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About Us

Merit was started in 1996 by a group of Toronto residents, who believed in the importance of supporting and inspiring grade 11 and 12 high school students to stay in school and pursue post secondary education.

The late Mr. Justice John Sopinka of the Supreme Court of Canada was the first Honorary Chair of the program.

The Merit team works with 92 schools in the GTA to reward students who have demonstrated a commitment to their community and their academics in the face of adversity.

We make character count.

From the first 20 bursaries awarded 26 years ago to the 315 awarded last year, our mission continues to grow.

Our mission

The
Facts
of the Matter

Low income is a barrier

A student in a family at the bottom 10% of the income range are 3x more likely to drop out of high school.

Tuition costs have increased in Toronto higher than inflation. More than 25 % of students graduate with $25,000 in debt.

Background is a barrier

Only 61% of students in single parent families, attend post secondary schools.

Many students are disconnected from necessary supports and have no role models for higher education.

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Ethnicity is a barrier

Racialized groups of Black and Latin American students lag behind all other races in attending post secondary schools.

Covid 19
has created
a deeper divide.

Impact

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Low income relief

50% of recipients are from families with annual income

of less than $40K.

Diverse recipients

75% of recipients are visible minorities. 80% are first or second generation Canadian.

Volunteerism plussed

Recipients play a major role on our committees and other community organizations.

High graduation rates

98% of recipients graduate. This rate is higher than the provincial average.

Merit
Matters
More
Than
Ever.

Message from
the President

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All

GTA students

should have equal access to post-secondary education, regardless of where they live, their life circumstances, ethnicity or household income.

The Greater Toronto Area is gifted with a diverse population. Higher education is the key to our success – as individuals and as a community.

MERIT wants to put that key in EVERYONE’S hands, so that ANYONE can open ANY door.

It is for that reason that we have in place an ambitious growth vision that will see us grow to offer all students in the most challenged schools in Durham, York, Toronto, Peel, Halton, and Hamilton the opportunity to become a Merit recipient by 2030.

Brian Smeenk

The Merit
Award
Team

Today our hands-on leadership team is made up of a 13 member Board of Directors. They are supported by an Alumni Council of 12 past recipients and over 300 active volunteers, engaged alumni, and donor individuals and partners. Merit also has a small operations team supporting all aspects of administering the program.

The Board of Directors

Brian Smeenk

President & Chairman

William Chinnery

Alumni Board Representative

Reena Shah Gahunia

Treasurer

Peggy Hornell

Director, Fundraising

Richard Ivey

Director

Avneet Jaswal

Director

Robert Jenkyn

Director, Alumni Programs

Robin Pilkey

Director

Debra Sandomirsky

Director, Corporate Fundraising

Janine Dyck

Director

Penny Stevens

Communications Chair

Dan Whang

Volunteer Chair

Lanskara Lasith

Director

The Alumni Advisory Council

The Alumni Council is a group of 12 past recipients who partner with a board lead to provide support, council and recommendations to help grow the Merit organization.