P2C-S NEXT Steps Awards

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(Note: applications for the 2024 awards are closed, but will open for the 2025 awards in early 2025. Subscribe to News for notifications.)

Power to Change – Students (P2C-S) is committed to helping students take their next steps towards Jesus, in part by fostering environments that help people explore the connection between their studies and their spirituality.

NEXT Steps Awards supports a healthy transition to post-secondary education by:

providing funds
connecting students to faith communities on campus

There are 100+ awards available, totalling up to $50,000. These awards are available to applicants planning on attending a post-secondary institution in Canada.

Available awards are:

$5,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
$500
$200

Specific awards will also be included in the above awards:

Regional awards for students from different parts of Canada
Focused awards for students enrolling in programs related to:
- Sciences and Engineering
- Arts Programs
- Business
- Healthcare Programs
- Specialized Undergrad or Technical Programs
“New beginnings” awards for current students transitioning to a new institution or program
Youth for Christ or Youth Unlimited involvement

The award application is also available in French.

Click here to see the 2024 P2C-Students NEXT Steps Awards recipient list.

Eligibility Criteria

These awards are available to:

Residents of Canada (living in Canada at the time of application)
Applicants who are enrolling into their first year of a post-secondary institution in Canada in the fall of 2025
International students who have a Canadian address at the time of application. You are welcomed and encouraged to apply!
Students already enrolled in a post-secondary institution but beginning afresh in a new institution or degree
Students applying to CÉGEP: eligible for an award up to $500

Children of Power to Change employees are ineligible. Sorry!

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the following actions:

Complete the 2025 online application (available in early 2025), which includes:
- Six short-answer questions (preview here)
- Reference questionnaire sent to a peer, and spiritual leader or mentor
- Peer and leader references must be submitted for an application to be considered complete
Subscribe to News for notifications

The average time for completion is 30 minutes. You will be able to complete the application in multiple sessions.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed in light of an applicant’s willingness to engage in:

References will be used to support the applicant’s evaluation.

Timeline & Deferrals

(Note: 2024 dates and deadlines are listed here for reference. These dates will be updated in November for the 2025 awards.)

Applications open: January 3, 2024 Apply now!
1st Application Deadline: May 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST
- References due: May 22, 2024
- Awarded: June 5, 2024
2nd Application Deadline: August 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST
- References due: Aug 14, 2024
- Awarded: Aug 21, 2024
Note: applicants not selected for an award following the 1st application deadline are automatically enrolled towards the 2nd application deadline. However, no applicant can receive more than one award.
Funds will be issued in October 2024, pending Proof of Enrolment
Awards can be deferred for one school year in special circumstances.

Need help? FAQs below!

Stay up to date on our NEXT Steps Awards and other opportunities to support your journey at college or university.

Our updates will include:

Application window opening (receiving applications)
Application deadlines
Reminders
Announcements of recipients
Other helpful news or opportunities related to paying for your education (e.g. awards, bursaries, scholarships, etc.)

Learn More About P2C-S

Power to Change (the parent organization of Power to Change – Students) was established in 1967
Power to Change – Students assists students from coast to coast in their journey towards Jesus

Learn more about P2C-S or find ways to get connected.

FAQs

Do I have to be a Christian to win this award?

P2C-S is committed to helping people take their next step towards Jesus, but it is not necessary for applicants to self-identify as a Christian to apply in order to win one of these awards. However, on the application, you will be asked questions about how you are seeking to explore faith through your studies, and preference will be given to those who show a willingness to explore the Christian faith.

What if I don’t know which school I’ll be attending?

If you haven’t yet confirmed your plans, simply indicate the school you hope to attend.

Do I have to submit my grades to be eligible for this award?

No, grades are not part of the eligibility for this award.

What if I don’t have a spiritual leader reference?

If you do not know a leader in a faith community, please leave us a note about your situation in your application. Preference will be given to applicants with two completed references.

Do I have to join a P2C-S community if I win an award?

No, though we do hope that all applicants will continue to take their next steps towards Jesus in some form of Christian community. Current or future involvement with P2C-S specifically has nothing to do with the eligibility or the selection of award winners.

What if I choose to defer my start date to January or September 2025?

P2C-Students will prioritize applicants enrolling for September 2025, but will not be limited by that if there are situations of deferral.

Can I apply if I am going into the trades or taking a diploma program?

Absolutely! We know there is a wide range of educational options after high school.

Can I apply if I will be a part-time student?

Yes. We recognize that there are circumstances that require a student to engage in part-time studies. In most cases, preference will be given to full-time students.

Why is P2C-S offering these awards?

P2C-S is committed to helping students take their next steps towards Jesus. As students transition to post-secondary, P2C-S wants to encourage them in their studies and foster an environment that helps people explore faith through their academic pursuits. These awards are intended to be a part of that encouragement: the program offers practical help both by making funds available, and by creating connections to local faith communities.

How can I help fund these awards?

The anchor gift is in memory of Renee Dueck, who had a passion to mobilize people into missions. In addition, there are several partners who provide the necessary funds for this program.

If you or your group, church, or organization would like to make a gift, it will help students thrive in their faith as they enter university or college.

Donations can be made by visiting the NEXT Steps Awards giving page.

Still have questions? Email us!

Let Us Help You Connect With Christian Community

Take next steps today to connect with new Christian communities.

Everyone can make a connection—let us help!

Find your campus and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Reach out to a leader at your chosen campus.
Even if your destination is uncertain, fill out a brief form for assistance.
We’re here to support you on your journey!

Explore other ways to connect!