YMCA of Greater Toronto

The Shane Stanford Youth Bursary

The Shane Stanford Youth Bursary on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Toronto provides one Black youth community leader with $2,000 to further their post-secondary education.

About the bursary

Who Can Apply

Applicants must self-identify as Black, be between the ages of 17 and 21, and be:

  • a participant in a YMCA of Greater Toronto program.
  • an active volunteer in the community
  • recommended by a community-based organization/initiative for work towards positive changes in their community, and/or;
  • a community leader/change maker

We are currently not accepting applications. Stay tuned for upcoming news on this bursary.

If you have any questions, please email us at memberservices@ymcagta.org.

portrait of Shane Stanford

About Shane Stanford

Shane Stanford was a long-time and beloved YMCA of Greater Toronto employee at the Central YMCA whose life was tragically cut short on October 7, 2020. Shane began his career as a co-op student at our Y while pursuing his post-secondary education. After his co-op as a camp Counsellor, Shane earned his way to a full-time Individual Conditioning Specialist position. He aspired to be a General Manager at one of our Centres of Community. Shane devoted himself to his communities by providing opportunities and promoting health and wellness through mentorship and leadership of members — particularly children and youth. He was the epitome of caring and inclusivity, which enabled him to build meaningful connections and life-long relationships with employees and members alike. We thank everyone for their interest and for helping us honour Shane’s memory.