – Mississauga
  • Kirsten Leusink – Cambridge
  • Katelyn Lewis – Thunder Bay
  • Suzanne McGuire – Niagara Falls

2012

  • Brooke Corner – Barrie
  • Chelsea Ellis – Kanata
  • Danika Dupuis – Kingston
  • Jaimie Morgan-Lynette – Toronto
  • Michel Leroux – Ottawa
  • Mikaela Morrell – Porcupine
  • Rahman Mohamed – Toronto
  • Vanessa Orlando – St. Catharines

2011

  • Lindsay Bennett – Niagara
  • Julia Chriss – York Region
  • Megan Judith Donnelly – York Region
  • Johnathan Healy – Simcoe
  • Joanna Marie Hearn – Kingston
  • Jasmyne Jagpal – London
  • Alexandra Potvin – Simcoe
  • Christopher Rychlo – Simcoe
  • Cassidy Sankey – Durham
  • Jennifer Ward – Durham

2010

  • Daniel Adamo – Toronto
  • Amanda Beitz – Waterloo
  • Kate Cochrane – London
  • Robert DeMarco – London
  • Darcy Enns – Niagara
  • Aliza Jo Gold-Ruvolo – Toronto
  • Melissa Kerr – London
  • Brandyn McCarthy – Halton Peel
  • Cowathamen Mohan – Halton Peel
  • Aly Singh – Ottawa

2009

  • Alexe Lalonde – Ottawa
  • Laryssa Bilinsky – Sudbury
  • Meryn Winters – Toronto
  • Alesha Ross – Windsor
  • Jaclyn DeWolf – London
  • Hilary L. Scarrow – Halton Peel
  • Emma Rossi – Waterloo Wellington
  • Christine Kirkwood – Ottawa
  • David Benoit – Ottawa
  • Geertje Visscher – London
  • Hannah King – Toronto

2007

  • Emily Banks – London
  • Heather Bartok – Niagara
  • Jacquelin Chatterpaul – York Region
  • Skye Corey – London
  • Alex Dolan – York Region
  • Carolyn Harris – Windsor
  • Nathalie Holroyd – Durham
  • Nadim S. – Toronto
  • Melissa Seichter – Hamilton
  • Lindsay Smyth – Durham
  • Chelsea Tobin – Kingston
  • Lynn Wilkins – Toronto

Empowering Minds Transforming Futures

This scholarship exists to ensure that epilepsy does not define limits it supports opportunity, confidence, and success in education and beyond.

The 2026 #IAM1IN100 CAMPAIGN

February 24, 2026

 

We are bringing back the #Iam1in100 campaign this March.

Download the material below and help expand the representation of what it means to live with epilepsy.

If you have epilepsy, download the sign that says “I have epilepsy and…” In the blank space provided, you can write about how you’re feeling or how you’re handling epilepsy. You can also write about your hobbies, interests, skills, and life beyond epilepsy.

If you know someone with epilepsy, download the sign that says “Someone I care about has epilepsy and…” In the blank space provided, you can write about their hobbies, interests, skills, and life beyond epilepsy.

The campaign highlights the range of experiences of living with epilepsy and that people with epilepsy are more than just their epilepsy.

 

Here’s how you can participate

Download and print a sign
Fill in the blank space
Take a photo while holding the sign
Upload your photo to social media using #Iam1in100 (for people with epilepsy) and #1in100.
Feel free to tag us @epilepsysco on Twitter & Instagram & Facebook or use the hashtag #epilepsysouthcentralontario

Material

 

English
“I have epilepsy and” sign (8.5″x11″)
“Someone I care about has epilepsy and” sign (8.5″x11″)
Small poster (8.5″x11″)
Large poster (11″x17″)

Français
«J’ai l’épilepsie et”» tableaux (8.5 x 11 po)
«Une personne qui me tient à coeur souffre d’épilepsie et» (8.5 x 11 po)
Petite affiche (8.5 x 11 po)
Grande affiche (11 x 17 po)

Be Part of a Graphic Novel About Epilepsy Heroes

July 17, 2025

Epilepsy Ontario is creating a comic book/graphic novel, and we want your idea to help shape it.

We’re looking for story ideas that highlight the strength, courage, and impact of people living with epilepsy—whether it’s about raising awareness, supporting others, or breaking down stigma. This is your chance to help bring real-life epilepsy superheroes to the page.

What We’re Looking For:

  • A story idea—not a full script or completed story
  • Open to anyone, regardless of writing experience
  • You must be a resident of Ontario
  • Your idea must be original and never published or submitted elsewhere
  • Selected ideas may be adapted, edited, or combined with others
  • All submissions become the property of Epilepsy Ontario, but you will be credited for your concept

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your story idea come to life in a graphic novel—this is your moment.

👉 Submit Your Idea Here

Let’s show the world what real strength looks like—one story at a time.

The 2025 application process is NOW OPEN

June 12, 2025

The 2025 application process is NOW OPEN and will close on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Eligibility

The 2025 Epilepsy Ontario Scholarships are awarded to students across Ontario who are living with epilepsy and who meet the following criteria:

• be a person living with epilepsy.
• be a Canadian citizen, Protected Person or Permanent Resident of Canada (proof of status required)
• be a resident of Ontario
• be enrolled in or accepted for full-time or part-time post-secondary studies in a College or University, accredited professional or apprenticeship training institution (part-time students must be completing at least one course each semester)
• should not be related to any member of the Board of Directors or staff of Epilepsy Ontario
• Have not been a previous Scholarship Recipient

About the scholarship

Are you a student with Epilepsy enrolled or about to be enrolled in a post-secondary education program this September? Then congratulations, you are already well on your way to beating the odds. Only one in three people with disabilities earn a post-secondary degree in Canada. We at Epilepsy Ontario want to improve those odds and we want to celebrate your success in getting as far as you have already.

If you have Epilepsy and you are pursuing a post-secondary education anywhere in Ontario, you are eligible for one of four $1,500 scholarships. You could become a member of our Scholarship community of past winners like Melanie Jeffrey, who has since gone on to become a member of the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Ontario and has become a passionate advocate for Epilepsy awareness.

Comments from Previous Recipients

“The OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship benefited me by helping pay for my tuition. It was a great help and I was also able to spread the word and knowledge about epilepsy.” – Cassidy S.

“I never let epilepsy become a barrier.  I made it a part of my life and a part of who I am.  Because of epilepsy I am a more determined and persistent person who never lets anything stand his way.  The OBCL Scholarship gave me the chance to show this to my family, friends, professors, and community.” – Rahman M.

“I was not successful at my first post-secondary attempt. With the hope of receiving the OBCL Epilepsy scholarship I applied to the Recreation and Leisure program, something  I had always dreamed of.  I’m finding Centennial College and the faculty very supportive and love the program. Thank you so much Epilepsy Ontario. You are the Best!” – Jaimie M L

2025 Epilepsy Ontario Scholarship Application