Students

Student Scholarship Policy

Purpose

From time to time the Canadian Assessment, Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Society (CAVEWAS) may establish a Student Scholarship program. The goal of this program is to allow students who look to a future in Assessment, Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment the opportunity to be involved and to participate in the Society as early as possible in their career.

Students are the future of the profession!

Benefits of the Program

• Introduces younger practitioners to the Society
• Provides them with financial support and encouragement
• Provides mentorship opportunities for them
• Lodges them on the ladder for credentialing. The graduate RCSS designation provides a transition opportunity for them towards their RVP and / or CCVE.
• Exposes them early in their career to best practice and professionalism
• Provides the Society with links to academic programs and processes.

Students Must be:

• Full time or Part-time
• At a recognized educational institution or in a CAVEWAS recognized program (e.g. Internationally Trained Health Professionals program)
• Already a student member of the VRA and interested in CAVEWAS.

Full time: enrolled in a diploma or degree program with a focus in Human Resources, Disability Management, Employment Services, Vocational Rehabilitation or another related competency.

Part-time: enrolled part-time in a degree, diploma, postgraduate degree or certificate that focuses on Human Resources, Disability Management, Employment Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation or another related competency.

Applications

Scholarships may be applied for by an individual or through the recommendation of the VRA or one of our educational partners.

Applicants must apply formally to the Student Advisory Committee, a CAVEWAS Committee. The Student Application Form is available below and applicants must clearly state that this is for a student scholarship.

About The Award

Terms of Reference

• This is not necessarily an annual program. It is discretionary and will be limited to a set of criteria established by CAVEWAS Student Advisory Committee.
• The CAVEWAS Board, at their own discretion, may determine to grant these awards from time to time through the Student Advisory Committee.
• This is a $500 financial award to assist with tuition or any other cost associated with the student’s educational program. The $500 includes a one year VRA Student Membership with a value of $35.00.
• Scholarship Award recipients will also receive free registration into CAVEWAS’ National Conference. They will be responsible for their own travel costs.
• Awards will be granted between June and December of a given year and the membership will commence the following January. However, consideration may be given for awards granted in the first quarter of a year.
• Where possible, awards will be distributed fairly across Canada.
• Awards can be granted as a promotion, recognition in honour of an individual or as a marketing program.
• Students will receive access to the member site, newsletter, and other resources from VRA.
• Students do not receive Personal Liability Insurance as they are not employed in the practice of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Scholarship Award recipients will be expected to participate in the Student Advisory Committee for one Committee term and to submit articles for the CAVEWAS newsletter.
• Scholarship Award recipients will function as CAVEWAS ambassadors within their respective educational institution.
• Applications will be reviewed by the Student Advisory Committee or an independent panel to ensure the individual meets the student requirements and the awards criteria establish by the Student Advisory Committee.
• Recipients will be notified by email or letter by the Student Advisory Committee.

Criteria

An applicant must:

• Be a student member of the VRA with CAVEWAS affiliation.
• Demonstrate that they are currently registered or accepted for same year registration in a Canadian program recognized by CAVEWAS as relevant to the Scope of Practice.
• Demonstrate that they have financially committed to their education. (Letters of acceptance, financial receipts, etc.).
• Acknowledge that they are not receiving similar types of awards from other sources.
• Submit 2 letters of reference from individuals working within the educational institution. (Registrar, Senate member, teacher, professor, teaching assistants, etc.).
• Demonstrate academic achievement with an average or better grade point average (to be determined by the Committee)
• Demonstrate their own efforts at funding their education (number of working hours per week, innovation at independent financial support).
• Demonstrate community service and the impact their service has had on a particular individual or group. The Committee considers volunteerism, field-work or internships that show civic responsibility and engagement.
• Demonstrate experience leading groups and providing direction to others including teaching, training, organizing, managing and carrying more responsibility on the part of a group or organization.      

Students who have overcome obstacles related to health, family, social, educational or economic disadvantages are encouraged to apply. Any circumstance that shows strength of character and potential for achievement should be stated in their application.

Not all criteria must be met. The Committee or panel will however weigh the application on the basis of how many items are satisfied.

Procedure

1. Applicants submit the application form by completing the online form below.
2. CAVEWAS acknowledges receipt of the application within 48 hours.
3. Applications are directed to the Student Advisory Committee or an independent panel formed by this Committee. This group ensures all documentation is in order and criteria is met. This may necessitate contact with the VRA office to ensure the student is registered as a member.
4. Where criteria is not met, the Chair of the Student Advisory Committee notifies the candidate for clarity and discussion.       A decision is made within 7 calendar days of paper work submission as to whether the candidate should be presented to the Committee or panel for consideration.
5. Applicants meeting criteria are presented to and reviewed by the Student Advisory Committee or panel between meetings and decisions are made at the next Committee meeting. The Chair of the Student Advisory Committee contacts applicants who are not awarded within 7 calendar days of the decision to share the results.
6. The Chair of the Student Advisory Committee also contacts individuals who are successful candidates within 7 calendar days to share the results. Administrative processes are initiated to pay for the membership fee and to send a cheque for difference of the award to the student.
7. The Chair of the Student Advisory Committee announces the results to the CAVEWAS Board of Directors and to the VRA administrative office. The CAVEWAS President contacts the recipient within 7 calendar days of decision, congratulates them on behalf of the CAVEWAS Board of Directors on winning the award and invites them to the next National Conference. This is followed up with a letter.
8. The Chair of the Student Advisory Committee ensures the list of successful applicants is announced and published in the next CAVEWAS newsletter and on the website, should the student give permission.
9. The CAVEWAS President acknowledges Scholarship recipients at the National Conference.

Application Form for CAVEWAS Student Scholarship

The CAVEWAS Student Scholarship Award is a distinction reserved for a select few student members who, as a result of their desire and motivation to work in the field of Assessment, Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment, are deemed fitting of this recognition.

Applications are accepted and reviewed by the CAVEWAS Student Advisory Committee or designated panel. Successful applicants will be notified upon the decision of the Committee or panel.

The successful applicant will receive $500 towards their costs of education, a CAVEWAS Student Membership, free registration to the next CAVEWAS National Conference and access to CAVEWAS publications and communications. They will also be recognized at the Conference and in CAVEWAS membership communications.

Successful applicants are expected to actively participate in the CAVEWAS Student Advisory Committee for a one-year term and to submit an article for the CAVEWAS newsletter.

This nomination form must also be accompanied by 2 letters of reference from individuals working within the educational institution the applicant is attending.