.jpg)
Bursary Founder - Sandra Wilson
Sandra Wilson knows first-hand the unique journey that can arise from the VIDA community. She isn’t just a VIDA staff member; she’s a Building Ambassador (“BA”) and resident in the community. And she’s risen to handle the company’s national accounts processing.
Her idea to create the first VIDA bursary program will now help residents nationwide get ahead in their educational goals. Sandra’s concept is set to make a lasting impact, as VIDA continues to revolutionize affordable communities in Canada. 
Legacy Recipients
Ambitious. Creative. Resilient
PAST VIDA BURSARY RECIPIENTS
Elsie D. - Halifax, NS
“You lose nothing by applying. And just like me, you too could be a winner. So grasp the opportunity to apply while you can. I guarantee you will have no regrets.” - Elsie
Elsie arrived in Canada from Ghana nine years ago, before attending Acadia University. She moved to Halifax in 2019 and has been a member of the VIDA community for almost two years. Elsie has big plans on the horizon when it comes to her educational future. 
 
“The next step for me will focus on big data research,” she says. “I’m doing a graduate certificate in big data. And I plan to finish my master’s degree in the next two years. From there, I hope to get a job in that field and build my career. Data has always interested me, so I wanted to pursue a focus in business data analytics and intelligence.”
“I have never felt more lucky and blessed,” she adds, holding a large display cheque with her supportive BA Brandi Bond next to her. “The news of receiving this bursary has truly changed the trajectory of my financial situation for the next few months. I am very thankful to the VIDA team for this amazing award.”
​
Click here to watch the interview with Elsie on VIDA's YouTube Channel.
“Never miss a chance to benefit from opportunities and supports available to you, while striving to reach your goals of earning an education and build a great future.” - Anliza
Arriving from the Philippines, Anliza is a member of VIDA’s growing presence in Truro. A business administration student at the Nova Scotia Community College, she is a single mom raising a young daughter. 
 
Active in community service, Anliza also finds time to participate in the school’s Enactus team. And she’s Vice President of Finance for the school’s Student Association, while working part-time for Parkland-Shannex retirement living.
 
Anliza plans to finish her degree with a focus on accounting. And she aspires to join an accounting firm or private business. 
Anliza B. - Truro, NS
A breast cancer survivor, she knows how to overcome significant life challenges. And Anliza defines success as ‘living with a true purpose and having a positive impact on the lives of those who look up to her; lifting and inspiring them to be better individuals, by leaving a legacy that makes a difference in the world.’    
Janine Lahti, Anliza’s Building Ambassador and a VIDA staff member, couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.  
“As the BA of a bursary award winner, I was extremely excited to hear who won,” says Janine. “Anliza is a hard-working mom, trying to further her education and give her family the best life possible. I was very proud and honoured to be able to deliver the prize to her. I had the chance to congratulate her in person and see her sincere gratitude.”
Kathryn H. - Oromocto, NB
“I would like to encourage my VIDA neighbours in the future to take the time to make their applications the best they can be. Answer the questions thoughtfully and with all your heart. Your passion for education should be the shining factor in your answers.” - Kathryn
With the encouragement of Margie, a BA in Oromocto, New Brunswick, Kathryn blew the judge’s panel away with her digital presentation skills. A 3D animator and graphic artist by trade, she plans to return to school to pursue a passion for film and SFX makeup art in the near future. And her long-view goals include becoming a makeup artist in the film industry. 
 
“I never want to stop learning,” says Kathryn. “I want to learn as much as I can every single day.
Winnipeg resident Zoee was thrilled to learn she was a winner representing the province of Manitoba. And equally delighted was her BA, Calvin. 
 
“I was so proud to hear that Zoee represents a building I help maintain through the bursary,” says Yearworth. “The impact this can have on our community is inspiring.”
 
Zoee is currently a third-year student at the University of Winnipeg, working towards completing her degree in Women and Gender Studies. 
Zoee W. - Winnipeg, MB
“What brought me into the program was a passion for change regarding the violence and sexual harassment against women, BIPOC and the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” she says.   
Beyond her studies, Zoee works for an Indigenous beading company. And her future goal is to graduate, and help marginalized groups find job opportunities, safe housing and financial stability.   
“I think that all goals are reachable,” says Zoee. “It takes drive, passion, patience and self-reflection to make a difference.” 
The VIDA bursary brings a sense of belonging and support to residents trying to get ahead in education. And this is just the beginning, with potential corporate sponsorship opportunities set to take things to new heights. 
VIDA Bursary Application
The VIDA Bursary supports students passionate about making a difference in their communities. We want to hear your story! This is your chance to share your journey, goals, and vision for the future.
​
By applying, you could receive financial support to help achieve your educational dreams. Whether you’re a community leader or a creative thinker, we encourage you to apply and inspire others.
Important Details & Guidelines
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: $500 (each zone)
​
GEOGRAPHIC ZONES:
​
-
Halifax (incl. Hubbards - Mill Cove)​
-
Dartmouth
-
Truro
-
Winnipeg​
-
Oromocto/Saint John​
-
Charlottetown/Stratford
CRITERIA:
-
To be a VIDA resident
-
Have received acceptance into a post-secondary institution​
-
Extracurricular activities that support VIDA's 4 Pillars​​ (Safety & Security, Cleanliness, Opportunity, and Community)
2025 APPLICATION DEADLINE: ​May 31, 2025.​
HOW TO APPLY: You can submit your application online, by completing the submission form linked above.
*Applications for 2024 are closed. We will re-open Applications for the 2025 VIDA Bursary in the Spring!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR VIDA VOICE NEWSLETTER!
Subscribe to the VIDA Newsletter to be the first to hear when applications for the 2025 VIDA Bursary open! Stay updated on VIDA, our community, events, and more!
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from VIDA. You can unsubscribe at any time.