Investing in their futures: 2025 education bursaries awarded
- June 19, 2025
- 3 min read
While many of us are counting down the days to summer vacations, some students are starting summer jobs to help cover the cost of post-secondary education. Between tuition, textbooks, and rent, expenses quickly add up and create financial challenges. This is why local bursaries from our generous donors are a needed support for local students in our communities.
This year, 22 graduating students from high schools across the Districts of Parry Sound and Muskoka are receiving a total of $63,500 in bursaries through education funds at the Muskoka Community Foundation. In addition, two students enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Georgian College’s Muskoka Campus will receive $4,750 each.
The funds making this possible
Each of the following funds are supporting students for 2025. Learn more about their focus and how you can support them below.
South and Central Almaguin Education Fund: $20,000 granted
The South and Central Almaguin Education Fund is helping to ensure education and training are more accessible to people in our community. The fund was created in 2017 to help bridge the gap for students in South and Central Almaguin who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a post-secondary education institution.
Peter and Eve Willis Fund: $16,000 granted
Established in 2022, the Peter and Eve Willis Fund provides financial assistance to graduating students from high schools in South Muskoka. Peter and Eve created this fund to encourage students who may be experiencing barriers to obtain the skills necessary to enter the trades that help build Muskoka and to prosper in Muskoka’s economy.
Paul and Ruby Erb Fund: $5,000 granted
The Paul and Ruby Erb Fund was created in 2020 by the late Paul Erb. Paul and Ruby were long time residents of Bracebridge who were actively involved with many charitable organizations and service clubs. Their legacy lives on through their fund’s mission to help people thrive in our Muskoka communities.
Coco Bear Fund: $1,000 granted
The Coco Bear Fund was created by Shari and Jean-Marc Dubois in memory of their son, Conrad. The fund supports students who are graduating from Huntsville High School.
Stan Darling Environmental Education Fund: $12,000 granted
The Stan Darling Environmental Education Fund honours Darling’s legacy of environmental work, including his instrumental role in establishing the Acid Rain Treaty with the USA in 1991. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated commitment and service to community environmental issues, academic achievement and record of participation in volunteer and extracurricular activities.
Lake of Bays Community Education Bursary: $9,500 granted
The Lake of Bays Community Education Bursary is intended to support high school students residing in the Township of Lake of Bays who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend a post-secondary education institution.
