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Department of Social Science Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Home » Academic Resources » Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries

Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries

We want to recognize your academic success and provide a financial boost to those who need it. Awards are not just a source of extra funds - scholarships, awards and bursaries are a great way to enhance your resume and university transcript, demonstrating your hard work and dedication to your studies.

There are many awards in the Department of Social Science, based on academic standing, financial need, or in recognition of your hard work. For financial awards, you must fill out your Student Financial Profile, follow the three easy steps below.

Quick Links

3 Easy Steps

  1. Fill out your Student Financial Profile in the first week of EVERY term. It is a mandatory step in being considered for the majority of awards.
  2. Determine what awards you’re eligible for.
  3. Apply for awards that require it.

Awards can help strengthen your resume, provide you with additional financial support, and widen your network. Don't be shy, apply today.

Department Awards

David L. J. Sealy Award

The David L. J. Sealy Award is offered every year to one currently registered, full-time student who through an essay, report, project or dissertation has shown a superior understanding of and interest in the connections between issues of race and ethnicity and questions of law and order in Canada. Recipients must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons and an Ontario resident who demonstrates financial need. The award may be given to a second-year undergraduate (minimum of 30 earned credits) or higher, or to a graduate student. This award is given in memory of Professor David L. J. Sealy and has been made possible by contributions from David's friends, colleagues, and other loved ones.

Application Process:
The Department of Social Science will issue an annual call for papers. In addition, candidates must submit the Student Financial Profile. Students with permanent disabilities can submit a paper application form available from a registered campus service provider. Nominations will be submitted to the Teaching & Development Committee for their adjudication.

2020-2021: Brandon Bova

2019-2020: Nadia Adam

2018-2019: Chantal Berry, Kimia Dadgarian

2017-2018: Emily Philpott

2016-2017: Aria Kamal

Department of Social Science Award

The award is an annual prize of approximately $800 given to one student who is majoring in one of the Social Science programs, who has completed between 30 and 60 credits with a GPA of 6.0 or higher, who is currently registered in a minimum of 18 credits, who is a Canadian citizen/permanent resident, Ontario resident, and who demonstrates financial need. The Office of Student Financial Services will select the recipient in the fall.

Application Process:
To apply for this award, please fill out the current Student Financial Profile and review Fall/Winter Undergraduate Bursaries and Awards Program information.

2021-2022: Jesuran Prakashkumar

2020-2021: Tatyana O-Connor Brown

2019-2020: Nashane Ralph

2018-2019: Sadia Hassan

2017-2018: Deqa Nur

2016-2017: Shukri Abdullahi

Ellen Baar Award in Social Science

This annual award of approximately $1250 honours the memory of Professor Ellen Baar, a member in the Department of Social Science from 1971 until her death in 1998 who was strongly committed to the Department's interdisciplinary teaching. It is given to one student entering his / her final year as a major in one of the interdisciplinary programs who received the highest GPA in his / her third year of studies, will have completed at least two Department courses in the program, and demonstrates financial need. (If the student with the highest GPA does not demonstrate financial need, a transcript notation will record his / her achievement, and the funds will be distributed to the next-highest student who meets the criteria.)

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Further information regarding this award may be obtained by contacting the Department of Social Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at S737 Ross Building, (416) 736 - 5054.

2021-2022: Ariana Zunino

2020-2021: Karanveer Kabuli, Rosa Giannone

2019-2020: Joshua Nkennor, Kimia Dadgarian Shoustari

2018-2019: Thomas Alexander, Carlo Panaro

2016-2017: Carly Downs & Kelly Ponte

Gordon Lowther Scholarship

This annual prize of approximately $700 is awarded to one student entering second year and enrolling in a Department interdisciplinary program who achieved the highest GPA in his/her first year. The student must be currently registered in a minimum of 18 credits, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and an Ontario resident, and demonstrate financial need.

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Students will be selected based on academic merit. Further information regarding this award may be obtained by contacting the Department of Social Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at S737 Ross Building, (416) 736-5054.

2021-2022: Gundega Daugavietis

2020-2021: Ramina Hasan

2019-2020: Mariana Lourenco, Priya Basra, Ariana Zunino

2018-2019: Rosa Giannone

2017-2018: Carlo Panaro

2017-2018: Simran Dhanoa

Jaime Llambias-Wolff Award for Academic Achievement and Commitment to New Canadians

The Jaime Llambias-Wolff Award for Academic Achievement and Commitment to New Canadians will be awarded annually to an undergraduate domestic student enrolled in a Social Science program such as African Studies, Business & Society, Criminology, Health & Society, Interdisciplinary Social Science, International Development Studies, Law & Society, Urban Studies, or Work & Labour Studies. The award is valued at $1,000.

Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 6.0 and must submit a one-page statement outlining the impact of their volunteerism/community engagement with an organization that either works with immigrants or refugees (that is, new Canadians and Canadians without citizenship). The students will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation from the respective organization.

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Send your application to Prof. Teresa Abbruzzese (Chair, Teaching Development Committee) by March 8 to teresa@yorku.ca. Please email Prof. Abbruzzese if you have any questions.

2020-2021: Michael David

Lillian Lerman Book Prize

This $100 award honours Lillian Lerman, a member of the Department who retired in 1991, in recognition of her dedication and contribution to undergraduate teaching. It is awarded to one student writing the most outstanding essay in a 1000-level Social Science course. Nominations are made by course directors. For further information please contact the Department of Social Science.

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Further information regarding this award may be obtained by contacting the Department of Social Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at S737 Ross Building, (416) 736 - 5054.

2021-2022: Kiyanna Malcolm, Maria Gullusci

2020-2021: Liam Ryan, Roxanne Tremblay, Brian Medeiros, Melissa Giardina Papa

2019-2020: Steven Lum, Christian Andrabado

2018-2019: Enxhi Daci, Devon Wanliss, Dorina Sopi, Raashil Jain-Sarkar

2017-2018: Nicole Hillier, Antony Riley, Chantal Berry, Dylan Gruspier, Erica Fini, Adrian Ritchie

2016-2017: John Lugtu, Dania Al-Adhami, Mark Okello

Otto Friedman Memorial Scholarship

An annual prize of $300 is awarded to up to two students entering fourth year and who, at the time of application, is enrolled in one or more upper-level social science courses. Students are required to submit a brief statement showing your interest in one or more of social theory, social policy and planning, or the role of the Arts in society. Applicants should have a grade point average of 7.00 (B+) or better. The Teaching & Development Committee reserves the right not to make an award in a given year.

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Applications will be accepted from any York University student who, in the year of application, is registered in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. Applicants should submit a brief statement indicating: 1) Intellectual and cultural interests, and his/her academic (to the extent know) professional intentions; 2) Social Science courses are taken pertaining to social theory, planning and policy, and arts society.

2021-2022: Priya Basra, Liam Ryan

2020-2021: Elijah Leotaud, Laila Haghbayan

2019-2020: Justine Bonczek, Thilini Hemalal

2018-2019: Antony Riley, Theresa Nguyen

2017-2018: Brandon Hillier, Omar Fairclough

2016-2017: Mehedi Khan, Monica Aves

Program Specific

African Studies

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Scholarship
No. of Awards:1

Description:
Awarded annually to a returning undergraduate student who has attained the highest cumulative grade point average in three courses completed toward an Honours double major in African studies. In the event of a tie, the value of the award will be shared by the successful candidates.

Application Process:
No application is required to be eligible for this award. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit. Questions regarding this award should be directed to the Coordinator of the program 416-736-2100 ext. 66939; 314 Founders College.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Zakirah Allain

2020-2021: Siarah Castle

2019-2020: Uloma Nwosu

2018-2019: Siarah Castle

2017-2018: Alexis Morgan

2017-2018: Aniska Graver

2016-2017: Angela Ouma

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Bursary
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
This bursary is for first-year or continuing undergraduate or graduate students pursuing an interest in African Studies at York University. Undergraduates would be expected to major in an interdisciplinary program in African Studies. Graduate students would be expected to pursue research in some area of African Studies. Qualified students should show strong academic qualifications as well as financial need. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons as well as Ontario residents.

Application Process:
To obtain an application for this award, please contact the African Studies Program, Faculty of Arts, 217 Founders College.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Heather Tasker

2020-2021: Hafiz Murtaza

2019-2020: Reenas Mohamed

2018-2019: Hafiz Murtaza

2017-2018: Helen Claire Andrus

2016-2017: Jennifer Katshunga, Alexandra Koster-Pickerin

Business & Society

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Scholarship
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Alterna Social Economy Scholarship in Honour of Haswell B. Iron will be given to a fourth-year student majoring in Business and Society who has achieved top academic standing in the program during their third year of study and who is committed to promoting awareness and knowledge of social economy as a student ambassador for the BUSO program during their fourth year. The candidate must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, and a resident of Ontario who demonstrates financial need.

Application Process:
To apply for this award, please fill out the current Student Financial Profile and review Fall/Winter Undergraduate Bursaries and Awards Program information. Students with disabilities have the option of submitting a paper application. Paper copies of the application are available at disability service providers on-campus. As well, students must complete a supplementary paper application available from the Business and Society program office (S771 Ross Building).

Past Winners

2019-2020: Emdadul Amin, Rokhsareh Etezadi

2018-2019: Cara Sholomicki

2017-2018: Prize not awarded

2016-2017: Kinsha Francis

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Business and Society Honours Award has been established by the Business and Society (BUSO) program to offer assistance to a Year 4 BUSO Honours major. Recipients of the award will be chosen on the basis of a combination of the following three criteria: community service, demonstrated financial need and academic achievement (a minimum cumulative grade point average of 6.00 required).

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Applicants must apply in the September of their fourth year. Further information regarding this award may be obtained by contacting the Department of Social Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at S737 Ross Building, (416) 736 - 5054.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Chi-Yun Lee

2020-2021: Bhajneek Singh Sodhi

2019-2020: Myka Jaymalin

2018-2019: Tasha Chin

2017-2018: Megi Senka and Renae Appadurai

2016-2017: Nadine Ganesh

Offered: In-Course (Fall/Winter)
Type: Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Yanni Trifonas Memorial Aspiration Award will be awarded annually to a third-year student enrolled in the Business and Society (BUSO) undergraduate program, who demonstrates financial need and had the greatest increase in GPA between their first and second year of study. If there is more than one suitable candidate, then the award will be granted to the applicant who demonstrates the greatest financial need. Yanni Trifonas passed away suddenly as he was completing his final year of the Business and Society undergraduate program at York University. His dedication to the principles of social justice and equity was imbued in his studies and reflected in his life. To honour his memory, his family has established the Yanni Trifonas Memorial Aspiration Award to support students in the Business and Society program whose student debt and other financial pressures may threaten their graduation.

Application Process:
To be considered for this award, candidates must complete the Student Financial Profile.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Not awarded this year

2020-2021: Joy Ghanshyambhai Dobariya

Criminology

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Scholarship
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Criminology Honours Scholarship has been established by the Criminology program to recognize academic excellence in a fourth-year criminology honours major. The scholarship will be awarded each Fall to the Criminology Honours major who attains the highest CGPA among students entering their fourth year of study. In the event of a tie, grades achieved in the core criminology courses will be taken into consideration.

Application Process:
No application is required to be eligible for this award. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Ariana Zunino

2020-2021: Elizabeth Barrera Ledezma

2019-2020: Shayan Mostajelin

2018-2019: Carlo Panaro

2017-2018: Harman Mann

2016-2017: Antonnia Kiana

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type:  Prize
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Criminology 1650 Book Prize is awarded to the student with the highest grade in CRIM/SOSC 1650 6.0 "Introduction to Criminology." In the event of a tie, the award will be split between recipients.

Application Process:
No application is required to be eligible for this award. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Olivia Tassone

2020-2021: Lauren Cristoforo

2019-2020: Ariel Goldberg

2018-2019: Iqra Butt

2017-2018: Simran Dhanoa Blake

2016-2017: Carly Downs

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Award
No. of Awards: 1 - 1

Description:
The Joshua Yasay Award for Excellence in Criminology and Community Service will be presented each year to a high-achieving fourth-year Criminology student who has made a positive impact on his or her community. To be eligible, applicants must possess a minimum 6.00 GPA and provide a written statement demonstrating their commitment to creating change in their community.

Application Process:
To be considered for this award, submit the Student Financial Profile. Eligible candidates (i.e. fourth-year Criminology majors with a GPA of 6.0 or above) are asked to submit a written statement demonstrating their commitment to creating change in their community.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Favour Aina

2020-2021: Tamika Johnson, Iqra Adil Butt

2019-2020: Milena Pizzi, Jeremiah Osei Boateng

2018-2019: Krista Babwah

2017-2018: Cindy Ta

2016-2017: Andre Harriott

Health & Society

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Prize
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Gina Feldberg Prize honours the memory and distinguished teaching record of Professor Gina Feldberg by recognizing academic excellence in a fourth-year Health & Society Honours major. The Prize will be awarded in November of each year to the fourth-year Health & Society Honours major who attained the highest academic average in his/her previous year of full-time study.

Application Process:
No application required. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Amanda Cowen

2020-2021: Jennifer Santin

2019-2020: Deborah Sands

2018-2019: Judith Nassuna

2017-2018: Hye Su Teresa Park

2016-2017: Michelle Noorzad

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Prize
No. of Awards: 3

Description:
The Health & Society Founders Prize is given to students for creative distinction, excellence and exceptional initiative in the completion of a Health & Society course assignment. The prize is given out at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th-year levels.

Application Process:
All students are invited to submit major course papers and projects for consideration by program faculty or designates.

Past Winners

Second-Year Awards

2021-2022: Amen Okungbowa

2020-2021 prize for 2nd year not awarded

2019-2020: Hibu Sundhu

2018-2019 prize for 2nd year not awarded

2017-2018 prize for 2nd year not awarded

2016-2017: Ryan Moisan

Third-Year Awards

2021-2022: Jennifer Santin

2020-2021: Jennifer Santin & Amanda Cowen

2019-2020: Catherine Morin-Mitchell

2018-2019: Amanda Owusu and Zaaria Thomas

2017-2018: Judith Nassuna

2016-2017: Victoria Francavilla, Amanda Pierre & Ai Yamamoto

Fourth-Year Awards

2021-2022: Jennifer Santin

2020-2021: Thavisha Ekanayake

2019-2020:  Emily Charron, Winnie Chen, Bianca Villanueva & Liah Wai Lam Lau

2018-2019: Ruka Watanabe

2017-2018: Navjot Sohi, Ryan Torrence, Shavaughn James, Kayla Dillon & Marie Ange Prospere

2016-2017: Maria Mardirosian

Interdisciplinary Social Science

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Award
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Interdisciplinary Social Science Award has been established by the Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS) program to offer assistance to an upper-level ISS student. To be eligible, students must have completed 54 credits or more and be entering their third or fourth year. Recipients of the award will be chosen on the basis of academic achievement (minimum cumulative grade point average of 6.00).

Application Process:
Applications will be available at the administrative office for the Social and Political Thought program in room 775 South Ross.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Noel Mirzoyev, Riya Bhatla

2020-2021: Georgia Motakis

2019-2020: Natalie Julia Mandarino

2018-2019: Brittany Smeikle, Natalie Mandarino

2017-2018: Roderick Philpot

2016-2017: Rebecca Singh

International Development Studies

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The International Development Studies Honours Award has been established by the International Development Studies (IDS) program to offer assistance to a Year 4 IDS Honours major. Recipients of the award will be chosen on the basis of a combination of the following three criteria: community service, demonstrated financial need and academic achievement, as demonstrated by a minimum cumulative grade point average of 6.00.

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Applicants must apply in the September of their fourth year. Further information regarding this award may be obtained by contacting the Department of Social Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at S737 Ross Building, (416) 736 - 5054.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Sabrina De Losada Casab

2020-2021: Eyram Agbe

2019-2020: Noorin Nurali Pattni

2018-2019: Monique Mclean

2017-2018: Samir Janmohamed

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type:  Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies Honours Award has been established by the Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) program to offer assistance to a Year 4 LACS Honours major. Recipients of the award will be chosen on the basis of a combination of the following three criteria; minimum sessional grade point average of 6.00, demonstrated financial need and community service.

Application Process:
To receive consideration for this award, students must submit a Student Financial Profile by the fall deadline date. Students with disabilities have the option of submitting a paper application. Paper copies of the application are available at any of the disabilities service providers on campus.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Sabrina De Losada Casab

2020-2021: Elijah Leotaud, Sadia Hassan

2017-2018: Jessica Ashby

2016-2017: Israel Ceron Alsibar

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Bursary
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The bursary will be given annually to an undergraduate student currently enrolled in the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 18 credits and have completed a minimum of 18 credits. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a clear and compelling passion for, and a history of working with, the Caribbean community or the Caribbean-Canadian community. Applicants must be in good academic standing (minimum cumulative grade point average of 6.00) and demonstrate financial need.

Application Process:
To apply for this award, please fill out the current Student Financial Profile. Students with permanent disabilities have the option of completing a paper application available from Counselling and Disability Services. Please fill out the Community Service and Extra-Curricular Activities sections detailing your involvement in the Caribbean community or the Caribbean-Canadian community. Please also include a personal statement outlining your interest in the Caribbean community or the Caribbean-Canadian community and your financial circumstances.

Past Winners

2017-2018: Percival Scott

2016-2017: Jessica Ashby

Offered: In-Course (Fall/Winter)
Type: Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The bursary will be given annually to an undergraduate student Sarah Akhtar (MA, Development Studies 2012), a PhD student at York University, was a beloved Teaching Assistant for SOSC 1430 - Introduction to International Development Studies who made enormous contributions towards introducing first-year students to the field of development studies and helped educate an entire generation of students in the program. The Sarah Akhtar Memorial Undergraduate Award in International Development Studies was created by family to continue legacy by honoring the student who has achieved the highest numeric grade in SOSC 1430 in an academic year. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full-time (registered in a minimum of 18 credits), have completed SOSC 1430 - Introduction to International Development Studies and demonstrates financial need. Should two or more students achieve the highest grade then the award will be granted to the student who demonstrates the highest financial need.

Application Process:
To be considered, candidates must complete the Student Financial Profile (SFP).

Past Winners

2021-2022: Kyung In Lee

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
Awarded annually to a continuing upper-level student enrolled in The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program. The recipient must have successfully completed at least 60 credits, with a cumulative grade point average of 6.00 or higher and is currently registered in a minimum of 18 credits. The recipient must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, be an Ontario resident and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to a student of African-Canadian heritage.

Application Process:
To apply for this award, please fill out the current Student Financial Profile.

Past Winners

2019-2020: Natasha Sarazin

2017-2018: Percival Scott

Law & Society

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Prize 
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
An annual book prize will go to the student majoring in Law and Society who achieves the highest final grade in SOSC 2350 6.0 Law and Society. The Law and Society Program created this book prize in honour of the program’s founder, Jane Banfield, for her dedication to scholarship and teaching the interdisciplinary field of Law and Society, and for her years of contribution to the program.

Application Process:
No application is required to be eligible for this prize. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Jonathan Garcia Barahona, Elizabeth Hamilton, Allegra Van Klink-Wylie

2020-2021: Priya Basra, Natasha Khan

2019-2020: Rosa Giannone

2018-2019: Taya Polidano, Georgia Guerra

2017-2018: Christina Giovannoni

2016-2017: Laura Sannuto and Zackary Goldford

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Prize
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Law and Society Prize has been established by the Law and Society (LASO) program to recognize academic excellence of a continuing year 4 LASO major (having completed 84+ credits). The award will go to the student who has attained the highest GPA going into their 4th year of the program.

Application Process:

No application is required to be eligible for this prize. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit. This award is based on the Student Financial Profile, must demonstrate a financial need.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Rida Shah

2020-2021: Kimia Dadgarian Shoustari, Taya Polidano

2019-2020: Nada Abdel Maksoud

2018-2019: Mustafa Paiz

2017-2018: Percival Scott

2016-2017: Margarita Grup

Offered: In-Course (Fall)
Type: Prize
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
Awarded to a LASO major who demonstrated overall excellence in a Law and Society Honours Seminar. Students are nominated by their seminar professor who will provide a statement indicating the reasons why the student is deserving of the prize. In years where more than one student is nominated, the SOSC Student Awards Committee will determine the recipient.

Application Process:

Nominated by Seminar Professor.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Nashane Ralph

2020-2021: Caterina Vescio

2019-2020: Hariss Safi

2018-2019: Emmanuella Odjoji

2017-2018: Aqsa Bhagat, Hassan Sesay

2016-2017: Salisha Purushuttam

Description:

The C. Jane Banfield Scholarship in the Social Sciences will be awarded to entering full-time undergraduate students studying any field of the social sciences in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, who demonstrate academic excellence. The LA&PS social science academic units include: Anthropology; Communication Studies; The C. Jane Banfield Scholarship in the Social Sciences will be awarded to entering full time undergraduate students studying in any field of the social sciences in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, who demonstrate academic excellence.  The LA&PS Social Science units include: Anthropology, Communications Studies, Economics, Human Rights and Equity Studies, Geography, Politics, Public Policy and Administration, Social Science (including Law and Society, International Development Studies and Work and Labour Studies), and Sociology.    Where candidates are equal in academic merit, financial need will be used as a deciding factor.  Preference will be given to students who participated in York's Bridging Program for Women.   This scholarship was made possible through a generous bequest from the late Dr. C. Jane. Banfield (1930-2016) a graduate of UBC (LLB'54, MA'59) and LSE (PhD'73).  Dr. Banfield was a professor in York University's Division of Social Science from 1968 to 1998.  In the early 1970's she founded the Law & Society interdisciplinary program, the first of its kind in Canada, and served as a director for many years.  She was appointed by York University President Ian Macdonald as the University's first adviser on the status of women,  She was tireless in her concern for student achievement, inspired many, and often said "law is far too important to be just to lawyers".  Dr. Banfield's husband was York University Professor Robert (Bob) H. Haynes OC (1931-1998), a distinguished science biologist, who served York from 1968-1992.

Application Process:

To be considered for this award, applicants must submit the scholarships and bursaries application available through http://www.yorku.ca/myfile.  In addition, applicants must submit a one page statement outlining their academic goals and if applicable, how the bridging program will assist them with their success at York.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Avneet Lubana

Urban Studies

Offered: Entrance Award
Type: Award
No. of Awards: 1, annually for 2019, 2020, and 2021

Description:

The Sgro Academic Leadership Entrance Award has been established in honour of Franco and Rosa Sgro, models of integrity, honour, and excellence, and true inspirations to their children. The Award will be given annually to an undergraduate student accepted into the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, or the Faculty of Environmental Studies, who intends to focus on Geography, and/or Urban Studies/Planning, To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess a minimum grade point average of 7.0 (B+), and a proven history of community leadership centred on improving and strengthening their home communities. Applicants must also submit a statement describing their interest in the field of Geography, Urban Studies, or Planning.

Revised Award Value: $5,000 (formerly $500).

Application Process:
To apply, submit the scholarships and bursaries application. You must select this award from the list available and complete the following sections: Extracurricular Activities, Community Service and Personal Statement. Applicants must submit a statement describing their interest in the field of geography, or urban studies/planning.

Past Winners

2017-2018: Jacky Duong

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Award
No. of Awards:1

Description:
The Frances Frisken Prize, named for a now-retired faculty member,  who was strongly committed to undergraduate education.  This prize is awarded to the Urban Studies Program major with the highest numeric grade in SOSC 2710 (with ties settled by overall GPA that year).

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Further information may be obtained from the Urban Studies Program Office, S746 Ross Building, (416) 736-5054.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Bruno De Marinis

2020-2021: Christian Andrabado

2019-2020: Patrick Phillip Stogianou

2018-2019: Antony Riley, Patrick Phillip

2017-2018: Justine Bonczek

2016-2017: Michael Quan

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Award (Financial)
No. of Awards: 1 - 1

Description:
TheLynn M. Bell Urban Studies Achievement Award is awarded to an undergraduate student in their 3rd or 4th year of study, majoring in Urban Studies. Applicants must have a minimum B (6.00) GPA and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must also submit a maximum 2-page letter describing their passion and interest in urban planning and/or urban studies, including any volunteer or community work they may have done in this field.

Application Process:
To be considered for this award, submit the Student Financial Profile by the deadline. Applicants must submit their written statement to the Scholarships and Bursaries dept. in W223 Bennett Centre for Student Services by the application deadline.

Past Winners

2017-2018: Justine Bonczek

2016-2017: JC Elijah Bawuah

Description:
The Mohamed Naim Malik Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies in their 3rd or 4th year of study who demonstrates academic excellence (7.50 GPA). To be eligible students must submit a one-page statement outlining their involvement/leadership in student life or with their local neighbourhood and discussing how their research or academic focus includes social or cultural diversity/inclusion. Mohammed Naim Malik was a tireless community leader and volunteer, whose impact is still felt in the communities he served. The goal of ensuring inclusivity is what motivated his community involvement. Through his leadership, he worked diligently to remove social and cultural barriers and celebrate diversity. Adjudication of the award will rotate between a student enrolled in Urban Studies and a student enrolled in Geography. The value of the award is $1000, and the funds will be applied to the student account at the University.

Application Process:
Qualified candidates will be identified and asked to submit the statement by a date determined by SFS.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Emily Lim

2020-2021: Salma Abdalla

2019-2020: Carmen Armignonette

2018-2019: Justine Bonczek, Enxhi Daci

2016-2017: Saleha Iqbal

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Award
No. of Awards: 2

Description:
Two are Marion Miller awards, named for a program student who died in the 1978 Cranbrook airplane accident. The Miller awards have three criteria. A student must be an Urban Studies Program major, have a good academic record, and have a record of good citizenship within the program or within York more widely.

The awards are endowed by Ms. Miller’s family and are given to:

  • a student completing his/her 3000-level work in the program;
  • a student completing his/her 4000-level work in the program.

Past Winners

Third-Year Awards

2021-2022: Meredith Micah

2020-2021: Emily Lim

2019-2020: Joana Amoa Awuah, Nirvana Meera Narine

2018-2019: Enxhi Daci, Nicholas Del Prete

2017-2018: Rabia Munir, Sara Ajori

2016-2017: Marlon Gullusci

Fourth-Year Awards

2021-2022: Jordan Lopez

2020-2021: Shanpreet Shergill, Michael Ricci, Aneil Sihota

2019-2020: Anastasiia Smirnova, Ravneet Multani

2018-2019: Matthew Derohanessian, Nasra Mohamed

2017-2018: Jc Elijah Madayag-Bawuah, Amber Ghosh

2016-2017: Justin-Craig Mott

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Prize
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Urban Analysis Prize, awarded to the Urban Studies Program major with the highest numeric grade in SOSC 3700 (with ties settled by overall GPA that year and with the prize devolving to the student with the second-highest grade if the student with the highest grade receives the 3000-level Miller award).

Application Process:
A Student Financial Profile application is not required to be eligible for this award. Further information may be obtained from the Urban Studies Program Office, S746 Ross Building, (416) 736-5054.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Steven Lum

2020-2021: Cheryl Forest, Elijah Leoltaud

2019-2020: Antony Riley

2018-2019: Justine Bonczek

2017-2018: Brandon Hillier

2016-2017: Bryan Mark

Work & Labour Studies

Offered: In-Course (Fall/Winter)
Type: Prize
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Labour Studies program presents this prize annually to the Year 2 student (successful completion of at least 54 credits) entering Year 3 of the Labour Studies program with the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of Year 2. Students must have maintained a course load of at least 24 credits in the fall/winter session of their Year 2.

Application Process:
No application is required to be eligible for this award. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Nguyet Dao

2020-2021: Cory Di Lena

2019-2020: TBD

2018-2019: Nathi Zamisa

2017-2018: Courtney Potter

2016-2017: This award was not presented in this year.

Offered: In-Course (Winter)
Type: Scholarship
No. of Awards: 1

Description:
The Global Labour Research Centre presents this scholarship annually to the Year 3 student majoring in the Labour Studies program who has achieved the highest grade point average. The Neil Reimer Scholarship is financed by the Neil Reimer Union Education and Development Fund, a fund established in 1984 to honour a leading figure in the history of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada.

Application Process:
No application is required to be eligible for this award. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit.

Past Winners

2021-2022: Julie Wilson

2020-2021: Andrea Moncayo

2019-2020​: Benjamin Connor Elvin

2018-2019: Katherine Joseph

2017-2018: Gerard Di Trolio

2016-2017: Christopher Michael Flynn

Looking for more?

The Faculty of LA&PS also provides a number of scholarships, awards and bursaries. Use the award search and fill our your student financial profile today.

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