Twenty high school graduates started their post-secondary studies this fall with bursaries provided by the Association of Justices of the Peace of Ontario (AJPO), the Association of Ontario Judges (AOJ) and the Ontario Superior Court Judges’ Association (OSCJA).
Ontario students entering university or college programs leading to a career in law are eligible to apply. Each association awards one bursary annually in each of the provincial judicial regions. Selection is based on academic excellence and financial need.
Supporting a Variety of Justice Sector Careers
Programs leading to a broad range of law-related careers are considered. This year, recipients chose the following fields of study: Paralegal Studies, Police Foundations, Criminology, Justice Studies, Law Clerk’s Program, Business Law and Arts & Sciences, among others.
Her Worship Justice of the Peace Eileen Walker, Chair of the AJPO Bursary Committee notes:
“As the justice system has become more complex, the opportunities for young persons who might be contemplating a career within the justice sector have expanded. As Justices of the Peace, we are appointed to serve the public. By providing these monies to deserving students, AJPO considers the bursary program a great opportunity to give back to the communities that we serve, as well as to generate goodwill toward our bench across the province.”
Competition for the awards grows each year. In 2018, 130 students submitted applications.
In their applications, students articulate why they chose to law-related studies. They also explain the importance of the financial support.
One applicant states:
“I have grown up in a society where social injustice has been growing increasingly prevalent which has inspired me to be a part of a generation that changes that. By developing a career in law, I can help put a stop to these issues and use my voice to create change.”
Another writes:
“What the future may be is unclear but I realize that I will not be able to achieve all that I can on my own. I am banking on my own resolve and the kind generosity of others to carry me to the places I want to go. I am pursuing studies toward a career in law because I know that I will enjoy it, and I know that the topics addressed in legal studies are supremely important.”
Best of luck to all of the 2018 bursary recipients as they embark on the next exciting phase of their lives.
Check our website for more information about OJEN’s Bursary program.