The Jay Williams Legacy Fund Awards & Bursary Criteria
The Jay Williams Memorial Awards & Bursaries honour the life, legacy, and spirit of Jay Williams—a transformative educator, mentor, and advocate for Black youth in Toronto. Jay’s work was rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. He challenged traditional notions of what it meant to be a teacher, embodying a hip-hop ethic, defying stereotypes, and always showing up as his full self: a Black man from the Malvern area of Scarborough, an athlete, an intellectual, and a rebel with a purpose.
These awards are not for the “perfect student”—they are for the real ones. The ones who have been counted out, overlooked, or misunderstood—but who persist. The students who, like Jay, carry fire in their belly, love in their heart, and a vision for change.
Award Categories
Secondary School Student Award
For graduating high school students entering post-secondary education or training programs.
Post-Secondary Student Award
For current college or university students continuing their academic and/or community work.
Jay Williams Athletic Spirit Bursary (Optional/Additional)
For students who balance sport and academics, using athletics as a tool for self-development, leadership, and community building—especially in basketball.
Selection Criteria
Award recipients will embody the spirit and values of Jay Williams in the following ways:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Has overcome personal, social, or systemic challenges such as:
Experiences with academic suspensions or disciplinary actions
Family hardship (e.g., loss, housing instability, caregiving responsibilities)
Navigating schools or neighborhoods impacted by underinvestment
Experiences of racial bias or stereotyping
Authenticity and Cultural Groundedness
Shows up unapologetically as themselves
Reflects pride in their culture, background, and lived experiences
Challenges stereotypes—especially around race, masculinity, and education
Community and Civic Engagement
Demonstrates a commitment to giving back to their community
Has participated in community work, youth organizing, mentoring, volunteering, or informal leadership
Advocates for equity, justice, or social change in ways big or small
Non-Traditional Academic Excellence
May not have a perfect GPA, but demonstrates intellectual curiosity, creative expression, or a hunger to learn and grow
Has shown growth and maturity through education, despite institutional barriers
Athleticism and Leadership (for Athletic Bursary only)
Participates in organized or informal sports (preferably basketball)
Uses sport as a space for discipline, self-expression, teamwork, and community-building
Demonstrates leadership on and/or off the court
Applicants must:
Be a resident of Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Self-identify as Black or racialized, with preference given to Black-identifying youth
Be currently enrolled in secondary or post-secondary education
Demonstrate financial need or experience with economic hardship
Eligibility Criteria (All Awards & Bursaries)
Application Information
Important Dates
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
Finalists Announced: November 17, 2025
Winners Announced: December 6, 2025 at the First Annual Jay Williams Legacy Fund Awards
(Final amounts subject to fundraising and sponsorship totals.)
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following:
A completed application form
A personal statement (written, audio, or video) answering:
“How does your story reflect the spirit of Jay Williams? What challenges have you overcome, and how do you give back to your community?”A reference letter from a teacher, mentor, coach, or community leader
Proof of enrollment (high school, college, or university)
Optional: Applicants may also share creative work, art, or community projects that showcase their passions.
Submission Instructions
Applications can be submitted in one of two ways:
By Email: Send all application materials to jaywilliamslegacyawards@gmail.com
Through the Website: Upload your materials directly at [Insert Website Link]
Award Categories & Value
Secondary Student Award: $1,500 – $3,000
Post-Secondary Student Award: $1,500 – $3,000
Jay Williams Athletic Spirit Bursary: $1,000
(Final amounts subject to fundraising and sponsorship totals.)
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of educators, community leaders, and family representatives. Finalists will be contacted by November 17, 2025, and winners will be announced at the Jay Williams Legacy Fund Awards Gala on December 6, 2025.
Final Notes
Jay Williams didn’t follow the conventional path—but he carved a meaningful one. These awards seek to honour young people walking a similar road: bold, complicated, rooted in realness, and driven by love for self and community.
This is for the students who sit in the back of the class and still carry the front line spirit. For those who don’t always get awards—but absolutely deserve them.
About
Jay Williams
Jay’s work was rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. He challenged traditional notions of what it meant to be a teacher, embodying a hip-hop ethic, defying stereotypes, and always showing up as his full self: a Black man from the Malvern area of Scarborough, an athlete, an intellectual, and a rebel with a purpose.
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