Tentanda Via Award

York University’s motto, created in the 1950s, of “Tentanda Via: The Way Must Be Tried” represents the timeless notion of pursuit, perseverance, resilience, and innovation. Capturing the enduring spirit of York’s motto, the Tentanda Via Award has been created to recognize undergraduate students who: (a) Have had to face significant personal barriers, and who despite these challenges, have persevered and demonstrated fortitude and resilience in overcoming these personal barriers in the pursuit of a university education; or (b) Are student leaders/changemakers who are pushing boundaries by demonstrating commitment to progressive and sustainable development initiatives by making a difference regarding compelling issues of our time (either connected to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) or other complex issues). To be eligible for renewal, recipients must maintain good academic standing (minimum 6.0 SGPA) and complete a minimum of 24 credits for Fall/Winter. In addition, recipients must provide proof of their continued involvement in their initial projects or proof of active engagement in a voluntary capacity in the York or external community (i.e., peer mentorship, peer support, volunteerism or leadership).

Application Process

Domestic applicants will apply via the online entrance awards application available in MyFile. The application will open each year on December 1; the deadline to apply for consideration for this award is Feb 15. Applicants must select this award on the list provided in MyFile. The application consists of a personal statement from applicant explaining the grounds under which they are applying and how they meet the criteria (500 words or less), completion of the financial section in the awards application, and submission of two supporting documents (i.e., reference letters, letter from a third party professional, newspaper articles, award certificates etc.). NOTE: The personal statement and supporting documents must be submitted by email to bursary@yorku.ca and must include applicants name and York reference number. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Interpret the Awards Search Results

1. Offered

The time of year when this award is offered. This gives you an idea about when you’ll need to apply for the award. The most common is In-Course (Fall/Winter), indicating that the award happens during the Fall/Winter session.

2. Award Type

The type of award:

Bursaries are based on financial need. Therefore, students with financial need are encouraged to apply.
Scholarships are based on academic merit. Therefore, students with high academic standing are encouraged to apply.
Awards are based on both academic merit and financial need. Therefore, students with high academic standing and financial need are encouraged to apply.

3. Value

The value of this award.

4. No. of Awards

The number of these awards offered each year.

5. Description

Details about the award’s origins, purpose, and eligibility requirements. For example, some awards may require a minimum credit enrolment, a certain grade point average (GPA), enrolment in a specific Faculty, or a certain citizenship status.

6. Application Process

This explains how you can be considered for the award. Many of the awards simply require that you fill out the Student Financial Profile (SFP) for the current session. Other awards may, for example, ask for reference letters and personal statements outlining your extra-curricular involvement.

Website link: https://sfs.yorku.ca/scholarships/award-search?awardID=4850

Tentanda Via Award – York University