UPDATE (August 13th): We are pleased to announce that we have chosen London Fraser as our 2024 grant winner! He will be attending the University of Manitoba.
We would like to thank every student who took the time to prepare a submission. We watched every single one, and there were so many amazing video essays that it was a very tough choice selecting just one.
It was extremely touching to see so many issues discussed in such creative and passionate ways. We plan to highlight some of our other favourites soon.
This is the first year that we’ve done this and were blown away by the response.
To all the students entering or continuing their studies, we wish you the greatest success and are heartened by the future you will help bring about through your effort, engagement, creativity, and empathy!
Thank you again to everyone who participated or shared this contest.
See the winning submission below:
$1,000 for Your Education. A Voice for Your Generation.
At FurnacePrices.ca, we believe in the power of young voices to shape our world. Our scholarship isn’t just about financial support; it’s about giving you a platform to share your insights, concerns, and visions for the future.
Your Challenge. Your Voice. Your Impact.
We’re offering a $1,000 scholarship to students who are ready to stand up and speak out on the issues that matter most to them. Whether it’s climate change, mental health, educational equity, or any other challenge facing your generation, we want to hear from you.
See examples of these issues you could talk about below, at the bottom of the page.
How to Apply
- Record Your Video: Create a short video (1-3 minutes) where you discuss one of the major issues facing young people today. Tell us what you think needs to be done to address it. Be creative, be honest, and be yourself.
You must mention in the video that it is for the FurnacePrices.ca scholarship. - Submit Your Application: Upload your video to a video-sharing platform (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and fill out the application form on our website. You’ll need to include your contact information, a link to your video, and a brief description of the issue you’re discussing.
- Share Your Vision: Post your video on social media with the hashtag #FPVoiceoftheFuture and tag us @furnaceprices.ca. Let’s get the conversation started and show the world the power of your ideas.
- Fill out the form below: After you’ve posted and shared your video, fill out the form below with your contact details and a link to your video & posts. This is so we can be sure we don’t miss any applications and are able to reach the winner.
We may share and repost the best ones.
Eligibility
- You must be a current high school senior, college student, or graduate student.
- You must be enrolled or applying to/accepted at an accredited college or university within Canada for the upcoming academic year.
- We welcome applications from students of all majors and areas of study.
Selection Criteria
- Creativity and Originality: How well does your video present the issue in a unique and engaging way?
- Clarity and Coherence: How clearly and logically do you present your ideas?
- Impact and Persuasiveness: How effectively do you persuade your audience about the importance of the issue and the need for action?
IMPORTANT: Please be respectful of others. We will not accept any application that spreads hate or disparages others.
One winner will be chosen.
Deadline and Award
- Applications Open: March 1st 2024
- Application Deadline: July 10th 2024
- Award Announcement: TBD (early August, pending coordination with the university/college)
Note dates may be subject to change.
Application Form
Applications are closed.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your ideas can inspire change. Your voice can lead the way. Apply for the FurnacePrices.ca Voice of the Future Scholarship today and take the first step towards a brighter, more equitable world.
FurnacePrices.ca is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve.
Share this page!
Whether you know a student, you work at an educational institution, or you just want to get the word out!
Who is FurnacePrices.ca?
For over 10 years, FurnacePrices.ca has been publishing unbiased buying guides, pricing information, reviews, and other tools and resources to help inform and guide Canadian home owners shopping for heating & air conditioning systems. See our About page >>
We decided to launch this scholarship to give back and contribute in our own small way to the education of the next generation, and to hopefully spur dialogue about the major issues we face, and the innovative and creative solutions that they will bring forth.
Issues Facing the Next Generation
Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling, including some of the biggest issues facing our society today.
Students and young people today are navigating a complex landscape marked by a range of challenges that span personal, community, and global dimensions. These challenges are interwoven with the fabric of their daily lives, influencing their mental health, educational paths, social interactions, and future prospects.
Personal Issues
- Mental Health: Increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are reported among young people, exacerbated by social media pressure, academic stress, and the uncertainty of future prospects.
- Academic Pressure: The competition for grades, college admissions, and scholarships can be overwhelming, leading to stress and burnout.
- Identity and Self-Expression: Young people are navigating their identities in a world that is more accepting yet also more publicly scrutinizing, particularly around issues of gender and sexuality.
- Digital Well-being: The rise of digital life has led to concerns about screen time, cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on self-esteem and real-life relationships.
Community Issues
- Educational Inequities: Disparities in the quality of education between different communities can limit opportunities for many students.
- Economic Disparities: Economic inequality affects young people’s access to resources, extracurricular activities, and even basic needs like nutrition and healthcare.
- Safety and Violence: In some communities, young people face significant safety concerns, including gang violence, school shootings, and police brutality.
- Environmental Concerns: Local environmental issues such as pollution and lack of green spaces can affect young people’s health and quality of life.
World Issues
- Climate Change: Young people are increasingly vocal about the threat of climate change, recognizing the impact it will have on their future, from natural disasters to global economic implications.
- Global Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of global health systems and the direct impact such crises can have on education, mental health, and future opportunities for young people.
- Technological Displacement: The rapid pace of technological change and automation raises concerns about future job markets and the skills young people need to develop.
- Political and Social Polarization: Increasing divisiveness in politics and society can create environments of intolerance and hinder collective action on critical issues.
- War and Conflict: Violent clashes and wars are affecting many people around the world, leading to humanitarian issues and societal and political instability.
These challenges underscore the importance of supportive educational systems, mental health resources, equitable economic policies, and sustainable environmental practices.
Addressing these issues effectively requires collaborative efforts across sectors, including governments, educational institutions, communities, and individuals, to create a more supportive and sustainable world for future generations.
Make your voice heard and share your thoughts on how we can best address these pressing issues!
Questions?
If you have any questions about the application process or the scholarship, please don’t hesitate to contact us.