Our Mission

All too often children who end up in the criminal justice system come from homes where poverty is their biggest hurdle to realizing and achieving a further education. The founders and supporters of the Foundation recognize and believe that all youth have potential and if given an opportunity to succeed academically, these youth can become educated, responsible and contributing members of society. All they need is a second chance. For many of our youth, it is really their first chance.

In 1999 various members of the criminal justice system, including Defence Counsel, Crown Attorneys and Judges, established the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation was subsequently incorporated and received charitable organization status in 2003. The Foundation provides the means for young persons to overcome the financial barriers to a positive and productive future. The scholarship is available to young persons who are, or have been, involved in the criminal justice system or are at-risk for such, and show a desire to change their lifestyle and leave behind their criminal antecedents. In addition, scholarship recipients must agree to giving back to their community by volunteering in their community. Second Chance also offers various programs to such youth.

Since its inception, the Foundation has provided numerous youth with scholarship monies. Some our recipients have been on the dean's honour list at University, another has graduated from College, while another is almost finished University with the aspiration of becomng a physician. While these are only some of our success stories, they are clear examples of how young people can accomplish so much if given the support and opportunity to do so. Our goal is to broaden that support and continue to make opportunities happen and we can only do it with your support.

Thank you for taking the time to learn who we are and considering our charity for a donation.

About SECOND CHANCE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION INC.

In addition to providing youth with scholarships, we offer the following programs.

Platinum Dinner Program: we attend at various Youth Detention Centres & provide the youth with culturally diverse meals as well as provide workshops, presentations & mentoring to the youth.

Second Chance Library Program – we have established libraries within various youth detention centres across Ontario. Each of the libraries are stocked with various types & levels of reading materials. In addition, we have obtained donations of various sports paraphernalia which are displayed in the libraries & which make them more inviting for the youth.

Second Chance Steel Pan Group - we have established steel pan programs within various youth detention centres across Ontario. This program allows the youth to learn how to play the steel pan while also allows them to learn leadership, cooperation, tolerance & respect for themselves & others.