BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS THROUGH EDUCATION.
the IAM Scholarship Program.
Accessing education or training can be challenging for many Canadians living with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses. Interruptions to schooling, employment, and stability are common, and traditional funding pathways do not always account for that reality.
The IAM Scholarship Program is a one‑of‑a‑kind program in Ontario, designed specifically to support individuals living with serious and complex mental illness who want to pursue education or training as part of their recovery.
This scholarship supports individuals as they build resilience, promote personal growth, and pursue their educational and vocational goals, while recognizing that recovery and learning are often non‑linear.
Education Comes in Many Forms
There is no single path back to education or work. The IAM Scholarship Program funds a wide range of educational and training opportunities, including:
- High school equivalency or upgrading programs, including GED‑equivalent programs
- College and university programs
- Vocational and trade training
- Professional certifications, micro‑credentials, and skills‑based courses
By supporting different types of learning, the program gives recipients the flexibility and agency to choose a path that makes sense for their goals, circumstances, and timing.
Our Supporters
The IAM Scholarship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Otsuka Lundbeck Alliance, the Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation, the Tachane Foundation, and individual donors.
Their support helps reduce barriers to education and training for people whose educational pathways may not follow traditional timelines.
Before You Apply
We know applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming. This program is designed to be flexible, respectful, and supportive.
Here are a few things we want you to know before you start:
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
Recovery and education are often non‑linear. It’s okay if your plans are still taking shape.
You don’t need to be enrolled yet.
You can apply if you’re planning to enroll or considering your options.
Short and simple answers are okay.
We’re looking for honesty and reflection, not perfect writing.
You can save your application and come back later.
Progress is saved automatically when using the same device and browser.
Deferrals are often possible.
If your health or circumstances change after an award, we do our best to be flexible.
If you have questions, please contact us scholarships@iamentalhealth.ca
You can make a difference
Since 2003, this program has awarded more than $400,000 to over 300 students, amplifying hope and opportunity in communities across Canada. But the need is increasing every year. With your generosity, we can reach even more individuals who deserve the chance to unlock their potential and thrive. Every donation strengthens our efforts to create accessibility, nurture resilience, and build futures that would otherwise be out of reach. Learn more about donating here.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
General Questions
Do I need to have everything figured out before applying?
No. Recovery, education, and career paths are often non‑linear. You are encouraged to apply even if your goals are still developing or may change over time.
What if I’m not sure whether I’m eligible?
Scholarship eligibility is dependent on the stream you are applying for. Eligibility criteria is below:
Say Yes to Me and IAM Scholarships
Applicants must:
- Have lived experience of schizophrenia or another psychotic illness
- Be actively engaged in recovery in a way that makes sense for you (e.g., clinical care, peer support, education, cultural practices, or community support)
- Submit a completed application package
- Provide 1 reference
Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation Scholarships
Applicants must:
- Have lived experience of a mental illness (formal diagnosis required)
- Be actively engaged in recovery
- Be between the ages of 16–34
- Submit a completed application package
- Provide 1 reference
Tachane Foundation Scholarships
Applicants must:
- Have lived experience of a mental illness (formal diagnosis required)
- Be actively engaged in recovery
- Be between the ages of 16–34
- Self‑identify as Indigenous
- Submit a completed application package
- Provide 1 reference
I have already applied before; can I apply again?
Yes. You are welcome to apply again if you have applied in the past.
If you have previously received a scholarship, you may also reapply, unless otherwise noted for a specific scholarship. Each application cycle is reviewed independently.
Do I need to be enrolled in school at the time I apply?
No. You do not need to be enrolled in school at the time you submit your application.
You may apply if you are planning to enroll in an eligible program or are in the process of applying to schools or courses. If selected, enrollment details can be confirmed later.
Will applying affect my benefits or other funding?
Applying for the scholarship will not affect your eligibility for benefits or services.
If you receive this scholarship and also receive OSAP, the award may be considered as income for OSAP purposes and could affect your OSAP assessment, depending on your individual situation.
We strongly encourage students receiving OSAP to check with their school’s Financial Aid Office or log in to their OSAP account for guidance on how scholarships are reported.
Eligible Programs and Funding
What types of programs are eligible for funding?
Our scholarships are meant to support a wide range of learning pathways. We recognize that education can take many forms and may change over time. Applicants are welcome to apply for funding for full‑time, part‑time, in‑person, online, or hybrid programs.
Eligible programs and learning opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- High school equivalency or upgrading programs: including adult education, GED‑equivalent programs, academic upgrading, or credit completion.
- College or community college programs: including diplomas, applied programs, continuing education, and post‑secondary certificates.
- Vocational, trade, or technical programs: including apprenticeships, skilled trades training, hands‑on technical training, and industry‑recognized credentials.
- University programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree programs.
- Certificate, micro‑credential, or short‑term training programs: including non‑degree programs, professional certifications, skills‑based courses, and workforce development programs.
- Other education or training opportunities
More information about Eligible Programs of Study (PDF)
What if my program doesn’t fit neatly into one of these categories?
That’s okay. If your program does not fit neatly into the categories above, please describe it in your application. We encourage you to apply if the program supports your learning goals, recovery, and future plans.
Important note: The program you are applying for does not need to follow a traditional or linear educational path. What matters most is how the learning opportunity supports your personal growth, recovery, and goals at this time.
You may also reach out to us with any questions.
The Application Process
Can I save my application and return to it later?
Yes. We encourage you to work at your own pace and return to the application as needed. Our application is submitted through Typeform and it will save your progress automatically. You can close the application and return to it later, and your answers should still be there as long as you use the same device and browser and don’t use private/incognito mode.
If possible, we recommend completing the application on the same device and within a couple of weeks.
How long should my written answers be?
We suggest approximately 150–300 words per question. Shorter responses are acceptable if they clearly address the question. You may write in paragraphs, point form, or a mix of both.
Will shorter or less polished writing affect my application?
No. We are not assessing writing skill. We are interested in clarity, honesty, and reflection—not perfect grammar or long essays.
What if I can’t answer every part of a question?
That’s okay. Please answer in the way that feels most accurate and manageable for you.
What if my situation changes after I apply?
That’s okay. If your plans or circumstances change after you apply, you can let us know.
What if I’m applying to multiple programs or don’t know which one I’ll attend yet?
That’s okay. You may describe your current plans and update them later if needed.
Can I apply even if I’m unsure how much funding I’ll need?
Yes. You can provide your best estimate.
What if I submit my application and realize I made a mistake?
That’s okay. Errors are understandable. If you need to correct something important after submitting, you can contact us.
Recovery and Supports
What does “being engaged in recovery” mean?
Recovery looks different for everyone. Engagement may include clinical care, peer or community support, cultural or spiritual practices, education, employment, or other personal strategies that support wellness and stability.
Do I need to be “fully recovered” to apply?
No. Recovery is non‑linear, and you do not need to be symptom‑free or finished your recovery journey to be eligible.
References
How many references do I need?
One reference is required. A second reference is optional if you have access to one.
Who can be a referee?
A referee may be a professional or community member who knows you and can speak to your strengths and readiness for education. This may include clinicians, case workers, peer support workers, educators, employment counselors, Elders, or community leaders.
Please note, a community member can be anyone you’re your community who knows you.
What if I have difficulty getting a reference?
We understand that access to referees can be challenging. If this applies to you, please contact us to discuss your situation, scholarships@iamentalhealth.ca
How do I ask someone to be a referee?
We’ve created a short, plain‑language guide you can share with potential referees that explains what the reference is for and what to include.
Instructions for Referees (PDF)
Sharing this document may help make the request easier and clearer.
Are references scored?
No. References are reviewed for context and completeness only. They are not numerically scored.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Who sees my application?
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. Your information is treated as confidential and used only for scholarship review purposes.
How is information about Indigenous identity used?
This information is used only to determine eligibility for Indigenous‑specific scholarships and is kept confidential.
After You Apply
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are processed by IAM and reviewed for completeness before being compiled into a scoring package for the Selection Committee. The Committee reviews and scores applications, and applicants will be notified once decisions have been made. Timelines may vary based on application volume.
Will I receive feedback if I’m not selected?
Due to the number of applications, we cannot provide individual feedback. Not being selected does not reflect your worth or potential. We welcome you to reapply to our program again.
How are scholarship funds distributed if I’m successful?
If you are selected to receive a scholarship, funds are sent directly to your school or training provider and applied to your student account or program fees.
Details about payment timing and process will be shared with you if you are awarded a scholarship.
If I receive a scholarship, can I defer it to a later term or year?
Yes. We recognize that recovery and educational pathways can be episodic and non‑linear, and deferrals are often appropriate.
If your plans change after you receive a scholarship—such as needing to delay enrollment or defer your studies—please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation (scholarships@iamentalhealth.ca)
Deferrals are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis, and we make every effort to be flexible and responsive to individual circumstances.
Contact and Support
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can reach us at our general inquiry inbox. Questions are welcome at any stage, including if you’re unsure whether to apply.
We appreciate the time and care involved in applying. Our goal is to make this process as clear, respectful, and supportive as possible, if you have any questions or feedback please reach out: scholarships@iamentalhealth.ca