As a student in the International Studies program at York University’s Glendon Campus, Anmol Kaur is among 20 Canadians chosen as a McCall MacBain Scholar, a recipient of an intensive leadership-based scholarship that supports master’s and professional studies. 

Following a rigorous scholarship application process, scholars were chosen based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity. More than 700 people applied for the McCall MacBain Scholarships, 146 students were interviewed regionally and 50 were invited to final interviews in March. 

“I have dreamed of attending law school since I was 15 years old, and with the assistance of this scholarship, I have been given the opportunity to fulfill that aspiration in an incredibly encouraging, stimulating, and positive environment,” says Kaur. “As someone who often worried about how I would be able to afford law school, this feels incredible.” 

The scholarship enables students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University while connecting with mentors and participating in an intensive leadership development program. 

With the scholarship, Kaur plans to study law at McGill to advocate for vulnerable populations. Kaur will be receiving a bachelor of arts from York University this year. During her time at the University, Kaur joined York’s Research Apprenticeship Program and serves as its student ambassador, helping organize and facilitate workshops, orientations, and training sessions for 50 undergraduate research students. She has also worked part-time as a research assistant, examining the protection of women’s and children’s rights. 

Kaur credits York with preparing her for the experience. She notes, “I owe a lot of the work that I’ve done within academia, my community, and campus to my university. Not only has it equipped me with a phenomenal education, but it has also introduced me to amazing mentors, and incredible opportunities to engage with my peers and community.”  

Kaur is the second consecutive York student to earn the McCall MacBain Scholarship. Glendon Campus Political Science and Philosophy graduate and future positive changemaker Amanda Sears was selected as an inaugural scholar in April 2021.  

“We need inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking leaders in all sectors and fields,” says John McCall MacBain, who, together with his wife Marcy McCall MacBain, created these scholarships through a historic gift to McGill University. “With this scholarship, students will expand their networks, deepen their leadership skills, and benefit from full funding to pursue their dreams of improving their communities – and the world. Congratulations to these students and the hundreds of candidates across Canada who were considered for this scholarship.” 

Outreach is already underway for the next class of McCall MacBain Scholars, with the application period opening in June. Canadian students and alumni can visit mccallmacbainscholars.org to learn about applying for Fall 2023 admission. Current York students and new grads are invited to visit York’s McCall MacBain Scholarships website to learn more about the awards and how to apply.